JFCS - The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services

10/13/2026

GROUP COUNSELING: RELAPSE PREVENTION
Beginning October 14, Wednesdays at 6:30-8:00pm
Duration: 8 weeks
Facilitated by Rose Valdez, MSW, RCSWI
$45 per session, per person

Our Relapse Prevention group is for adults in recovery who are looking to strengthen their coping skills, prevent relapse, and connect with others in a supportive, judgment-free environment.

During the group, you'll learn how to:
• Recognize personal relapse warning signs and triggers
• Develop healthy coping strategies for stress, cravings, and difficult emotions
• Build healthy routines that support long-term recovery
• Strengthen communication skills and establish healthy boundaries
• Create or update a personalized relapse prevention plan
• Connect with others who understand the recovery journey

Each session includes education, group discussion, practical skill building, and strategies you can begin using in your everyday life. Whether you're newly sober, transitioning from a higher level of care, or looking for continued support in your recovery, this group provides a safe and encouraging space to continue moving forward.

To reserve your seat, please call us at (904) 394-5706. Please note that we accept many forms of insurance, and payment is due at the time of services.

10/12/2026

NOW OFFERING GROUP COUNSELING: RELAPSE PREVENTION
Beginning October 14, Wednesdays at 6:30-8:00pm
Duration: 8 weeks
Facilitated by Rose Valdez, MSW, RCSWI
$45 per session, per person

During this 8-week group, you'll learn practical strategies to:
• Recognize personal warning signs and triggers
• Manage stress, cravings, and difficult emotions
• Build healthy routines that support long-term recovery
• Strengthen communication and healthy boundaries
• Create or update a personalized relapse prevention plan
• Connect with others who understand the recovery journey

Each session includes education, group discussion, practical skill building, and strategies you can begin using in your everyday life. Whether you're newly sober, transitioning from a higher level of care, or looking for continued support in your recovery, this group provides a safe and encouraging space to continue moving forward.

Recovery is an ongoing process, and having the right support can make a meaningful difference along the way. To reserve your seat, please call us at (904) 394-5706. Please note that we accept many forms of insurance, and payment is due at the time of services.

10/08/2026

10/08/2026

A SERIOUS DIAGNOSIS CAN AFFECT MORE THAN HEALTH

For households already managing a tight budget, a breast cancer diagnosis or other serious illness can bring additional financial pressure. Medical expenses, transportation needs, missed work, and reduced income can make it harder to keep up with everyday necessities.

Did You Know?

The National Cancer Institute refers to this burden as "financial toxicity" and notes that cancer and its treatment can affect a person's ability to work, pay bills, and afford necessities such as food and housing.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is worth remembering that support can extend beyond medical care. Our partnership with The City of Jacksonville’s Eviction Diversion Program, as well as our financial assistance and wraparound support services help eligible households navigate difficult moments and work toward greater stability.

Visit https://jfcsjax.org to learn more about the resources available through our agency.

Source: https://bit.ly/4j7axc1

#904

10/01/2026

WRAPAROUND SUPPORT FOR LIFE’S COMPLEX CHALLENGES

October marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder that some challenges are not brief setbacks with simple solutions. A serious diagnosis can affect a person’s ability to work, reduce household income, increase ongoing expenses, and create new needs around food, housing, transportation, and day-to-day support.

At JFCS, our wraparound services help address many of those practical pressures. Food pantry access can ease grocery costs. Financial assistance can help both recipients and their caregivers with essential expenses. Eviction diversion can protect housing stability. Senior services can support safety, independence, and daily needs.

Sometimes life changes in ways that require multiple forms of support. We recognize not only the health challenges people may face, but the many ways those challenges can affect the lives built around them. 💗

Learn more about our comprehensive programs and services at https://jfcsjax.org.

09/30/2026

📣NEW PANTRY PICKS FOR OCTOBER!📣

The Max Block Food Pantry helps to provide much-needed food items to our local neighbors. Our continued success in that mission depends on your generous donations!

The items we need for October are... ravioli, Vienna sausage, and canned beans.

Please drop off all donations to the Max Block Food Pantry at the following locations:

JACKSONVILLE
Allison Stein Robbins Building
6261 Dupont Station Ct
Jacksonville, FL 32217
Mon - Fri | 8:30am - 5:00pm

MACCLENNY
Keller Center
420 S 8th Street
Macclenny, FL 32063
Wed & Fri | 10am - 12pm

09/29/2026

📣 MAX BLOCK FOOD PANTRY MATCH CHALLENGE 📣
ENDS TOMORROW - LAST CHANCE TO DOUBLE YOUR GIFT!

