“Repairing the world” through social action (Tikkun Olam) requires going beyond the office setting, beyond the familiar and comfortable, sometimes beyond oneself.
Members of the JFS staff and Board of Directors participate in many coalitions and community endeavors.
Here are some examples:
Initially formed in 2000, the Task Force is committed to fostering a community of justice where acts of prejudice and hate will not be tolerated.
- Together For Kids Coalition
Together For Kids has provided mental health consultation on-site in several Worcester area child-care settings, successfully addressing challenging behaviors that disrupt the classroom and lead to expulsion from preschool. Dr. Stephen Slaten, JFS Executive Director, is a member of the Steering and Public Policy Committees.
TFK 2nd year report (Health Foundation of Central Mass)
“Pre-K Students Expelled at More Than 3X the Rate of K-12 Students,” Yale Medical News, May 2005
- The Baby Food Club
Organized by former JFS President Phil Feinzeig, the Baby Food Club addresses the lack of baby food and infant formula available though social service organizations that feed hungry families. The Baby Food Club fills that need through the purchase and delivery of formula and baby food to these agencies. If you are interested in becoming a member and making a contribution of $100, please contact JFS.
- Dr. Beth Greenberg provides consultation to the teachers and parents at the Westboro JCC Preschool, supported by a grant from Jewish Federation of Central Mass.
- JFS social workers Elaine Kapperman and Michelle Sheerin are members of the Worcester Elder Abuse Roundtable.
- Elaine Kapperman, LICSW, co-chairs the Worcester Area Geriatric Social Workers (WAGS), which meets monthly in various locations in Central Mass.
- JFS has participated in the Central Mass Partnership to Improve Care at the End of Life.
Useful Resources


