Above: Sugandha Rosencraft, longtime JF&CS volunteer, poses with her family at Family Mitzvah Day.
The influence of Jewish women is woven into the fabric of JF&CS. Through their time, talent, and treasure, they uplift our programs, strengthen our community, and inspire those around them. From volunteers leading Family Mitzvah Day, to moms supporting Havinagala’s silent auction, to the visionary leadership of Terri Bonoff, our CEO Emeritus, their dedication demonstrates the power of women to make a lasting difference.
Time: Family Mitzvah Day
Susie Fages will be the first to tell you that volunteers are the backbone of our agency. As Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, she’s had the pleasure of working with volunteers across the agency when planning events such as Family Mitzvah Day, which was held on January 18.
“90 percent of our registrants were moms!” Susie said. “We had moms actively engaged, doing everything from pre-planning to working at stations, guiding their kids through the experience — we couldn’t have events like Family Mitzvah Day without them.”
Sara Beth is part of the Family Volunteer Committee and attended Family Mitzvah Day. She grew up in a home that prioritized serving her community, and it’s a natural progression to teach her kids to do the same.
“I think most Jewish parents in Atlanta want their kids to have a sense of community and giving back,” she said. “We’re all busy, but it’s important to fit it into your life in ways that make sense, and JF&CS makes it so easy and accessible.”
Treasure: Havinagala Silent Auction
The proverb says it takes a village to raise a child, and for many Jewish moms in Metro Atlanta, that village lives online in the Jewish Moms of Atlanta (JMOA) Facebook group. The group serves as a hub where moms go for help and support.
When Havinagala, our annual Young Professional Fundraiser for the PAL program, was cancelled due to severe winter weather, JMOA was one of the first places the JF&CS team turned. With the event called off, the need for silent auction support was on.
The response from JMOA was immediate; moms showed up in full force, bidding generously on vacations, special experiences, and unique items. “On it,” “Done! Thank you for posting,” and “Sharing!” appeared in the comments as members rallied to support the agency.
“I have friends who were PALs, friends who have used PAL for their kids, and when the event was canceled, this felt like an easy way to support PAL from my house,” said Amy, who bid on the silent auction. “It felt like the least I could do.”
“I’m a huge fan of JF&CS, and I know all of the amazing things you do,” said Ginger, another mom who stepped up. “When I saw that Havinagala was cancelled, I wanted to contribute, and there were some really great items in the silent auction. Children in need are where my heart is.”
Thanks to moms like Amy and Ginger, we had our most successful Havinagala silent auction yet!
Talent: Terri Bonoff, CEO Emeritus
Over her six-year tenure as CEO of JF&CS, Terri brought extraordinary vision and strategic leadership, guiding the agency into a new era. Her advocacy expertise helped secure critical funding for initiatives including the founding and expansion of the Horwitz-Zusman Child & Family Center. She championed competitive wages for Direct Support Professionals, led the agency steadily through the pandemic, and represented JF&CS nationally at NJHSA conferences.
Drawing on her experience in the Minnesota State Senate, Terri played a key role in stabilizing operating costs for the Ben Massell Dental Clinic (BMDC), Georgia’s only free dental clinic serving 1,300 patients and training 200 future dental professionals each year. Recognizing the need for long-term sustainability, she convened lay leadership and engaged Georgia State Representative Deborah Silcox to help secure critical state funding, ensuring the clinic can continue providing care and training future dental professionals.
“We're all the same, and we all want the same things,” Terri said recently. “We want connection, we want to be seen, to be valued, and to contribute.”
Terri’s strategic insight, fundraising acumen, and heartfelt leadership have strengthened every corner of JF&CS. This year, she will be honored with the Champion of Inclusion Award at The Tasting Experience, our flagship event supporting I/DD Services. Her enduring commitment to inclusion continues to inspire colleagues, partners, and the broader community.
Jewish women have long shown how giving their time, talent, and treasure can transform lives, and our community thrives because of it. Men and all supporters play an important role too, and together, we make a difference every day.
Join us at The Tasting Experience to honor Terri Bonoff, learn about volunteer opportunities, and stay connected with our work by signing up for our monthly newsletter.