For decades, Jewish Family Service of Tidewater and Beth Sholom Village shared a commitment to serving older adults through a continuum of care. The two agencies helped build successful hospice and palliative care services, while each also operated home health programs. As the healthcare landscape changed, JFS ended its home health program, and the hospice program was sold. Beth Sholom later closed its home health program and sold “the Home,” but its commitment to supporting Jewish seniors continued.

 Today, that shared legacy is taking new shape. JFS continues to offer a broad range of services, while Beth Sholom advances its mission through the Beth Sholom Village Foundation, which invited local organizations to apply for funding to support seniors. Jewish Family Service, along with several other organizations, received grant funding to help meet the growing and changing needs of older adults.

With support from the grant, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and JFS will work together to develop programs that engage Jewish seniors across multiple areas, including fitness, education, social connection, and cultural experiences. The agencies also hope to strengthen collaboration with other organizations serving older adults throughout the region. 

 “There is so much we can do by working together,” says Kelly Burroughs, chief executive officer of Jewish Family Service. “Increasing social and educational activities, cultural experiences, and accessibility for older adults is one of the agency’s primary initiatives this year. Doing this in partnership with our sister organizations means that we can make an even larger impact.” 

 Betty Ann Levin, executive vice president/CEO of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, agrees, noting that “the Sandler Family Campus is an ideal location for engagement across program areas, including health and wellness classes in conjunction with JFit, intergenerational engagement with PJ Library and Strelitz, and through our Center for Active Living at the Simon Family JCC.”

 The vision extends beyond campus-based programs. Through the BSV Foundation grant, JFS will expand its social service continuum for older Jewish adults by offering case management and coordination for critical support such as transportation, financial assistance, burial assistance, home safety modifications, shopping help, and light housekeeping. The need is already clear. “Within the first two weeks of the grant,” says Burroughs, “JFS received three requests for assistance with burial arrangements, two financial assistance requests for eviction prevention, and one request for repair of an air conditioning unit.” These services can make the difference between crisis and stability, helping older adults remain in their homes, age in place, and stay connected to community. One donor recipient, who was struggling to pay their mortgage due to some temporary challenges, recently shared their appreciation:

“It is difficult to put into words the immense relief and peace of mind your support has given me. Your kindness has made a profound difference in my life.”

Jewish Family Service, along with fellow grant recipients are building services that honor the generations who helped shape this community—and ensuring that older adults and people with disabilities continue to be cared for with dignity, compassion, and connection.

 More than a meeting, the occasion was a celebration of JFS’s decades-long commitment to caring for individuals and families across Hampton Roads through the enduring Jewish values of chesed (loving kindness), tzedakah (justice through giving), and tikkun olam (repairing the world).

 One of the meeting’s highlights was the installation of Steve Brown as the new president of the JFS board of directors. Brown will serve a two-year term, helping guide the organization as it continues to meet the changing needs of the community with compassion and dignity. The organization also recognized Stephanie Peck, outgoing board president, for her dedication and leadership. Peck served as president from April 2024 through June 2026, and her commitment helped strengthen JFS’s mission of serving others with respect, responsibility, and heart.

 Kelly Burroughs, JFS CEO, presented the Distinguished Community Service Award to Lawrence Steingold in recognition of his many years of dedicated service to Jewish Family Service. Steingold has served as a board member, board president, and treasurer. His leadership reflects the Jewish principle of avodah, sacred work done in service of others. Steingold’s long-standing commitment has helped JFS grow, adapt, and continue providing care to people who need it most.

 The Distinguished Community Partner Award was presented to St. Stephen Martyr Catholic Church for its generosity and dedication to clients in the Public Adult Guardianship program. Each Christmas, members of the church ensure that every client receives a thoughtful gift, reminding them that they are remembered and cared for during the holiday season. This partnership is an example of neighbors coming together across faith traditions to uphold the shared values of dignity, compassion, and care for the vulnerable.

 Rabbi Pinchas Zimmer shared an inspiring D’var Torah, offering words that connected the day’s celebration to the deeper responsibility of community: to see one another, to care for one another, and to pass that responsibility from one generation to the next. 

 Guests enjoyed a delicious Mediterranean lunch catered by Charlie’s Mediterranean.

 Over the past year, JFS has continued to make a difference throughout Hampton Roads. In 2025, JFS provided 362 medical transports for seniors, delivered 7,458 meals to homebound individuals, assisted 346 Jewish individuals with food and financial support, delivered 984 holiday gifts to seniors, and provided court-appointed guardianship services to 1,333 adults. Behind each number is a person, a family, and a moment when help arrived with dignity. Together, these services reflect not only a year of impact, but a legacy built over decades of showing up for the community in times of need, transition, celebration, and uncertainty.

