JFS reaches its goal in capital campaign

“It’s time to celebrate,” said Gerry Biller, chair of the Jewish Family Services Capital Campaign.

At the social service agency’s annual meeting Aug. 21, Biller announced that JFS has met its goal of raising $4.7 million for its capital campaign “to accommodate expanded programming and services in the future.”

JFS will move from its present location in the Helfaer Community Services Building on Prospect Ave. to a new 27,000-square-foot home at 1300 N. Jackson St. later this year.

Elliot Lubar, JFS executive director, said, “At our new location, JFS will be able to provide services at one site that is easily accessible for clients. We are so excited about the new facility. It is a dream come true for the staff, our clients and the JFS board.”

The campaign was launched to help the agency better support current clientele and programming, and to provide greater confidentiality for people in counseling, sufficient parking and greater security.

Biller added, “As a result of our success, JFS will receive $1.1 million from two challenge grants.”

It will receive $300,000 from the Kresge Foundation of Troy, Mich., and $800,000 from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Endowment Fund of Baltimore.

While kvelling over its success, Biller stressed that the agency’s work is not finished. “We expect to surpass this milestone, but this is a campaign that is still very much in progress.”

She credits the 438 donors for the success of the drive, but especially the $1 million lead gift from Mimi and Robert Habush, honorary co-chairs of the campaign. “They have set an example of philanthropy that has generated a significant percentage of the gifts and pledges we have received,” Biller said. “They have been so supportive to all the rest of us who have led this campaign.”

“We are thrilled that JFS reached its $4.7 million goal,” said the Habushes. “Thanks to all the donors, the leadership of Gerry Biller and Connie Eastman, JFS development director, and the efforts of the capital campaign committee. We are happy to have been a part of the success of Jewish Family Services, the agency closest to our hearts and one that reaches out to so many in the community.”

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