Jun 20, 2024 | Press Release
Rising housing costs in Tampa Bay impacting refugee programs PRESS RELEASE: Thursday, June 20, 2024 For interviews and b-roll, contact:Hana Cowart, Communications ManagerHana.Cowart@gcjfcs.org, 727-503-7856 Families from War-Torn Countries May Lose Housing, One Local Refugee Program Makes a Plea for Assistance Gulf Coast JFCS is making an urgent appeal for financial assistance and other resources to support refugee families and individuals who have been resettled in the region because of war and conflict in their home countries such as Ukraine and Afghanistan. “Gulf Coast JFCS remains committed to assisting refugees fleeing war and conflict in their home countries. As a result of the rising costs of housing in the Tampa Bay region, our Refugee Assistance Program has reached a tipping point to be able to continue supporting these families who have already been through such heartache,” noted Dr. Sandra Braham, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Coast Jewish JFCS. Without additional resources, the organization cannot continue to fund temporary housing and other living expenses to help these families and individuals from war-torn regions rebuild their lives. Gulf Coast JFCS Refugee Services is in need of: Financial assistance to keep families housed Temporary, free or low-cost housing options Employers seeking to hire refugee individuals who are authorized to work, pending receipt of physical work documents Donations to supply household furnishings to help refugees establish their apartments beyond temporary, emergency housing Donations to support Kosher and Halal food options for refugee families. Donations can be made online at Refugee Assistance Fund – Gulf Coast JFCS or inquiries by email to GulfCoastinfo@gcjfcs.org “In the past two years, Gulf Coast JFCS has assisted...
Mar 25, 2024 | News, Press Release
Gulf Coast JFCS named Top Workplace by Tampa By Times and Energage Celebrating our tremendous and dedicated workforce, Gulf Coast JFCS has been recognized as a “2024 Top Workplace” by the Tampa Bay Times. While our work has evolved over the years, our core values remain unchanged. Caring for all people in need regardless of race or religion is as essential today as ever, and it has been the mission of Gulf Coast JFCS for 50 years! We’re providing compassionate and essential human services by serving people in need, from babies to seniors. Dedicated to creating a stronger, more resilient community, Gulf Coast JFCS is more than just an organization – we’re your community champions. This recognition is a testament to our workforce as it demonstrates their courage and commitment to transparency, living our mission, uplifting lives, and caring for each other every day. Being named a Top Workplace is a true honor, especially because the judges were our employees themselves! This list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, to name a few. “Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.” “Being recognized...
Dec 26, 2023 | News, Press Release
Margie Rothman Green honored as Lightning Community Hero Margie Rothman Green was honored as Lightning Community Hero on December 21st at the Tampa Bay Lightning game against the Vegas Golden Knights. In recognition of becoming a Lightning Hero, Green was awarded a $50,000 donation from the Lightning Foundation, Community Heroes program, presented by Jabil. Margie is donating this award to Gulf Coast JFCS for a very special purpose- the establishment of the Children First Innovation Fund, dedicated to reducing the time foster children wait to be adopted into their forever families. Margie and her family have been champions for improving life for all children for more than three decades through their family foundation, the Maurice A. & Thelma P. Rothman Family Foundation, for which she serves as Executive Director. “Our mother had a place in her heart for our foster children and our families wanting to adopt.” Over the years, thousands of children have benefitted from this compassionate caring in big and other priceless ways from helping all children live in safer, healthier homes and foster children finding adoptive families to providing school backpacks, and toys or gifts during the holidays. The Gulf Coast JFCS Children First Innovation Fund is focused on lessening the obstacles to helping children in foster care find their ‘forever family.’ Funds will be used to increase access to ma adoption competent therapy, court-ordered for most foster children, and to reduce burnout and decrease turnover of child welfare case managers which industry wide approaches 70% annual turnover. Each time a case manager turns over, the assigned child’s progress toward adoption is delayed an average of...