 One of the most meaningful parts of the afternoon was seeing so many generations of the JFS family together in one place. Former leaders, current board members, staff, volunteers, donors, and long-term supporters gathered to honor the organization’s past while looking toward its future. Their presence reflected the Jewish value of l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation, reminding everyone that the work of JFS is both an inheritance and a promise: to preserve what has been built, to strengthen what is needed today, and to ensure that compassionate care continues for generations to come.

 The Biennial Meeting was a celebration of leadership, service, and community, as well as a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helps Jewish Family Service continue making a difference every day. For decades, JFS has stood as a trusted source of support, compassion, and practical assistance. Guided by Jewish values and sustained by the dedication of its community, JFS will continue to provide care, dignity, and hope for individuals and families now and for generations to come.

Julie Kievit is Jewish Community Services manager at Jewish Family Service.

For more information about Jewish Family Service of Tidewater or to support its mission, visit JFSHamptonroads.org. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Julie Kievit, Jewish Community Relations manager, at jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org.

Jewish Family Service of Tidewater will hold its 67th Biennial Meeting at a luncheon that will welcome new board members, install Steve Brown as incoming board president, and recognize Stephanie Peck for her dedicated service as outgoing president. The program will also honor individuals whose contributions have strengthened JFS and the broader community, celebrating the organization’s continued growth and impact.

Over the past year, JFS has continued its core mission of serving the community through vital programs and services. In 2025 alone, JFS provided 362 medical transports for seniors, delivered 7,458 meals to homebound individuals, and assisted 346 Jewish individuals with food and financial support. In addition, 984 holiday gifts were delivered to seniors, and 1,333 adults received court-appointed guardianship services.

These numbers represent more than statistics—they reflect thousands of lives touched. From countless counseling hours to hundreds of neighbors leaving the food pantry with their arms full, to Jewish children receiving Hanukkah gifts, JFS remains deeply committed to meeting the needs of the community with compassion and care.

The Biennial Meeting offers an opportunity to reflect on this impact, celebrate those who make the work possible, and look ahead to the future.

To RSVP, contact Julie Kievit, Jewish community relations manager, at jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org or 757-321-2318.

 This year’s theme was travel, which made the room feel fun and welcoming. The little touches, such as globes and mini suitcases that tied into the theme, gave everyone something light and enjoyable to talk about while also taking time to appreciate their meaningful work.

 Many different volunteer groups are involved at Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, so it was special to have them all together in one place. Some volunteers help with PAM filing, while others are Meals on Wheels drivers who deliver food to those who need it, along with food pantry volunteers who make sure families have access to groceries, as well as knitters, quilters, and crocheters who create handmade items with care. Tax preparers even donate their time and expertise to help others during tax season.

 JFS depends on its volunteers. The organization truly could not run without them. Along with the generous donations from the Jewish community, the volunteers are what keep everything going and allow JFS to support so many individuals and families in need.

 The luncheon was not fancy, but it didn’t need to be. It felt genuine and heartfelt, which made it meaningful. People had the chance to connect, share stories, and just feel appreciated for what they do.

 The event took place at the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus, which continues to be a central place for Jewish life in Tidewater.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more about Jewish Family Service, can contact Julie Kievit, Jewish Community Relations Manager, at 757-321-2318 or jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org. Giving even a little bit of time can make a big difference.

 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. 

Through the Personal Affairs Management program, JFS met Frances. Frances loved three things deeply: her country, her health, and chocolate.

Born at the start of the 20th century, Frances lived through eras most of us only read about. During World War II, she proudly served in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps—a voluntary military support unit that paved the way for women in the U.S. armed forces. She never married and had no children, but she lived an independent, determined life for as long as she possibly could.

When age and illness eventually made that independence impossible, Jewish Family Service was called in to help. Frances, now suffering from severe dementia, was placed in a care facility where she could be safe—but she could no longer speak or express herself clearly. Even her strong, beautiful past was, in many ways, locked away.

Still, her PAM guardian visited regularly, and even when words failed, they searched for something—anything—that could spark joy or connection. Then, one day, it happened.

Frances was handed a Hershey’s chocolate bar.

Her face softened. Her eyes lit up. For a moment, something familiar returned. From then on, every visit included a chocolate bar—sometimes two. It became a quiet ritual, a bridge between her past and the present.

