Jewish Renaissance Foundation

01/30/2026

Today, in celebration of National Fun at Work Day—and with the Super Bowl around the corner—our staff showed off their team spirit by rocking their favorite football gear. We shared some laughs and enjoyed some chips and salsa before heading into the weekend! Because IYKYK…at the JRF, it’s no fun without a little munch! 🏈🌮

From all of us, to all of you—have a safe weekend and stay warm!

01/23/2026

Due to the forecasted inclement weather and in consideration of everyone’s safety, all JRF offices will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Weather permitting, we plan to reopen the following day with normal programming. Please stay safe, stay warm, and stay informed - check back in for updates!

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Debido al pronóstico de clima severo y considerando la seguridad de toda nuestra comunidad, todas las oficinas de JRF estarán cerradas el lunes 26 de enero de 2026.

Si el clima lo permite, reanudaremos nuestras operaciones y programación normal al día siguiente. Por favor, manténganse seguros, abrigados e informados; ¡regresen para recibir actualizaciones!

01/22/2026

✨ AmeriCorps MLK Day of Service: A Day On, Not a Day Off ✨

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., on Monday, January 19, JRF AmeriCorps Members lived out his legacy of service by volunteering at two locations at the same time—showing the power of collective action and community impact.

📍City of New Brunswick – Division of Human & Community Services
Members joined a meaningful, thought-provoking discussion on Dr. King’s life and the continued relevance of his message on MLK Day. Alongside volunteers from Rutgers University, Divine 9 organizations, and the community, AmeriCorps members packed lunch bags for individuals facing food insecurity and hygiene kits for neighbors experiencing homelessness. These items were then donated to the United Methodist Church, which serves up to 300 individuals daily.

📍Jersey Cares
At the same time, members served with Jersey Cares in Woodbridge by creating Chemo Care Kits to support adult patients undergoing chemotherapy at Rutgers Cancer Institute—assembling thoughtful, creative, and encouraging kits to bring comfort and hope during chemotherapy.

This is what a 'Day On' looks like: service, reflection, compassion, and action—happening simultaneously to strengthen our communities.

01/16/2026

On Monday, January 19, the JRF offices will be closed in honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose vision of justice, equity, and service continues to inspire our work.

At the Jewish Renaissance Foundation, we carry forward his call to uplift communities, confront poverty, and ensure dignity and opportunity for all. As a day of reflection and action, we recommit ourselves to building stronger, more inclusive communities where every individual can thrive.

JRF Offices will reopen, on Tuesday, January 20th.



EndPoverty HumanDignity JRF MiddlesexCountyNJ PerthAmboy EdisonNJ

01/15/2026

🌍 From AmeriCorps to Peace Corps: Jaree Cox’s Journey of Service

Jaree Cox’s commitment to service has always been clear. In 2020, she served as an AmeriCorps Member with the Jewish Renaissance Foundation as a Public Relations Associate, where she supported organizational programs by authentically capturing and sharing the stories of JRF families, events, and initiatives.

A graduate of Essex County College (A.A. Liberal Arts, 2014) and Kean University (B.A. Public Administration with a concentration in Early Childhood Education, 2020), Jaree brought both heart and purpose to her work—along with a long-term dream she openly shared during her AmeriCorps interview: joining the Peace Corps.

“From the moment I met Jaree, her dedication to service was unmistakable,” shared Tawayna Bailey, JRF Director of AmeriCorps and Academic Services. “It’s no surprise she has carried these skills forward to South Africa, where she served as a Health Volunteer supporting orphans and vulnerable children and now works with people living with HIV—continuing her commitment to community-centered impact.”

When asked what inspired her path to international service, Jaree reflected:
“Service has always been my goal. AmeriCorps gave me the opportunity to lift up community stories and support programs that truly make a difference. Joining the Peace Corps was a dream I carried with me even during my AmeriCorps interview.”

✨ Jaree’s story is a powerful example of how service with JRF AmeriCorps can open doors to meaningful impact—both locally and globally.

