JF&CS is happy to announce that we now offer two of our critical programs in the South Area of Massachusetts. This fall, CHAI Works South, a community-based day program for adults with disabilities, and Family Table South, an extension of our kosher food pantry, both opened in Canton.
Family Table South: Serving Families Better
As New England's largest kosher food pantry, Family Table depends on a dedicated network of volunteers to gather, pack, and deliver groceries to almost 400 families in Greater Boston, on the North Shore, and in the South Area. In October, a new location was opened at Temple Beth Abraham in Canton, helping serve families and volunteers in 45 cities and towns.
When JF&CS reached out to the Jewish community in the South Area for ideas for expanding Family Table, Rabbi Navah Levine of Temple Beth Abraham in Canton responded immediately.
"I picked up the phone right away. The congregants are incredibly enthusiastic about hosting Family Table," said Rabbi Levine. "It gives us an opportunity to engage meaningfully in work that we all want to be supporting."
CHAI Works South: Meeting Needs in the Community
Until now, CHAI Works has operated out of JF&CS Headquarters in Waltham. CHAI Works participants and staff volunteer in groups and contribute more than 600 hours of service per week at more than 27 community partner organizations. In addition to volunteering at various sites throughout the area, participants attend lifelong learning groups, adaptive recreation programs, and social activities. Since many CHAI Works participants live in the South Area and depend on the Ride for transportation, this has meant a long commute with transfers between Ride zones to come to Waltham.
The newly renovated program space in Cobb's Corner in Canton allows JF&CS to offer more programming and more opportunities for participants and volunteers. In addition, the Canton location allows CHAI Works to draw on other towns of the Ride's service area for referrals.
"Our programming in the South Area will mirror what we do in Waltham and will grow based on the needs and interests of our participants and the community," said Sue Stellick, Associate Division Director, JF&CS Day and Employment Services for People with Disabilities.
