Jewish Renaissance Foundation

10/09/2026

In observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the JRF offices will be closed on Monday, October 12th and will reopen on Tuesday, October 13th.

The JRF Community Health Center will remain open for care from 9am-5pm.🩺

On this day we honor the history, resilience, and rich cultures of Indigenous communities. This day reminds us to recognize the strength, resilience, and traditions that continue to shape our shared story.

Let’s take this day to reflect, learn, and honor the communities whose heritage continues to inspire generations.

10/09/2026

Did you know that according to recent studies, over 280 million people globally are affected by depression? It’s crucial to break the stigma and support open conversations around mental health.

On October 10th, World Mental Health Day, let’s reflect on the importance of mental well-being for everyone. At JRF, we are committed to fostering a supportive community through empowering individuals and families.

Our JRF Community Health Center offers compassionate, confidential mental health services for adolescents, teens, and adults. To schedule an appointment, call 732-482-9600.

Health EdisonNJ

10/02/2026

✨ HONOREE HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: CHIEF ANDREW TOTH ✨

For Fire Chief Andrew L. Toth Jr., a commitment to public safety and service to the Edison community began at an early age. At just 14 years old, he joined the Edison Police Explorers, and while still a student at J.P. Stevens High School, he began his career in the fire service with the Oak Tree Volunteer Fire Company.

That early commitment grew into a lifelong career dedicated to protecting and serving his hometown. Today, Chief Toth serves as Chief of the Edison Division of Fire and Director of the Edison Township Office of Emergency Management, providing leadership in fire protection, emergency response, preparedness, and community safety.

From his beginnings as a young volunteer to his leadership today, Chief Toth's career reflects a steadfast dedication to public service, community resilience, and the well-being of Edison residents.

In celebration of this year's theme, Celebrating Community. Transforming Lives., we are proud to honor Chief Andrew Toth as our Steward of Public Safety & Community Trust at the 2026 JRF Annual Gala.

📅 Wednesday, October 28, 2026
📍 Park Château Estate & Gardens | East Brunswick, NJ

Join us as we celebrate Chief Toth and the remarkable individuals and organizations helping make our communities stronger.

🔗 Learn more about Chief Andrew Toth and our 2026 honorees: https://jrfnj.org/jrf-annual-gala/

✨ This wraps up our week of honoree highlights! We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know the remarkable individuals and organizations we are proud to celebrate at this year’s Gala.

10/02/2026

As we say hello to October, JRF welcomes opportunities to come together in solidarity and bring awareness to important causes that impact our communities.

This October, JRF has identified four Thursdays as days of solidarity:
📅 10/8 • 10/15 • 10/22 • 10/29

On each of these days, our staff will wear a specified color as a simple, visible way to show our support, spark conversations, and encourage awareness and action around these important issues.

Wearing a color is a simple way to show support, spark conversation, and remind our community that these issues matter. Small acts can start important conversations.

Join Us! 💚💗💜🧡💙
Let’s make every Thursday in October a visible reminder that our community cares! Let’s wear our colors and stand together for awareness, support, and community.

And it doesn’t end there! 📸

We want to take this message beyond our staff and share it with our community, so stay tuned for photos of how JRF comes together!
Want to be part of the action? Wear your colors, take a photo, and tag JRF or send us a message. We’d love to highlight you on our page, too! 💚💗💜🧡💙

10/01/2026

Check out October at the Bayside FSC!!!

10/01/2026

Latina.
Mother.
Physician.
Triple Board-Certified.
Healthcare Leader.
This is her story.
This is Dr. Vuittonet.
This is Dr. V.

As we celebrate National Latino/a Physician Day during Hispanic Heritage Month, we want to share her story—and the journey that led her to becoming a physician.

Every part of who Dr. V is comes with her when she walks into a patient’s room or sits at a leadership table.

Dr. V became a physician because she believed that where you come from, the language you speak, and the community you call home should never determine the quality of healthcare you receive.

As a Latina physician, she understands why representation in medicine matters. She sees it in the moment a patient’s face changes when she speaks to them in Spanish and they realize:
She understands me.

Latino physicians bring more than medical knowledge to the communities they serve. They bring language, culture, lived experience, and an understanding that can help patients feel seen, heard, and understood.