Mar 13, 2023 | News, Press Release
Susan Traub honored as the 538th Lightning Community Hero The Tampa Bay Lightning honored Susan Traub as the 538th Community Hero during the first period of their March 12th game against the Winnipeg Jets. Traub, who received a $50,000 donation from the Lightning Foundation and the Lightning Community Heroes program, presented by Jabil, will donate the money to Gulf Coast Jewish & Family Services (JFCS). Traub was born shortly after World War II in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her maternal grandfather was a Holocaust survivor, and her parents were refugees who managed to flee the horrors of Nazi Germany. This family history has had a profound impact on Traub, who has discovered her love of helping people, particularly young children. This led to her volunteering with immigrants and refugees, tutoring English as a Second Language and helping families settle into their new homes. She also played an integral role in helping those who fled Afghanistan in 2021. Her commitment has helped numerous families fleeing their home countries find safety and a new home in Florida. The grant will be used to support the mission of Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services. Specifically, the funds will go toward their Refugee Services, which welcomes and helps refugees from around the world. Some of the programs offered include Reception and Placement, Intensive Case Management for Refugees with Special Needs, the Match Grant Refugee Employment Program, and the Refugee Micro-Enterprise Development Program, which promotes refugee women’s entrepreneurship and normalizes business ownership. Full press release: Susan Traub honored as Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero Susan Traub, Lightning Community Hero, Surrounded by Gulf Coast JFCS...
Jan 27, 2023 | Press Release
Holocaust Survivor Support Extended through Gulf Coast JFCS (CLEARWATER, FL – Friday, January 27, 2023) – In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Gulf Coast JFCS announces the 2023 Kavod-SHEF partnership and $200,000 matching gift opportunity to provide critical daily care to local Tampa Bay Holocaust Survivors. This is the third year for the partnership, initiated in 2021 with the launch of Gulf Coast JFCS’ Holocaust Survivor Urgent Care Fund, a special fund dedicated to meeting unmet personal care needs for Tampa Bay area Holocaust survivor community. Since 2021, Gulf Coast JFCS has partnered with the Kavod – Survivors of the Holocaust Emergency Fund (SHEF) initiative to address the growing needs of aging Holocaust survivors. In 2022 alone, Gulf Coast JFCS assisted some 150 of the nearly 300 survivors with over 10,000 additional hours of home care through this matching fund beyond our routine emergency food assistance, medical, dental, and transportation support. Since its launch, this partnership consisting of local partners Tampa Jewish Federation and the Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast, and national partners KAVOD-SHEF (Survivors of the Holocaust Emergency Fund) and the Seed the Dream Foundation, has raised more than $500k. This year’s $200k match, when completed, ensures $400k will directly mobilize additional care to bridge the current gap of more than 1,000 unmet home care and other urgent care needs. An estimated 1,000 Holocaust survivors live in the Tampa Bay area. Gulf Coast JFCS currently serves about 250 of them across Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties. Gulf Coast JFCS provides various types of assistance to 250 or more Holocaust Survivors in the...
Dec 16, 2022 | Press Release
NFL Selects Gulf Coast JFCS CALL Program For Social Justice Grant (CLEARWATER, FL – December 15, 2022) – The Community Assistance and Life Liaison (CALL) program, conceived and launched nearly two years ago by Gulf Coast JFCS in partnership with the St. Petersburg Police Department, has been selected by the National Football League’s (NFL) Inspire Change social justice initiative. The NFL’s Inspire Change initiative showcases how players, owners, and the league work together to create positive change in communities across America. Since 2017, the NFL has provided more than $244 million in national Inspire Change grants to more than 40 national grant partners and hundreds of grassroots organizations across the country in support of programs and initiatives that reduce barriers to opportunity, with a focus on their four priority areas of police and community relations, criminal justice reform, education, and economic advancement. The league’s Social Justice Working Group – comprised of five current and former players and five team owners – chose the local organization from more than 1.8 million registered nonprofits for uplifting the community through social justice. Gulf Coast JFCS CALL Community Navigators and their clinical health team, in partnership with the St. Petersburg Police Department, are dispatched to non-violent, non-criminal calls to provide a therapeutic, wrap-around response. Begun as a pilot program with the City of St. Petersburg, the program has been renewed for an additional two years and is now becoming a model for agencies nationally and internationally including a feature in the Vera Institute of Justice’s Civilian Crisis Response Toolkit. Researchers with USF St. Petersburg, through Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg funding, are...
