How JFS Charlotte Impacts Community and National Social Services

January 2023

By Julie Loftis, JFS Marketing Specialist

Many in the Charlotte Jewish community are familiar with Jewish Family Services' (JFS) impact, whether through mental health services, senior support, or its food pantry. However, the broader contributions of JFS staff, both locally and nationally, are less known.

JFS, committed to the Jewish value of tikkun olam, or repairing the world, actively participates in social service development to enhance quality of life. Locally, JFS staff collaborate in various initiatives, improving social services in the greater Charlotte area.

Leading these efforts is JFS’ Executive Director, Howard Olshansky. He has chaired the Mecklenburg County Child Fatality Prevention and Protection Team for many years, reviewing child deaths and recommending system improvements. Olshansky also helped secure county funding for a Child Abuse Prevention Plan in Mecklenburg County. JFS staff are part of the Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Coalition, organizing annual Pinwheel Gardens, including one at Shalom Park.

Olshansky has chaired a team distributing federal funds for food and shelter under United Way, deciding how to allocate these funds in Mecklenburg County.

Sheryl Gerrard, JFS senior engagement manager, serves on the Mecklenburg Council on Aging's board. She spearheaded a Senior Transitions program at Shalom Park and will co-chair the council's Legislative Breakfast. The council advocates for senior services across the county.

In mental health, Rachel Green, JFS director of programs and services, and Olshansky serve in various roles. Green represents JFS in the CHAT Collaborative, addressing childhood trauma, while Olshansky chairs the mental health sub-committee for The Children's Alliance, focusing on mental health needs of children and youth. He also serves on the Green Light Fund Charlotte Advisory Council, a national organization funding innovative service models. Recently, Olshansky was part of a team introducing new mental health technology for children and youth in Charlotte schools.

Nationally, JFS Charlotte influences mental health service delivery. Green chairs the Clinical Net group of the Network for Jewish Human Service Agencies (NJHSA), introducing new practices and training clinicians in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. Olshansky chairs the Small Agency Net Group for NJHSA and has been part of the leadership team for their national conference.

JFS of Greater Charlotte pioneered the Mental Health Initiative (MHI), a comprehensive program responding to growing mental health needs and increasing suicide incidents. The MHI has inspired the Jewish Federations of North America's BeWell Initiative, now a national program.

Olshansky notes, "Our involvement in these initiatives enhances service quality and provides access to resources and best practices for JFS Charlotte clients and our Jewish community."