Goldstein consistently steps in wherever needed—whether picking up food orders from the Foodbank, taking initiative in the pantry, or offering steady leadership with confidence and care. Always greeting with a smile, she is quick to ask, “What can I do to help?” Her warmth and positivity help create a welcoming, supportive environment for every client who walks through the pantry doors.

 Goldstein’s commitment to service extends beyond her volunteer hours. This past Thanksgiving, for example, her daughter organized a fundraiser to support JFS, reflecting the values of generosity and community that Goldstein models every day.

 Jewish Family Service of Tidewater is grateful for Goldstein’s dedication and is proud to see her recognized for the meaningful difference she makes in the community.

If interested in volunteering with JFS, contact Julie Kievit at jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org. 

 Thanks to the generosity of donors, JFS has been able to stay open and continue serving the community, but the need is growing every day.

 JFS staff has met people such as Fred*, who had been surviving on saltines and tap water for two weeks before JFS was able to deliver bags of food until he could visit the Food Pantry in person. And Shelly*, a mother of five, who came to JFS not only for food but for something as basic as toilet paper—something her family had gone without for weeks.

 These stories are heartbreaking, but they are also reminders of the difference generosity makes.

 Each year, JFS provides families with all the ingredients needed for a full Thanksgiving meal — including a frozen turkey and all the fixings — so that everyone in the community can share in the warmth and comfort of the holiday.

This year, a record 250 families have already signed up to receive Thanksgiving bags — more than ever before, and that’s with weeks to go until the holiday.

 Help is needed to make sure no family goes without a holiday meal. JFS requests that as people plan their own Thanksgiving dinner, they consider donating pantry items or making a monetary contribution to JFS. Every can, box, or dollar helps fill another family’s Thanksgiving table.

 Each Thanksgiving bag will include: A frozen turkey, canned green beans, corn, mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, yams, boxed stuffing, instant potatoes, macaroni and cheese, fried onions, pie filling or cake mix, fresh produce including sweet potatoes, white potatoes, and onions.

 Currently, there are limited supplies of many of these items, so every donation makes a difference.

Donations may be left in the box outside of the Sandler Family Campus entrance or by calling Brooke Rush at 757-321-2238 or Emily Krouse at 757-321-2227 to schedule a delivery or pickup. 

*Not their real names.

To share a personal story about Hebrew Ladies Charity or to get involved, contact: Brooke Rush at brush@jfshamptonroads.org.

Jewish Family Service of Tidewater recently hosted an Employee Appreciation event, honoring the dedication and long-standing service of its staff and highlighting a landmark anniversary for both the agency and one of its most impactful programs.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of JFS’s Personal Affairs Management program, a unique and essential initiative that has grown into a statewide model of care and advocacy for vulnerable adults. At the center of this milestone is Dorothy Salomonsky, PAM’s program director, who was also celebrated for her 30 years of service with JFS.

Salomonsky founded the PAM program in 1995 with the support of Harry Graber, then JFS executive director. What began as a small-scale service has grown exponentially under Salomonsky’s compassionate and visionary leadership. Today, the PAM program serves more than 1,700 clients across the Commonwealth of Virginia, providing guardianship, conservatorship, and case management services for adults deemed incapacitated and unable to care for themselves.

The PAM program was created in response to the increasing exploitation, neglect, and abuse of elderly and vulnerable individuals throughout the community. Many clients, declared incapacitated by the courts, were found in tragic circumstances—abandoned, exploited, or simply forgotten. PAM became their safety net. Recognized by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging as a Model Program, PAM ensures that every individual receives the dignity, advocacy, and oversight they deserve.

The event also honored the long-standing commitment of several other JFS team members:

• Lloyd Clements, PAM clinical director – 25 years
• Irina Kvitko, insurance and billing coordinator – 25 years
• Nikcole Gerhardt, community and client relations manager – 20 years
• Debbie Lubaton, banking and benefits supervisor – 15 years
• Brenda Parson, trusts & assets assistant – 15 years
• Gail Andrews, administrative assistant – 15 years
• Cara Vickers, state hospital relations manager – 15 years
• Diaka Keita, guardian representative – 10 years
• Regina Riddick, guardian representative – 10 years
• Lisa Hood, guardian representative – 5 years
• Fletcher Neville, human resources director – 5 years
  

These anniversaries represent more than just time served—they reflect the enduring commitment of a team that works tirelessly every day to uphold the JFS mission of compassion, care, and justice.

JFS staff go above and beyond throughout the year, providing critical services to some of the region’s most vulnerable individuals. Whether managing complex client needs, navigating court systems, coordinating care, or advocating for those without a voice, the JFS team stands as a beacon of support and humanity.

Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, in partnership with Embrace Counseling, is busy preparing for the 21st Annual Run, Roll, Stroll on the Sandler Family Campus. This year’s event promises to be more fun and exciting than before – featuring a colorful, obstacle-filled Fun Run that’s sure to delight participants of all ages.

“We’ve taken some lessons from last year’s event and are making this year’s Run, Roll, Stroll even better,” says Kelly Burroughs, CEO of Jewish Family Service. “Expect fewer clouds of color powder but an increased focus on fun, with new surprises waiting around every corner of the course.”

Whether running, strolling, or rolling through the fun, the event will include thrilling obstacles, foam-filled sections, and just a hint of color powder to keep things lighthearted. The event will take place just before Yom Ha’atzmaut, adding an extra layer of excitement to the day.
In addition to the fun run, the event will feature a photobooth, a balloon twister, glitter tattoos, and even fairy hair – in other words, something for everyone, ensuring a memorable day for families to create lasting memories.

Run, Roll, Stroll is part of JFS’s Spring Into Healthy Living campaign, an annual initiative aimed at raising awareness about the pressing issues facing the community. The event also serves as JFS’s primary fundraiser, helping support vital services for those in need.

Funds raised through Run, Roll, Stroll go directly to JFS programs that assist individuals and families, including helping to combat food insecurity, providing safe transportation for seniors to medical appointments, and ensuring that counseling services are accessible to all who need them.

Participants and sponsors of the event make tangible differences in the lives of those in need in Tidewater. If interested in sponsoring this year’s event and showing support for Jewish Family Service and the Spring Into Healthy Living campaign, contact Kelly Burroughs at 757-321-2244 or Brooke Rush at 757-321-2238. For more information about the event and how to get involved, visit www.jfshamptonroads.org.

To register for Run, Roll, Stroll, visit runsignup.com/runrollstroll. For sponsorships and more information, visit www.jfshamptonroads.org.