Oct 21, 2022 | Press Release
Gulf Coast JFCS Announces Record Growth and Appointment of Additional Agency Leaders (CLEARWATER, FL – October 13, 2022) – Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services (Gulf Coast JFCS) has significantly increased their service reach in three years from a $35 million budget in 2019 to more than $50 million in 2022 and announces a growing senior leadership team as the social services non-profit extends their capacity to serve Floridians in need. Dr. Eliza McCall-Horne has been appointed to the newly established role of Senior Vice President. Melanie Brady has been promoted to the newly established role of Vice President for Child and Family Services. Nicole Guincho has been promoted to the newly established role of Vice President for Clinical Services. “Dr. McCall-Horne, Melanie and Nicole will join the outstanding leadership team in place at Gulf Coast JFCS as we work to strengthen our capacity to mentor and coach new, front-line leaders who will be ready to take on greater roles resulting from our dramatic growth” says president and CEO, Dr. Sandra Braham. “I am very excited to welcome these proven leaders to the agency and their new roles.” Dr. Eliza McCall-Horne joins Gulf Coast JFCS with over two decades of social services experience, including more than 16 years in executive leadership. Her past role included managing an $87 million budget as the Executive Director of Eckerd Connects. A child welfare expert, Eliza’s leadership has resulted in successfully establishing community programs, effective relationships, and agency partnerships. She is known for her comprehensive community outreach, leadership, and budget oversight. Prior to joining Eckerd Connects, she served as Executive Director for...
Aug 24, 2022 | Press Release
Reparations and Support of Local Holocaust Survivors Expanding (CLEARWATER, FL – August 12, 2022) – Gulf Coast JFCS is now able to provide increased service and support to Holocaust survivors residing in Greater Tampa Bay thanks to an expanded definition of what it means to be a Holocaust survivor and growing philanthropic support. The Greater Tampa Bay area is home to Holocaust survivor community with more survivors coming to us for services each year. Due to reparations efforts, eligibility for Holocaust survivor services has expanded beyond those who spent time in a concentration camp, forced/slave labor camp, ghetto or who were compelled to flee the Nazis and became refugees. This, alongside increased needs in this aging population, has prompted many survivors who previously did not seek compensation to now do so. Currently serving nearly 250 survivors, Gulf Coast JFCS can now provide increased service and support to the region’s survivors through their partnership with the Claims Conference, an international organization established following World War II to advocate for and facilitate reparations. New reparations opportunities include Increased income and asset eligibility levels; supplemental hardship payments; region-specific pensions (not for current Article 2 recipients) for those impacted by the Siege of Leningrad, Axis-occupied Romania, or who spent 3 months hiding in France; payments for the spouse of a deceased Article 2 Holocaust survivor, which the recipient does NOT need to be a survivor. In addition to resources provided by Gulf Coast JFCS through funding by the Claims Conference, other assistance is available through Gulf Coast JFCS for needs such as dental care, medications, home repairs, etc. For local free support including...
Aug 3, 2022 | Press Release
Gulf Coast JFCS Announces the Appointment of New Board Members (CLEARWATER, FL – August 3, 2022) – Gulf Coast JFCS announces the appointment of 5 new members to its Board of Directors. Gary Flowers, Chief Information Officer of Year Up Tech & Enterprise Operations, brings over 27 years of expertise in HR and non-profit consulting. Kimberly Griffie Jackson, Executive Director at the Institute of Strategic Policy Solutions, brings 15+ years of experience in educational programming and fundraising dedicated to family health and development, mental health, housing in-equity and overall lack of resources. Rick Kriseman, Executive Vice President and Principal of the U.S. Cities Practice for Shumaker Advisors Florida and former two-term Mayor of St. Petersburg, brings decades of servant leadership and understanding of local community needs to his engagement on the Gulf Coast JFCS Board of Directors. Ted Newman, Compliance Consultant and recently Vice President of Compliance Systems Management for Raymond James Financial, brings extensive knowledge of management and technology compliance. Andrew Zacherl, retired USSOCOM Branch Chief of Psychological Operations and incoming Commercial Litigation Associate at Dinsmore & Shohl, has decades of service experience including over 100 hours of pro bono service with Volunteer Income Tax Preparation Assistance Program (VITA) and providing direct support to refugees and victims of natural disasters. “We are thrilled to welcome such a distinguished and diverse group of leaders to support our work through Board service” says president and CEO, Dr. Sandra Braham. “Each brings unique talents and skills which build on those present among Board members who continue to serve.” Welcoming the new board members are this year’s slate of officers: Board Chair...
