CAPE MAY — The Bacharach Foundation has awarded Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties (JFS) a $100,000 grant to support the agency’s essential community services.
The support is part of Bacharach’s commitment toward the future with a focus on expanded charitable efforts to improve the quality of life for more community members, according to a news release announcing the award.
“JFS is deeply grateful for the financial support from such a distinguished partner as the Bacharach Foundation, whose commitment to the health and well-being of individuals across our region is vital,” said Andrea Steinberg, JFS CEO. “This support comes at a time when community needs are growing and increasingly complex.”
According to the release, JFS is experiencing a heightened demand for mental health services as individuals and families face rising levels of stress, anxiety, depression and trauma.
Spokeswoman Susan Kotzen said the grant monies would be used to support the agency’s essential community services in both counties, including mental health.
The Bacharach Foundation’s investment ensures JFS can continue to respond where the need is greatest — providing timely, compassionate and accessible care to those navigating some of life’s most challenging moments, JFS said.
Serving more than 15,000 people each year, JFS provides a comprehensive network of programs designed to meet the evolving needs of communities in Atlantic and Cape May counties.
From its food pantry and homelessness-prevention services to mental health counseling, trauma-informed care and support for older adults, JFS offers a continuum of care that reaches individuals and families at every stage of life.
As the region’s premier provider of trauma-focused services, JFS is a resource for those seeking specialized support that is often scarce, ensuring vulnerable community members receive timely, expert care when they need it most.
JFS operates the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office’s Mental Health Diversion Program. Through a separate grant, the Prosecutor’s Office created the program for Cape May County based upon the existing program in Atlantic County.
The grant has allowed the agencies to fund the services of a mental health provider who will cover screening, evaluation and case management services in both counties.
The program allows eligible defendants diversion from the criminal justice system and into appropriate case management and mental health services. It seeks to identify defendants with certain indictable charges who will agree to comply with supervised treatment in exchange for delayed prosecution.
“For over 30 years, the Bacharach Foundation has provided support to local, non-profit programs with a focus on health care, research and education,” said Richard Kathrins, president and CEO at Bacharach Institute for Rehabilitation. “JFS has a rich history of providing care to residents of the region. We are pleased to now support the efforts of JFS in order to provide timely, needed and accessible care to the community.”
Together, JFS and the Bacharach Foundation share a commitment to strengthening the community and ensuring individuals and families have access to the support they need to thrive, according to the release.
The investment allows JFS to sustain and expand essential services, respond to emerging challenges and continue to serve as a trusted resource for community members.
