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ABOUT OUR AGENCY

The Jewish Family Service of the Jewish Federation of Reading was established in 1979 to respond to the needs of a large elderly population in need of services. The agency now serves all age groups and is dedicated to maintaining and strengthening the quality of individual and family life in the Jewish community.



ABOUT JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE

CONFIDENTIALITY - Jewish Family Service of Reading has a professional responsibility to maintain the highest standards in guarding the confidentiality of the individuals who use our services.

FEES - Jewish Family Service operates on a sliding scale.

SERVICES COUNSELING - Jewish Family Service offers professional counseling for families and individuals. Our staff is professionally trained.

FOOD BANK - Our monthly food pantry, in conjunction with the Greater Berks Food Bank, distributes groceries to those who meet federal guidelines.

TRANSPORTATION - Jewish Family Service offers a taxi service in the community, which enables seniors and the disabled to get to doctors' appointments, socialize and remain independent.

OUTREACH - Members of the Jewish community are visited in their homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities by staff to assess needs.

INFORMATION AND REFERRAL - Jewish Family Service provides information on other services, agencies and resources in the community.

LIVING WITH LOSS - Support group held twice a month for members of the Jewish community who have suffered the loss of a loved one. A variety of topics and readings that are relevant to the participants interests are discussed in order to provide an atmosphere of comfort and support.



JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OF
THE READING JEWISH FEDERATION

PHONE: (610) 921-0624
FAX: (610) 929-0886

SARI INCLEDON, M. ED.
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES
sarii@jfreading.org

HOURS
MONDAY -  FRIDAY    8:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M.

Caring for the Elderly

There are 35 million people aged 65 or older currently in the U.S, representing 12.8% of the general

More than 19% of the Jewish community is over age 65.

About 60% of those over the age of 65 are women

35% of older women live alone, compared to 14% of men

An estimated 40% of all elderly individuals will spend part of their lives in nursing homes

Nearly a quarter of the nation's elderly population requires some assistance with activities of dail

Elderly Jews utilize long term care facilities at 1.5 times the national rate

By 2030, the number of people over the age of 65 in the general population will double to 70 million

The fastest growing segment of the population is those over the age of 85

In 1997, 40% of those over the age of 65 had income that was less than 200% of the poverty level

Opportunities for Volunteers

Jewish Family Service is grateful to committed volunteers who participate in programs that greatly benifit members of the community. We welcome inquiries from prospective volunteers who are able to share their time to help others. Here are some programs that volunteers are needed for.

  • Help Fight Hunger - donate your time to the JFS Food Pantry at Kesher Zion Synagogue and become a partner in the fight against hunger.
  • Share Your Professional Expertise - donate a professional service such as accounting, law or photography.
     
  • Share Your Time - a small investment of your personal time can make a profound difference in someone's life. Visit a shut- in, shop for a homebound senior, or take someone to a doctor's appointment. Bring warmth, joy, and care to others by joining our family of volunteers.