Years passed. Frances’s 100th birthday was approaching—an extraordinary milestone. Her care team planned a joyful celebration: cake, party hats, decorations, music, and guests. But Frances didn’t understand the party was for her. She sat quietly at the table, distant and still, her party hat slightly askew.

Then her guardian placed several Hershey’s bars in front of her.

Slowly, carefully, Frances reached out. She began to move the chocolate bars across the table, one by one. She didn’t say a word—but her hands told the story. In that small act of engagement, surrounded by sweet reminders of something she still loved, Frances celebrated a century of life in her own unique way.

At JFS, we are reminded time and again: connection doesn’t always come through conversation, sometimes it comes through patience, attention—and a little bit of chocolate.

This is how we honor dignity. This is how we heal the world… one person at a time.

Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Jewish Family Service is dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable members of our community. With your help, we can continue healing the world, one person at a time.
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Every gift made to JFS goes back into the community and helps PAM clients such as Francis. Tax-deductible donations to Jewish Family Service of Tidewater may be made at jfshamptonroads.org.

We also accept nonperishable food items for our Food Pantry and new clothing items for our PAM clients, as well as hygiene items, that can be dropped in the donation bin outside of the Sandler Family Campus entrance.

Every act of kindness matters. Stand with us in bringing hope, dignity, and care to those who need it most. As we say at JFS, you never know when you’ll need help, but you’ll always know where to find it.

Meril Amdursky is a Jewish Family Service of Tidewater board member.

To get involved, contact Julie Kievit, Jewish community services manager, at 757-321-2318 or jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org.

Jewish Tidewater heard about the needs and responded with generosity. Local synagogues and other Jewish service programs collected donations from food drives totaling nearly $9,000 and financial contributions totaling nearly $30,000.

 In November, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (aka SNAP) benefits were suspended. According to the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, families with children comprise 67% of Virginia’s SNAP recipients as of 2024, and more than 80% of the families who receive SNAP have been employed in the past year. 

 “Even before the SNAP cuts, we were concerned about the increased utilization of our food pantry,” says Kelly Burroughs, Jewish Family Service CEO. Earlier in the year, funding to Food Banks nationwide was massively cut. “These cuts have already led to fewer resources for food banks whose empty shelves bear witness to the greater need for their services.” 

 In addition to the funding cuts, the price of food increased by 2.9% from July 2024 to July 2025, according to USDA. Smaller pantries could not afford to keep their shelves stocked or their doors open. Many of them closed, which led to an increased number of people using the pantry at JFS each week.  In fact, this Thanksgiving, JFS has more than 300 people signed up to receive meals—nearly twice as many as last year. Each family averages four to five people, meaning that almost 1,500 people this year will benefit from the generosity of Tidewater’s Jewish community’s support.

 JFS often relies on monetary contributions to purchase supplemental items that are not available through the food bank, such as toilet paper and other hygiene products. “We are so grateful for the monetary donations and food drives that benefit JFS’ clients every day and even more considering the cuts to funding at Thanksgiving time,” says Brooke Rush, JFS director of development.

 In addition to the food pantry, JFS also delivers meals through its partnership with Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia and Meals on Wheels of Chesapeake. “There is a myth that there is no hunger in Jewish households. But the truth is, one in four people who receive home delivered meals by JFS is Jewish,” says Rush.

 “The community coming together to support one another is an incredible testament of tzedakah. No one should go hungry, and no one should be ashamed of need. That is why we exist,” Burroughs adds. “I think people underestimate how quickly we can be those people in line that we serve.”

 Roughly 40 volunteers – adults and children alike – busily prepared Thanksgiving meal kits for 350 families in need this holiday season. Jewish Family Service of Tidewater and Nadiv, the young men’s fundraising division of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, partnered to make the event possible.

 Volunteers as young as three years old sorted canned goods and other non-perishable items while others put the food in bags ready for families to pick up the week of Thanksgiving.

 ‘Thank you to Nadiv and all the volunteers for helping us kick off the start of our Thanksgiving bag stuffing,’ says Brooke Rush, director of development for Jewish Family Service. “We couldn’t have done it without your hard work and energy.”

 Rabbi Pinchas Zimmer of the Norfolk Kollel provided food from Charlie’s Middle Eastern and brought in Rabbi Bentzi Epstein from Dallas for a talk on the Jewish meaning of Thanksgiving.

All Nadiv members give at least $365 to UJFT’s Annual Campaign. The group is open to men ages 22 – 50 and falls under UJFT’s Men’s Division.

To be involved in Nadiv, contact Amy Zelenka, UJFT’s chief development officer, at azelenka@ujft.org.