Apr 25, 2022 | Press Release
CALL Program honored for Commitment to Racial Equity The Community Action and Life Liaison program, a partnership with the St. Petersburg Police Department, was recognized for its impact as they continue to strengthen communities and uplift lives building power within communities that have been historically overlooked and purposefully disadvantaged due to racism. Full press release: Tampa Bay Rays 2022 Racial Equity Grant...
Apr 22, 2022 | Press Release
Terri Balliet honored as the 490th Lightning Community Hero The Tampa Bay Lightning honored Terri Balliet as the 490th Community Hero during the first period of their April 21st game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Balliet, who received a $50,000 donation from the Lightning Foundation and the Lightning Community Heroes program, presented by Jabil, will donate the money to Gulf Coast Jewish & Family Services (JFCS). Full press release: Terri Balliet honored as Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero Elizabeth Samuelson, Board Vice Chair; Sandra Braham, President and CEO; Terri Balliet, Chief Operating Officer; and David Pilkington, Board Treasurer Elizabeth Samuelson, Board Vice Chair; Tess Benham, Grants Manager; Sandra Braham, President and CEO; Terri Balliet, Chief Operating Officer Lightning Foundation Award CALL Team Receiving...
Mar 3, 2022 | Press Release
Gulf Coast JFCS Stands Ready to Assist Ukrainian Refugees (CLEARWATER, FL – February 28, 2022) — In response to the crisis in Ukraine, Gulf Coast JFCS stands ready to assist with the anticipated influx of Ukrainian Refugees to the Tampa Bay region. For nearly 40 years, Gulf Coast JFCS has resettled Refugees from countries across the globe, including Ukraine, fleeing war and persecution. Most recently, the organization resettled hundreds of Afghan Refugees to the Tampa Bay region, assisting them with temporary housing, childcare, schools, jobs, and overall cultural integration. These same resources and support will be provided to Ukrainian Refugees designated to Gulf Coast JFCS to assist. “Gulf Coast JFCS Refugee Services Division remains steadfast in our commitment to “welcome the stranger” by assisting Ukrainians fleeing the bloodshed in their homeland and connecting these Refugees with their families in Tampa Bay.” States Elke Cumming, Vice President of Programs and Administration, Gulf Coast JFCS. Gulf Coast JFCS partners with HIAS and the United States Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to assist individuals and families with Refugee status from all over the world to resettle successfully and safely. It is still too early to predict how many Ukrainian Refugees may be resettled in Tampa Bay. However, given the estimated million people fleeing Ukraine to neighboring countries, it is highly likely Gulf Coast JFCS, and our community will soon be receiving the request for help. Previously, approximately 100 Refugees from Ukraine were resettled by Gulf Coast JFCS. Refugee assistance provided by Gulf Coast JFCS exemplifies the Jewish value of “welcoming the stranger” from which the organization was founded nearly fifty years ago....
