For Immediate Release
For media inquiries, please contact Susan Kotzen at 609.822.1108 x218 or e-mail skotzen@jfsatlantic.org
Jewish Family Service Partners with American Red Cross
New Sprinter Van Will Enhance JFS Services in Atlantic County
Margate, NJ (September 09, 2024) – The American Red Cross graciously donated a retro-fitted sprinter van to Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties (JFS) as part of a partnership to build more resilient communities. The custom-designed van will provide JFS with a mobile outreach office to access saturated urban areas, like Atlantic City, as well as some rural areas. The sprinter van features Wi-Fi compatibility, two office style areas for staff to conduct intakes, cushioned leather seats, wooden storage cabinets, and more.
“We are grateful the American Red Cross selected our agency to receive this custom van,” said Ann Thoresen, JFS Chief Operating Officer. “Knowing the work our staff performs throughout the county, this JFS mobile access center allows us to have a more prominent presence at community events and health fairs as well as the ability to access harder to reach locations on the outskirts of our area.”
This partnership is part of the national Red Cross Community Adaptation Program, which is providing enhanced support in select communities across the country that are at high risk for extreme weather and face socio-economic challenges. The program focuses on enhancing local nonprofits specializing in health, hunger, and housing to strengthen their programs before a disaster and to serve families hit hard by the new increasing state of climate disasters.
“We are thrilled with this partnership which provides Jewish Family Service with the specialized van, enabling them to reach and serve more people in the community now and during times of disasters,” said Rosie Taravella, CEO, American Red Cross New Jersey Region. “Especially as the climate crisis worsens, access to health and mental health care is so important, and together, we can make a greater difference in the lives of those we jointly serve.
For more information on JFS programs and services, visit jfsatlantic.org. For more information about American Red Cross services, visit redcross.org.
Photograph
(Left to right): Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties agency leaders – Beth Joseph, Ann Thoresen, Andrea Steinberg, and Christina Swank – showcase the retro-fitted sprinter van donated by the American Red Cross as part of their Community Adaption Program. The custom-designed van provides JFS with the opportunity to reach people in need in saturated urban areas, like Atlantic City, and the county’s rural locations, as part of a partnership to build more resilient communities. (Photo courtesy of Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties)
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About Jewish Family Service
Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties (JFS) encourages strong families, thriving children, healthy adults, energized seniors and vital communities. With dozens of program areas, JFS specializes in counseling, mental health services, homeless programs, vocational services, adult and older adult services and also hosts an on-site food pantry. The agency impacts 13,000 lives throughout Atlantic and Cape May Counties each year.
JFS’ mission is to motivate and empower people to realize their potential and enhance their quality of life. In keeping with Jewish values and the spirit of tikkun olam (healing the world), JFS provides services with integrity, compassion, respect and professionalism regardless of their religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age or background.
For more information or to keep up-to-date with events and programs, visit JFS at jfsatlantic.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
