Jewish Family Services opens first Sussex County office

Earlier this year, Jewish Family Services of Delaware opened a new Sussex County office located at 20684 John J. Williams Highway near Lewes. The nonprofit human services agency provides counseling and support programs that assist families, care for older adults and help children grow stronger. JFS serves a wide range of clientele, including individuals from ages 3 to 100 and above.

The organization and its services are based on Jewish values, reflecting the spirit of Judaism by exhibiting compassion, kindness, justice and community support. JFS supports individuals of all backgrounds regardless of age, religion, race, gender expression, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status. With approximately 3,200 clients served and over 13,000 counseling sessions in 2015, the agency is dedicated to providing for the community.   

The Lewes facility will bring some much-needed health services to the area. “We saw there was a lack of mental health providers downstate and not enough programs to support older adults,” said CEO Dory Zatuchni. 

JFS provides many services including individual and family counseling, drug and alcohol counseling, psychiatric assessments, refugee services, youth advocacy programs, media literacy, prevention education, workforce development and support for older adults aging-in-place.

The organization has a highly qualified team of professional, master’s-level staff who conduct all activities with respect, dignity and confidentiality. The Lewes facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield and most private insurances. 

JFS has two additional offices in Wilmington and Newark. The clinicians and psychiatrists based in those locations will also be available to clients in Sussex County using telehealth technology, a system that provides counseling remotely via telephone or video conferencing.

The agency is also developing a growing initiative, The Village, to help adults 50 years and older remain independent at home. “We want there to be a neighborhood of support for older adults who might otherwise be isolated,” said Maggie Ratnayake, director of older adult services. Professional care managers and a network of volunteers will help members get to doctor appointments, pick up groceries, keep up with household chores, and navigate the healthcare system. The Village is set to begin operating in September.

JFS also offers activities and events in addition to its counseling services. JFS will hold an hour-long yoga class every Thursday in August guided by Certified Yoga Teacher Mariann Wolskee. Preregistration is required. Additionally, every Tuesday in August JFS will lead an hour-long session to discuss topics such as stress management, the challenges of aging and more. Contact Rosemarie Davis at 302-827-6040 or rdavis@jfsdelaware.org to register.

So far, JFS has experienced success at its new location thanks to a supportive local community. Zatuchni personally expressed her gratitude to CAMP Rehoboth, Epworth United Methodist Church and Seaside Jewish Community for all their support.

The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with additional hours in the evenings and weekends available by appointment. To learn more about JFS and its services or to get involved, contact 302-827-6040 or go to www.JFSDelaware.org.