Feb 25, 2022 | Press Release
Local Heroes To Be Honored by Gulf Coast JFCS (CLEARWATER, FL – Friday, February 25, 2022) – Gulf Coast JFCS is honoring Chief Anthony Holloway and William and Sally Israel on Thursday, March 31 at the upcoming annual FACES of Inspiration celebration. This annual event is being Thursday, March 31st, at the Hilton Carillon Park in St. Petersburg. FACES of Inspiration recognizes individuals who overcome hardships and find the ability to thrive within our communities. Anthony Holloway will receive this year’s Gulf Coast JFCS Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of a lifetime of commitment to community and behavioral health support. A trustee emeritus of Gulf Coast JFCS, Chief Holloway has dedicated his career to strengthening community relationships and communication and overall to innovation in more than policing, especially relating to responding to behavioral health-related intervention. Nearly a decade ago, Chief Holloway initiated requirements for all St. Petersburg Police Department Officers to become proficient in Trauma-Informed Care practices to prepare officers for more effective response to these types of crises calls. More recently, Chief Holloway’s focus on behavioral health and dedication to building community ties took center stage both locally and internationally with the innovation of the Community Assistance and Life Liaison (CALL) program. The CALL program is one of the first in the nation to dedicate resources to community policing partnerships, by partnering with Gulf Coast JFCS to provide social services to non-emergency and non-violent service calls. Now in it’s second year, the mental health professionals of the CALL program have responded to more than 4,000 calls for service such as substance abuse, behavioral health crisis, and suicide intervention,...
Jan 14, 2022 | Press Release
Gulf Coast JFCS COO Named Board Chair of Children’s Advocacy Group Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services (Gulf Coast JFCS) announces the appointment of Terri Balliet, Gulf Coast JFCS Chief Operating Officer, as Board Chair of the Children’s Advocacy Group, Florida Coalition of Children. Advocating on behalf of Florida’s abused, abandoned, neglected, and at-risk children, and to support the agencies and individuals who work on their behalf, the mission of the FCC, is at the core of Balliet’s leadership expertise. “I am very humbled and honored to take on such an important role and work alongside such amazing colleagues across the state. The timing is divine intervention given the much-needed advocacy necessary during the current state of our Child Welfare System workforce and funding opportunities” says Balliet.” Florida Coalition for Children member agencies, including Gulf Coast JFCs, collectively care for over 50,000 children and families in crisis each year, providing critical services and programs to this vulnerable population throughout the state. Some of these services include residential and group home care, emergency shelters, residential treatment centers, counseling, foster family services, adoption services, early intervention and prevention programs, and various in-home support services. Balliet has devoted two decades of her leadership toward the growth and vitality of Gulf Coast JFCS. Having worked her way up the ranks from Case Management Supervisor in 2004 to COO in 2014, Ms. Balliet oversees state-wide operations for over 20 Gulf Coast JFCS Child Welfare, Behavioral Health, and Elder and Disabled Services programs and a multimillion-dollar budget. She also holds oversight for Grant and Information Technology operations. Ms. Balliet’s core strengths include her ability...
Dec 21, 2021 | Press Release
TampaBay-Job-Links Joins Gulf Coast JFCS Gulf Coast JFCS is pleased to announce the addition of TampaBay-Job-Links (TBJL) to its comprehensive portfolio of programs. TBJL empowers and equips people with relevant job search and career transition skills to help them gain viable employment to sustain themselves and their families. This successful program has already assisted more than 1,400 individuals and further enhances Gulf Coast JFCS’s existing workforce development programs, including those meeting the needs of non-custodial parents and refugees assimilating into our community. TBJL was founded in 2010 as a grassroots initiative of the Tampa Jewish community in response to the Great Recession. TBJL services were made available to all people in need. TBJL clients include, but are not limited to, individuals facing mid-career job loss, parents returning to the workforce after a hiatus, military veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce, and seniors financially unable to retire. “TampaBay-Job-Links is proudly celebrating a decade of helping the unemployed in our community get back to work. We build self-esteem and give individuals the guidance and tools they need to re-enter the workforce with confidence and dignity,” said Andi Jacobs, TBJL Chairperson. “We are excited about our affiliation with Gulf Coast JFCS and the opportunity to help many more people in the decade ahead,” Jacobs said. “Gulf Coast JFCS exists to uplift lives for all people, from babies to seniors, regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender identity,’ states Dr. Sandra E. Braham, President and CEO of Gulf Coast JFCS. “TampaBay-Job-Links is perfectly aligned with the Jewish values upon which Gulf Coast JFCS was founded nearly half a century ago, including tzedakah or justice. ...
