OUR MISSION

JFCS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community service agency that strengthens individuals and families by empowering people to care for themselves and others. This is accomplished through a wide range of high quality social services and programs including therapy, information and referral, support, education and advocacy. By combining contemporary clinical skills with values of charity, righteousness and compassion, Jewish Family & Children’s Service seeks to assist families with many of life’s toughest challenges. Since 1937, our agency has served those in need in Greater Mercer County.

OUR COMMITMENT

In a world of stress, health challenges, and disconnected families, Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) of Greater Mercer County offers the most comprehensive social services in central New Jersey for people of all ages and backgrounds. The agency provides help, hope, and healing with high-quality programs and clinical services.

Our Statement to the Community

We at Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Mercer County are resolved to stand with the most vulnerable people in our community.

Our agency is founded in the mission of empowering individuals and families to care for themselves and others through the combination of professional social services with charity, righteousness and compassion.

These principles are deeply rooted in Jewish values which guide us in our service of the broader community; we proudly deliver our services to individuals of all races, faiths, ages, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, and backgrounds.

We reaffirm our commitment to helping the vulnerable, to restoring hope for the lost, and healing the world where we can.

We are committed to providing services that honor the dignity of all human beings who turn to us.

We will continue our work with people facing food insecurity and financial crises to achieve lives of greater well-being, health and stability.

We are steadfast in our service to people of any sexual orientation and any gender identity.

We are committed to supporting people of all abilities to live as fully and independently as possible.

We affirm that people affected by mental illness and/or addiction deserve support in achieving and maintaining a positive quality of life.

We will be here for people affected by domestic violence and abuse.

We believe the path to a just society begins when each of us values and honors the dignity of the other as highly as our own. Our Jewish values demand this.

So we are resolved — to serve, to ally and to participate in building a just society.

“Let justice run down as water and righteousness as a mighty stream.”–Amos 5:24

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OUR TEAM

Michelle Napell

Executive Director

Michelle's Bio

Michelle Napell stepped into the role of Executive Director of Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) in June 2016 after previously serving as Executive Director of One Family Fund. During her time with JFCS, Michelle has brought the agency into a new chapter of growth with her dynamic leadership and focus on strong partnerships. Michelle’s determination to extend the reach of JFCS has led to the establishment of a satellite office in East Windsor to offer much needed mental health resources and, in January 2020, her next vision was brought to life with the JFCS Mobile Food Pantry.

Beverly Mishkin, LCSW

Director of Case Management & Senior Services

Beverly's Bio

Beverly oversees the Case Management and Senior Services departments which provide valuable programs for older adults as well as referrals and information for those needing to connect with community resources. After receiving her MSW from the University of Maryland, Beverly worked with a diverse clientele at JFCS of the Suncoast in Sarasota, FL for twenty years as a Senior Clinician and Director of Jewish Programs. She was also involved in a research protocol, conducted through New York University’s Memory Clinic, involving dementia patients and their caregivers.

Shirley Bellardo, LCSW, LCADC

Director of Clinical Services

Shirley's Bio

Shirley Bellardo, LCSW, LCADC joined JFCS in 2018 in the role of Director of Clinical Services. Prior to that she worked for a community social service agency for more than 20 years. When Shirley was offered employment at JFCS she did not hesitate to accept as she knew the mission and values of the Agency aligned with her own. Shirley has over 25 years of experience helping individuals and families struggling with anxiety, depression, relationships, life transitions and addictions. She shares this experience with the clinical staff through supervision and clinical case conferences. Shirley is a member of the Mercer County Traumatic Loss Coalition and Professional Advisory Meeting.