One of north-west London’s “best kept secrets” is launching a huge fundraising drive this weekend to ensure that it can expand its work to reach the Jewish community’s most vulnerable families.
The Jewish Family Centre is aiming to raise over £500,000 on May 26 and 27 with its match-funding campaign.
The charity, with its team of social workers and support workers, provides social advocacy, subsidised therapy sessions and supervised and supported contact between parents and children. They also run first-aid courses, multiple toddler groups and well-baby clinics.
In 2023, it supported 230 families and over 1,000 children. The centre, which includes a play zone, a kosher canteen and therapy rooms, relies entirely on grants and donations.
Speaking at the centre’s first ladies’ luncheon, trustee Annette Kurer told guests: “Until now, the Jewish Family Centre was one of the best kept secrets in the Jewish community. It’s the place families go to receive the support they so desperately need. The JFC literally changes lives and builds futures for our community.”
(l-r) Jewish Family Centre leaders, Natascha Lieberman, head of contact services, Miriam Coleman, head of family support services, Sandy Weinbaum, hon. director, Nikki Glantz, family support worker
Last year, the centre received 177 new referrals, equating to 15 new families every single month. “We need to expand to cope with the demand in the community,” said Kurer.
Established in 2002, the JFC initially launched to offer activities for families during weekends and school holidays.
Over the years, its provision and remit has expanded to include family support services.
Sharing her story, a JFC client, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “The Jewish Family Centre has had and still does have a profound impact on my life. The centre became my lifeline. [They] embraced me as one of their own, providing unwavering support during my darkest times.”
“They didn't just offer assistance; they became my family, guiding me through challenges and empowering me to build a brighter future for myself and my children.”
Describing the JFC as “the embodiment of what it means to support families, no matter the circumstances”, she said: “Their dedication and compassion are beyond words. I am just one of many stories highlighting the vital role this life-saving organisation plays in our community.”
Marking her 20th year at the helm of the Family Centre, CEO Sandy Weinbaum said in a poignant address: "Many of us live in a bubble where these things are for the newspapers, not for us. But they happen in every community, and we can't sweep them under the carpet anymore."
In the run-up to their fundraiser, the JFC is calling on people in the community to volunteer as ambassadors for the campaign.
Kurer urged the guests: “Help us to expand the community’s one-stop hub for families, parents and children and help us to continue to be a lifeline for so many in the community.”
For more information on how to support the Jewish Family Centre and its initiatives, please click here