And representation matters for another reason. It matters to the child who has never seen a doctor who looks like them.

Representing “Dr. America 2026” on the world stage this October, Dr. Vuittonet is triple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Addiction Medicine, and Obesity Medicine. She brings extensive expertise in FQHC settings and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. Fluent in English and Spanish, she is passionate about improving health outcomes and helping patients live healthier lives.

At the JRF Community Health Center, our physicians do more than treat illness. They build trust. They navigate difficult conversations. They listen. They care. And they bring the clinical expertise and compassion our community deserves.

This is Dr. V.
This is her story.
And we are proud to have her leading the way at JRF as our Chief Medical Officer.

📞 Call (732) 482-9600 today to schedule your appointment and meet Dr. V and our dedicated team of providers.

09/30/2026

Beautifully said! We are honored and excited to recognize your commitment to our community and look forward to celebrating you!! Thank you for all you do!!

First and foremost, I thank God for His guidance, strength, and blessings, and for allowing me to serve my community with love and purpose. All glory to Him! 🙏❤️

Thank you to the Jewish Renaissance Foundation for honoring me as the 2026 Visionary for Youth Achievement & Lifelong Success. I am truly humbled and grateful for this beautiful recognition.

Supporting children and families through All Stars Academy is a passion close to my heart. Watching our students learn, grow, and believe in themselves is the greatest reward. 🌟

I share this honor with my amazing team, my family, and every family who has trusted us with their children. Thank you for being part of this journey and helping make it possible.

Thank you, JRF, for recognizing my work and for all you do to strengthen our communities. I look forward to celebrating together on October 28! ✨

09/30/2026

✨ HONOREE HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: JEANETTE RIOS ✨

A proud native of Perth Amboy, Jeanette Rios has dedicated her life to serving, uplifting, and empowering her community.

With more than 15 years of experience in local government and a history of service that includes volunteering with the Perth Amboy Police Department as an Auxiliary Police Officer, Jeanette has always found meaningful ways to give back. In 2011, she turned her passion for supporting local families into action by founding All Stars Academy, a before-and-after childcare program that has grown to three locations and serves more than 300 students annually.

Through her leadership of All Stars Academy and her impact in the community, Jeanette empowers young people to reach their potential, pursue brighter futures, and become the leaders of tomorrow.

In celebration of this year's theme, Celebrating Community. Transforming Lives., we are proud to honor Jeanette Rios as our Visionary for Youth Achievement & Lifelong Success at the 2026 JRF Annual Gala.

📅 Wednesday, October 28, 2026
📍 Park Château Estate & Gardens | East Brunswick, NJ

Join us as we celebrate Jeanette and the remarkable individuals and organizations helping make our communities stronger.

🔗 Learn more about Jeanette and our 2026 honorees:
https://jrfnj.org/jrf-annual-gala/

✨ Be sure to check back each day this week as we shine the spotlight on another remarkable 2026 Gala honoree!

09/29/2026

✨ HONOREE HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: MARY MAKFINSKY ✨

With more than 35 years of experience in banking, Mary Makfinsky has built a distinguished career grounded in leadership, service, and a deep commitment to the communities she serves.

As Senior Vice President and Director of Retail Banking, Business Banking, and Government Banking at Popular Bank, Mary leads teams across the Metro New York and New Jersey region. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she has made community engagement a defining part of her leadership, serving on several boards and supporting numerous philanthropic and fundraising initiatives.

As Chair of the Newark Regional Business Partnership and the Newark Renaissance Foundation, Mary plays an important role in advancing economic development and community revitalization. She is also a passionate mentor who believes in empowering others to achieve their professional goals.

In celebration of this year's theme, Celebrating Community. Transforming Lives., we are proud to honor Mary Makfinsky for her dedication to strengthening communities through leadership, opportunity, and economic empowerment.

📅 Wednesday, October 28, 2026
📍 Park Château Estate & Gardens | East Brunswick, NJ

Join us as we celebrate Mary and the remarkable individuals and organizations helping make our communities stronger.

🔗 Learn more about Mary Makfinsky and our 2026 honorees: https://jrfnj.org/jrf-annual-gala/

✨ Be sure to check back each day this week as we shine the spotlight on another remarkable 2026 Gala honoree!