JAFCO: Joy, Acceptance, Family, Counseling & Outreach

At JAFCO (Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options) the stories of children who’ve been left to fend for themselves, were abused physically or psychologically and yet still managed to somehow keep on trucking are truly amazing. But it doesn’t just “happen.” It’s taken a “village” that’s made up of not only bricks and mortar, but a staff of qualified professionals, caring counselors and a cadre of volunteers.

Founded in Florida by child welfare advocate Ronald Simon, JAFCO developed out of the Philly native’s witnessing what happened to kids who had no affiliation with their Jewish heritage nor family to turn to for help or support in times of trouble. Simon’s concept of intervention not only addressed these issues but brought other nonprofit agencies and community supporters into the fold with him.

What’s transpired because he “cared” is nothing short of a miracle. Today JAFCO has a presence in the Northeast as well as the Sunshine State campus and both are thriving. That’s the good news in terms of children having a chance to live in safe havens, some with the opportunity for adoption, but the flipside is that JAFCO is a necessity at all.

This year’s fundraiser held at the newly re-named and refurbished Country House at Bluestone in Blue Bell was a sold-out shindig with shopping opportunities, ceremonies and a keynote speaker who left the crowd stunned by her story of abuse by her mother, precarious situations and finally salvation. The latter came in the form of a high school friend, there at the luncheon, who’s understood her dilemma and helped through those crucial years. There were few dry eyes when the story ended.

JAFCO has become a lifesaver in the Northeast as well. To learn more about its outreach, services and ways to help the agency, visit the website at www. jafco.org. It could save a life.

Sarah Bernstein of Gladwyne, Lori Axelrod of Merion, Lori Aronsky of Bryn Mawr and Beth Krouse of Penn Valley head to the boutique tables before the luncheon begins.

Event co-chairs Julie Nagorsky and Jen Toren participate in the blessing of the bread (challah).

Main Line Media News columnist Bonnie Squires of Wynnewood (center) gets a chance to speak with Donna Greenberg and the keynote speaker Carol Sussman.

Fran Margulies of Havertown and her son, Austin, make their way to the dining room as the luncheon begins.

Dr. Jared Videll of Wynnewood shares a table with physician Karen Abrams of Ardmore, Suzanne Nicholas of Broomall and Nancy Abrams of Bala Cynwyd.

Jean Trachtenberg of Penn Valley meets up with her buddies, Cara Kahn Fudemberg and Ronit Devon of Bryn Mawr.

Cherie Shulick of Gladwyne runs into Diana Cohen of Newtown as they arrive at the Country House at Bluestone.