UPCOMING EVENTS & GROUPS
EVENTS
(IN-PERSON) JFCS Women’s Alliance Event
In Conversation with Leia Gaccione
New Jersey-based chef: Reinvention Is Always on the Menu
Wednesday Evening, October 28 | 6:00 PM | Grounds for Sculpture* 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ
This year, we welcome Chef Leia Gaccione as she shares her journey extending far beyond the kitchen. From working in some of New York’s most acclaimed restaurants and competing on national television to building successful businesses, overcoming personal and professional challenges, and finding the courage to start again, Leia will share an honest conversation about resilience, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the power of embracing change. Guests will leave inspired by the lessons she’s learned both inside and outside the kitchen.
The JFCS Women’s Alliance is a group committed to addressing hunger in our community. By supporting this initiative, you will help ensure that those with the greatest need will have access to healthy and nutritious food.
*Venue sponsor
(IN-PERSON) Join Team JFCS at the Mercer County Turkey Trot!
Thursday, November 26 | 8:30 – 10:00 AM | Mercer County Park, West Windsor, NJ
A community of Jewish teens in grades 8 through 12 working together to make the world a better place. Participants research Jewish nonprofit organizations and learn about philanthropic giving by pooling monetary contributions and distributing donations as they choose.
Now accepting all applications for grades 8 through 10 and returning participants in grades 11 and 12.
Meetings are held 7 Sundays October through February.
GROUPS
(IN-PERSON) Becoming HER, for girls ages 13-15
Tuesdays October 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17, 24
3:30 – 4:30 PM | JFCS Office, 707 Alexander Rd, Suite 102 Princeton, NJ
6-Week Group Support for girls aged 13-15
Through supportive discussions and creative activities, participants will build self-confidence while exploring identity, communication, body appreciation, positive self-talk, and future goals. The group will provide a welcoming space for girls to connect, celebrate what makes them unique, and become more confident in who they are.
RSVP to Morgan Hand at MorganH@jfcsonline.org.
(VIRTUAL) Caregivers Circle of Support
Tuesdays, beginning October 27 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Drop-in Support, Weekly Attendance not Required
You don’t have to navigate caregiving alone! Join fellow caregivers each week for an hour of conversation, connection, and practical support. We’ll share experiences and resources, discuss common caregiving challenges, and keep one another informed about policy and service changes affecting families like yours. Whether you want to talk, gather information, or share tips, there’s a place for you here.
No fee to join, RSVP to Kellan Peck, LSW at KellanP@jfcsonline.org
(IN-PERSON) Journaling Club
Thursdays November 5 & 19, & December 3 | 1:30 – 2:30 PM | Hightstown Library, 114 Franklin St, Hightstown, NJ 08520
For Adults Looking for an Inspirational & Creative Outlet
We will be using a curated list of journal entries from the Isolation Journals. The wildly popular mindful journaling activity created by Suleika Jaouad. Each week we will read a journal prompt, what inspired it, write about it and discuss it. No experience in creativity or journal writing is necessary. This is your chance to travel through your shadows and step into your light and have fun doing it!
No fee to join, pre-registration required. For Adults 18+.
RSVP to Jessica Englehart at JessicaE@jfcsonline.org.
RECORDINGS
(RECORDING) Celebrating Identity, Unpacking Antisemitism
Presented November 2, 2025
Keren Horn, with OpenDor Media (Unpacked) helped teens explore the many ways Jewish identity can be expressed and celebrated, and provided real-world tools to respond to antisemitism.
(RECORDING) Navigating Jewish Identity in Post October 7th World
Presented September 30, 2024
Yoni Buckman, Education Associate with OpenDor Media (Unpacked) spoke about the history of the Jewish people, identity, and culture. The presentation helped teens understand their place in our community and how to connect with pride to their Jewish identity.
(RECORDING) Navigating the Rise of Antisemitism
Presented November 13, 2023
Yoni Buckman, Education Associate with OpenDor Media (Unpacked) spoke about the war in Israel and provided tools to address concerns about its impact here in our community. He focused on how to address and cope with antisemitism online, how to respond, how to responsibly consume media, and how to take positive steps in making a difference. The program concluded with a discussion on the mental health impact of experiencing antisemitism and tips for self-care.