Interested in starting your own service journey? 💫 Apply to JRF AmeriCorps by visiting our website at www.jrfnj.org and navigating to the AmeriCorps page, or email Tawayna Bailey at tawayna.bailey@jrfnj.org to learn more.

01/14/2026

🌟Join us for “Give Kids A Smile Day” at JRF Community Health Center!🌟

What is Give Kids A Smile? It’s a national initiative providing free oral health care to underserved children since 2003. 🦷 Every year on this day, our dedicated dental team offers free oral health education, screenings, and preventive treatment for kids.

Save the Date:
📅 Friday, February 6, 2026
🕘 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
📍 JRF Community Health Center
🏢 1931 Oak Tree Rd., Lower Level
🌍 Edison, NJ

This event is on a first-come, first-serve basis, with limited spots available. Please call the JRF’s Community Health Center at (732)-482-9600 (ext.100) to register. Don’t miss this opportunity to ensure a healthy smile for your child! Let’s make a difference together.

01/12/2026

Community Health Centers play a critical role in prevention and early detection, providing care to 1 in 7 Americans nationwide.

In 2024, Community Health Centers delivered millions of life-saving preventive services to women across the country, including 4.6 million cervical cancer screenings. These screenings are vital. Cervical cancer claims the lives of more than 4,000 women in the U.S. each year, yet it is highly preventable with timely care.

This is preventive care in action—reaching communities with limited access to health care and helping save lives every day.

Schedule an appointment today at the JRF Community Health Center by calling (732) 482-9600!

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01/11/2026

Today, during Human Trafficking Month, we recognize Human Trafficking Awareness Day—a reminder that safety, dignity, and freedom are fundamental human rights. At the Jewish Renaissance Foundation, our mission to alleviate poverty and strengthen communities helps address the vulnerabilities that place individuals at risk. Through programs focused on prevention, education, and access to critical support and resources, we stand committed to protecting our neighbors and building a safer, more just community for all. 💙

01/09/2026

🚓💙 National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day | January 9, 2026 💙🚓

Today, on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, the Jewish Renaissance Foundation proudly recognizes and thanks all law enforcement, but specifically the Perth Amboy Police Department for the vital role they play in keeping our community safe, connected, and supported. Their commitment goes far beyond public safety—they show up for our residents in meaningful ways that truly make a difference.

Whether partnering with the JRF Community Health Center at community health events, to DJing at Bayside Family Success Center neighborhood celebrations, to participating in School-Based Youth Program’s Shop With a Cop, or providing manpower at PAAC’s community garden, the Perth Amboy Police Department continues to demonstrate what community-centered policing looks like in action.

A heartfelt thank you to Perth Amboy’s Police Chief Larry Cattano, and every officer who serves with dedication, compassion, and integrity. Your presence and partnership help strengthen Perth Amboy and inspire trust and unity throughout our community and beyond.

Today, and every day, we are grateful. 💙

12/31/2025

✨ Happy New Year from the Jewish Renaissance Foundation! ✨

As we say goodbye to 2025 and welcome a new year, we are filled with deep gratitude for those that stand beside us—our families, partners, volunteers, and supporters. JRF is honored to host programs and events that uplift, support, and strengthen our communities, and we look forward to continuing this important work together in the year ahead.

May the new year bring renewal, growth, and hope—for our plans, our community, and the families we serve. Thank you for being part of our journey. We can’t wait to keep building a stronger, healthier future together.

Please note: The JRF Offices will be closed on Thursday, January 1st, and will reopen the following day.

12/30/2025

12/26/2025

Happy Kwanzaa!
Today, we honor a celebration of family, community, and culture observed from December 26 through January 1, 2026.

Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration of African American culture and traditions, rooted in African harvest festivals and culminating in a communal feast that reflects unity and shared purpose. It is not a religious holiday, but a cultural one—honoring African heritage, resilience, and legacy.

As we celebrate Kwanzaa, we reflect on the values that uplift community, strengthen connection, and honor our shared humanity. This is a time to embrace unity, celebrate culture, and gather with loved ones.

“The greatness of a community is measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
— Coretta Scott King