JFS 2023 Annual Meeting

On June 20, Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties hosted its Annual Meeting which provided an opportunity for staff, Board members, volunteers, donors, and supporters to come together and hear about the state of the agency, installations, donor recognition, volunteer appreciation, and staff awards.

“JFS was honored to be able to once again host its Annual Meeting and assure that staff, Board, volunteers, and supporters were recognized for their tireless dedication and service to the agency which assists more than 13,000 people each year,” said Andrea Steinberg, JFS’ Chief Executive Officer.

Matthew Simpson was sworn in as JFS Board President to serve a two-year term. Lawrence Reich, DDS, will join Melissa Rosenblum, Esq. as a Board Vice President, Sarah Rosenthal will serve as Treasurer, and Adam R. Steinberg is in the role of Secretary. In addition, Jess Kane Berman and Eric Goldberg were sworn onto the Board of Directors for a one-year term. The agency also extended a heartfelt thank you to outgoing Board President Joel Caplan, Ph.D.

During the meeting, Caplan presented Adam R. Steinberg with the President’s Award for his commitment to the betterment of the community and agency. As he shared, “Adam frequently gives of his time with no expectation of garnering anything in return, except knowing that his help has made a difference. He represents the Board and volunteers at fundraisers including our past Cocktail Party, House Tour, and Golf Tournament. He participates in everything from stuffing swag bags for events, drives around to collect food for the Turkey Drive, and unloads deliveries at the Food Pantry. When Adam joined the JFS Board, he made a commitment to help and support our community and he has continually delivered exceptionally on that promise.”

In addition, Caplan presented the President’s Award for Innovation and Compassion to volunteer Harry Albert who furthers the mission of JFS through selfless acts, creative problem solving, and developing positive institutional change. Each month, JFS receives a large food delivery. Instead of walking each box up and down steps, Harry created a seamless process to utilize a roller platform that moves each product directly into the building which saves time and heavy lifting.

As the meeting progressed, JFS Senior Director of Communications & Donor Relations Beth Joseph, welcomed and thanked new agency donors – Carol & Alan Simpson, Macy’s, Charles Malamut | The Malamut Group at Morgan Stanley, Pamela’s Health & Harmony and Walmart as well as thanked the Law Offices of Melissa Rosenblum, Roth-Goldsteins’ Memorial Chapel, and Antoinette & Eric Wood for their increased pledge commitment.

The agency also recognized Lois & David Grossman as the 2023 Volunteers of the Year. As JFS Volunteer Supervisor Vanessa Smith shared, “Since June 2022, they have each volunteered just under 100 hours delivering Meals on Wheels and food pantry bags each week. With an increase in food need since the pandemic, they implemented a new annual food drive with the Margate Homeowners Association knowing they are helping people in need.”

With 185 employees, JFS Chief Operating Officer Ann Thoresen recognized staff members celebrating anniversaries with the agency. Elizabeth Akpassa, Jessica Beatty, William Bennett, Michele Emery, Alan Fishkin, Kelly Ford, Winter Harmon, Karen Kelley, and Jessica Reinhardt celebrate five years of service at JFS. In addition, Heather English, Margaret Hutchins, Natalie Kraft, Jennifer Wagner, and Jeffrey Willson were recognized for 10 years at JFS. Also, Christine Zoda-Egizi, Naomi Jones, and Maggie Weaver were acknowledged for 15 years of service.

Lastly, JFS Senior Director of Human Resources Greg Rosenblit announced the staff Community Impact, Heart & Soul, Outstanding Service, and Leadership Awards. As Greg said, “There is no greater honor than being selected by those who truly understand the work you do and what it takes to do it well.” The winners are: Community Impact Award – Kaitlin Kore, Heart & Soul Award – Syed Mehmood, Outstanding Service Award – Sherilyn Haddock, and the Leadership Award was presented to Samantha McManus.

For information on JFS programs, services or employment opportunities, visit www.jfsatlantic.org. For information on volunteer opportunities, contact Vanessa Smith at vsmith@jfsatlantic.org or 609.822.1108 x249.

Photograph #1

(Far right): Matthew Simpson is congratulated by his father, Alan Simpson, and his sons, David and Michael, after being installed as the Jewish Family Service Board President at the agency’s Annual Meeting on June 20^th. Matt will serve in this position for a two-year term. (Photo courtesy of Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties)

Photograph #2

(Left to right): Jewish Family Service Board Secretary Adam R. Steinberg is presented with a gift from former JFS Board President Joel Caplan for being selected as the President’s Award recipient during the agency’s Annual Meeting on June 20^th. (Photo courtesy of Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties)

Photograph #3

(Center): Jewish Family Service Information Technology Coordinator Syed Mehmood is presented with a certificate and gift card from JFS Senior Director of Human Resources Greg Rosenblit and Human Resources Coordinator Lisa Murrell for being selected by his colleagues for the Heart & Soul Award. (Photo courtesy of Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties)

Photograph #4

(Left): Jewish Family Service Volunteer Supervisor Vanessa Smith congratulates Lois and David Grossman on being honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award at the agency’s Annual Meeting. The couple deliver groceries to people in need and host food drives to support JFS. (Photo courtesy of Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties)

Photograph #5

(Left to right): Jewish Family Service Chief Executive Officer Andrea Steinberg presents former JFS Board President Joel Caplan with a gift of appreciation at the agency’s Annual Meeting on June 20^th. (Photo courtesy of Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties)