Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

As the new executive director serving Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando it is with great joy that I offer l'shana tova tikateyvu to our Central Florida community.

A new year, a potentially good year, to continue tikkun olam-the work of repairing the world. JFS Orlando's identity and mission is grounded in this by addressing the mental and emotional stability, hunger relief, and elder service needs of our Central Florida Community. Regardless of race, religion, culture or national origin, we are there if you need us, when you need us. Our mission of "providing services to stabilize individuals and families in crisis and enhancing the quality of life across generations to all members of the Central Florida community" is always-always-at the core of everything we do. Rosh Hashanah gives us all the opportunity to reflect on the lives we have changed and the impact that we have in our community.

Whether a family needs counseling following a crisis, or help putting food on the dinner table, or financial counseling to meet utility or rent debt, Jewish Family Services is here to meet these basic and vital needs. Our Pearlman Emergency Food Pantry provides shelf stable foods, produce and meats. Transportation for medical appointments and essential shopping for the elderly and disabled is only a phone call away. Our Family Stabilization Program is here to help families help themselves by teaching them financial management skills. The efforts at Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando are a needed example of what happens when volunteers and financial support come together. It is how one defines a great community. And Central Florida is a great community.

Rosh Hashanah gives us a "clean slate" upon which to begin writing one's story again. The soul is the pen; the deed is the paper. The ink is the effort to build a vibrant, humane community. May God grant us all strength of will and muscle to accomplish what we need to do. On behalf of the JFS Orlando Board of Directors, staff and clients that we serve, may you and your families be inscribed for a good, healthy, creative and fulfilling 5780.

May you be inscribed for a good year.

Philip Flynn III

Executive Director

JFS Orlando