FamilyMatters: An Afternoon of Fabulous, Fun, and Philanthropy

As we kick off event season both in South Florida and in the Northeast, we welcomed guests to the annual FamilyMatters Fun in the Sun Luncheon and Game Day in New York.  Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of fabulous, fun, and philanthropy from a beautiful boutique to an inspiring program, and an exciting afternoon of game play.

The room was filled with emotion as guests learned about the work of both JAFCO and FamilyMatters: providing a safe place for any child or family who needs us. Sometimes that means providing a child a place to rest their head at night. Other times, it means helping a family stay strong and together. Our promise remains the same. We are always there for children and families, standing beside them, as long as they need us.

Guests also heard a moving testimonial from Wendy Berkowitz, a JAFCO foster and adoptive mother. Her daughter Bree is one of the over 20,000 children whose lives have been changed by the profound work of JAFCO and FamilyMatters. Bree arrived at the JAFCO Emergency Shelter as a newborn, withdrawing from narcotics she was exposed to before her birth. Her path began in a way we wish no child had to experience. Then Wendy received a call, and a beautiful, loving connection was made. Although the goal of JAFCO is always reunification, it soon became clear that would simply not be possible for Bree. Wendy eventually adopted Bree, and gave her the safe, loving home she needed. Bree is now thriving as a college freshman, studying to become a nurse.

Wendy also adopted Lena who faces mental health challenges due to the abuse and neglect she experienced in the foster care system, JAFCO has supported and helped guide Wendy, Bree and Lena through every challenge.

JAFCO has made a tremendous impact in the South Florida community, and now we have the opportunity to help even more children and families through FamilyMatters with the opening of the Linda & Don Brodie FamilyMatters Building offering family strengthening, child enrichment programs, support groups, supervised visitation, programming specifically designed for children with developmental disabilities, and respite care for children and for caregivers who need a well-deserved break, a first-of-its-kind in the Greater Philadelphia area.

Thank you to Pearl Halegua and Amy Levy for once again chairing such a meaningful event, and to the Fun in the Sun Long Island Board and for our generous sponsors and underwriters for their support.

We hope you will join for the Grand Opening of the Linda & Don Brodie FamilyMatters Building, 2004 Renaissance Blvd., King of Prussia, PA 19406, on Tuesday, November 10 from 6-8 pm. You will have the opportunity to learn even more about the services and care FamilyMatters provides to so many in our community.  The program is free to attend, however, registration is required.