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JFS MetroWest Awarded “Breaking Barriers” Matching Grant

Federation partner agency Jewish Family Service of MetroWest (JFS MetroWest) has been awarded a $25,000 matching grant by the Jewish Funders Network (JFN) and the Genesis Prize Foundation as part of the “Breaking Barriers” initiative aimed at promoting inclusion for those with disabilities in Jewish life. The award is part of a matching grant program created in honor of 2016 Genesis Prize Laureate Itzhak Perlman, a world-renowned violinist and activist for people with disabilities. In lieu of accepting the prize money, Perlman directed the funds to promote inclusion of those with disabilities in Jewish life, as well as to support young people pursuing careers in classical music. For more information on the grant and the other recipients, click here.

The grant matches a gift previously announced by the Eric Eliezer Levenson Foundation for Hope in memory of Eta and Mark Levenson’s son, Eric, and supports annual programming related to mental health awareness. With these funds, JFS MetroWest will train its staff on additional treatment modalities, offer programming in the MetroWest Jewish community related to the stigma of mental health, including understanding the potential impact of anxiety and depression, and provide educational programming on suicide prevention. 

Promoting inclusion, specifically the inclusion of individuals who appear similar to everyone else on the outside, however may think or feel differently on the inside, is the main purpose of this grant. The stigma associated with mental illness keeps those thoughts hidden and can lead to life-long feelings of isolation and potentially, thoughts of suicide.

“Greater MetroWest ABLE and Jewish Federation are so proud of our community partners at JFS MetroWest for their efforts to bring the dangers of stigmatizing mental health to light in our community,” said Rebecca Wanatick, Federation’s Manager of Community Inclusion and Program Services.

The Levensons are pleased to be able to join with JFS MetroWest to break those barriers to treatment and inclusion in the greater community and commented, “After a 14-year battle with depression, our beautiful, talented, sensitive, intelligent son Eric Eliezer, took his own life on February 4, 2016, at the age of 28. Eric suffered in silence, and yet still managed to graduate from Muhlenberg College in 2010 with a degree in music and psychology.  In the ensuing years, until his death, Eric was a direct care worker for people with developmental disabilities and other challenges. Eric felt strongly that someone needed to be the voice for those who cannot advocate for themselves.  We, his family, are committed to continuing this legacy in Eric Eliezer’s name, and ensuring that others not suffer in silence, not be stigmatized because of their challenges, and not see suicide as the only option to those challenges.”

A total of 22 organizations received a Breaking Barriers Award, which resulted in $3.17 million in new funds dedicated to this philanthropic area. The initiative’s review committee received 54 applications representing more than 70 unique funders. The 22 winning recipients represent 19 cities across the United States.

JFS MetroWest is a comprehensive social service agency providing mental health counseling and support services on a non-discriminatory basis.  With a presence in the community since 1861, JFS today delivers an expanding number of programs to increasing numbers of people. For children and families, JFS provides individual, couple, child and family counseling, play therapy, support groups, school and synagogue based social work services, family life education and other assistance needed to support healthy families. Rachel Coalition, a division of JFS, provides domestic violence services for all affected members of the family. JFS also offers a wide range of services for older adults and their families including case management services, counseling, caregiver education, volunteer friendly visitors and specialized programs for Holocaust survivors.  For more information about Jewish Family Service, call (973) 765-9050 or visit www.jfsmetrowest.org.