PAL Stories
February 21, 2024
Havinagala Recap + Even More for Young Professionals at JF&CS
Havinagala 2024 kicked off the year of Young Professional (YP) opportunities at JF&CS with a party of epic proportions on January 27. Read More
January 04, 2024
2024 Big PAL of the Year: Nate Rubin
For the last five years, families have been invited to nominate their Big PALs for special recognition. The honor of the Joel Libowsky Big PAL of the Year award is given to a Big PAL who has gone above and beyond to guide and mentor his or her… Read More
November 22, 2023
The New Era of Havinagala
JF&CS’ Havinagala: A Party for PAL has been the event for young professionals in Atlanta for the last 35 years. On January 27, 2024, it enters a new era. Read More
February 10, 2023
Havinagala a Hit at Punch Bowl Social
On January 28th, the 33rd Annual Havinagala — a Party for PAL — was a huge hit with the more than 300 excited young professional attendees. Read More
December 30, 2022
Sam Perlman, 2023 Big PAL of the Year
Congratulations to the 2023 Big PAL of The Year, Sam Perlman! Sam was matched with Asher Fleshel, who was 11 years old at the time. The two quickly became friends, and over the years became more like family. Read More
April 19, 2022
National Volunteer Month: Harper and Micah Become the Best of PALs
Harper and Micah matched just two years ago through the PAL Program at JF&CS, right when the pandemic began. Since then, they have become the best of PALs. Read More
April 11, 2022
Volunteer Spotlight: "A Girl After My Own Heart": Jackie Nix and Her Little PAL
Jackie Nix began her journey at JF&CS back in 2014 as the Young Adult Program Coordinator. Years later, in 2021, she would find herself back at JF&CS, this time to be a Big PAL to her new friend, seven-year-old Noa. Read More
April 07, 2022
Volunteer Spotlight: Jordan Enoch And His Little PALs
Jordan Enoch loved his experience with the PAL Program so much, he decided to volunteer twice. And he recommends others interested to do the same if they are looking to make a lasting impact in the community. Read More
February 11, 2022
PAL Program Creates Lasting Friendship of More than 30 Years
Larry and Russell were matched as PALs in 1988. After Russell moved back to South Africa a year later, they stayed in touch, and now their friendship has spanned more than three decades. Read More
December 15, 2021
PAL of the Year 2022: Jason and Austin’s Story
When Jason Zutty decided to start searching for a Jewish mentorship program years ago, he had no way of knowing that it would lead to such a meaningful and long-lasting friendship. Read More
March 23, 2021
Max and Ethan Connect Through Love of Rubik’s Cube
Connections don’t always happen right away, and it can take time for people to click. However, the bond between two people immediately solidifies once they find something they have in common. Luckily, for Max and Ethan, members of The PAL Program,… Read More
January 07, 2021
The Importance of Mentorship During a Pandemic
“I have missed being able to see my Big PAL on a regular basis. Although we can’t see each other, I still feel loved.” - Little PALLittle PALs participating in the Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS) PAL Program across the Atlanta area shared… Read More
July 29, 2020
Be a Big Pal to a Jewish Child in need
Be a friend, mentor, and a role model. We all need someone we can trust and confide in. Someone that is there just for us. Read More