The Max Block Food Pantry provides food assistance that helps our neighbors find greater stability when circumstances become difficult. Because access to support at the right moment can change what happens next.

Last year, through the Max Block Food Pantry and our satellite pantries, we provided 415,206 meals to 46,134 individuals. That’s a 46% increase in demand compared to the previous fiscal year.

Your gift to the Max Block Food Pantry will be generously matched by the Block Family. YOUR generosity is critical to the services we provide.

Donate today at https://bit.ly/4gebXhB!

Visit https://jfcsjax.org/Hunger to read more about the Max Block Food Pantry.

09/24/2026

FOOD ASSISTANCE IS ALSO ABOUT DIGNITY

Families have different dietary needs, health considerations, cultural traditions, preferences, and ways of preparing meals. Providing meaningful food support means recognizing those differences rather than assuming one solution works equally well for everyone.

Did You Know?

Feeding America identifies dignity and choice as important principles in food assistance. Its research has found that allowing people greater input into the foods they receive can better accommodate dietary and cultural needs, reduce waste, and help lessen the stigma sometimes associated with seeking assistance.

That same respect should be at the heart of how we serve our neighbors.

At the Max Block Food Pantry, our goal is not simply to help put food on the table. It is to welcome people with compassion, respect their circumstances, and help them access nutritious food during a time when a little additional support can make a meaningful difference.

📣 MAX BLOCK FOOD PANTRY MATCH CHALLENGE📣
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT! NOW THRU SEPT 30

Last year, through the Max Block Food Pantry and our satellite pantries, we provided 415,206 meals to 46,134 individuals. That’s a 46% increase in demand compared to the previous fiscal year.

Now through Sept 30, your gift to the Max Block Food Pantry will be generously matched by the Block Family. YOUR generosity is critical to the services we provide.

Donate today at https://bit.ly/4gebXhB!

Visit https://jfcsjax.org/Hunger to read more about the Max Block Food Pantry.

Source:https://www.feedingamerica.org/sites/default/files/2024-09/FA_InsightReport_Digital_Final.pdf

09/22/2026

BRINGING FOOD CLOSER TO HOME

Having enough food available in a community does not necessarily mean everyone can easily reach it. Lack of reliable transportation, the distance to a grocery store, work schedules, mobility limitations, and the time required to make a shopping trip can all affect a household’s access to nutritious food.

Did You Know?

The USDA’s Food Access Research Atlas specifically considers distance and transportation when examining food access, noting that these barriers can affect which stores people can reach, how much time and money it takes to get there, and how often they are able to shop.

Through our satellite pantry locations, the Max Block Food Pantry provides additional options for individuals and families who need help securing food. By making nutritious groceries more accessible in the communities we serve, we can help reduce one immediate source of stress while supporting our guiding mission to “help people help themselves.”

📣 MAX BLOCK FOOD PANTRY MATCH CHALLENGE📣
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT! NOW THRU SEPT 30

Last year, through the Max Block Food Pantry and our satellite pantries, we provided 415,206 meals to 46,134 individuals. That’s a 46% increase in demand compared to the previous fiscal year.

Now through Sept 30, your gift to the Max Block Food Pantry will be generously matched by the Block Family. YOUR generosity is critical to the services we provide.

Donate today at https://bit.ly/4gebXhB!

Visit https://jfcsjax.org/Hunger to read more about the Max Block Food Pantry.

Source: https://bit.ly/4iyuiJi

09/17/2026

FOOD SECURITY IS PART OF FAMILY STABILITY

When money gets tight, families often protect the expenses that cannot wait, including rent, electricity, transportation, and medication. Groceries can become one of the few parts of the budget that gets reduced, even when doing so means buying less food or sacrificing healthier choices.

Did You Know?

Florida Department of Health data estimates that 14.7% of Duval County residents experienced food insecurity in 2023, slightly above Florida's statewide rate of 14.4%.

Food assistance can create valuable breathing room. A stocked pantry may allow a household to preserve money for essential expenses while still providing nutritious meals.

📣 MAX BLOCK FOOD PANTRY MATCH CHALLENGE📣
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT! NOW THRU SEPT 30

Last year, through the Max Block Food Pantry and our satellite pantries, we provided 415,206 meals to 46,134 individuals. That’s a 46% increase in demand compared to the previous fiscal year.

Now through Sept 30, your gift to the Max Block Food Pantry will be generously matched by the Block Family. YOUR generosity is critical to the services we provide.

Donate today at https://bit.ly/4gebXhB!

Visit https://jfcsjax.org/Hunger to read more about the Max Block Food Pantry.

Source: https://bit.ly/4Al4iri