Sonni Gittelman’s Journey at JFS Richmond

By Colton Wood | February 17, 2026

When Sonni Gittelman first walked through the doors of JFS Richmond as a graduate student intern, she immediately felt a connection. “I’m Jewish and one of the tenets of Judaism that I feel most strongly about as a social worker is Tikkun Olam, which means repair the world,” Gittelman, who is now a clinician, said. […]

JFS Richmond Earns National Leader in Training Award

By Colton Wood | February 17, 2026

JFS Richmond has been recognized for its commitment to staff development, earning the Leader in Training Award from Activated Insights. This award honors organizations that prioritize professional growth and training, helping ensure high-quality care for the communities they serve. To achieve this distinction, JFS Richmond met the award’s criteria, including having more than 10 Care […]

From Survival to Strength: Timur’s Story

By Colton Wood | February 2, 2026

Timur was once a successful farmer and businessman in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region. His life changed dramatically after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, when large areas of southern Ukraine were occupied. The town of Enerhodar, where Nadirov lived, was among those taken by Russian forces. Unwilling to remain under occupation, Timur made the difficult decision […]

Season of Giving: JFS Brings Hope and Joy Across the Community

By Colton Wood | December 24, 2025

The holiday season is defined by generosity, and as it drew to a close, JFS Richmond remained at the center of that spirit, working tirelessly to ensure people at every stage of life felt supported and cared for through meaningful gifts shared across the community. In the weeks leading up to the holidays, JFS staff […]

From One Child’s Joy to a Community’s Mission

By Colton Wood | December 24, 2025

When Skyler Legano was a student at Rudlin Torah Academy, he was known for something far greater than his years: a deep joy for giving. Legano had osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer, and he passed away at just 12 years old. Even during his hardest moments, he carried a remarkable appreciation […]

JFS Celebrates Staff Milestones at Annual Holiday Party

By Colton Wood | December 23, 2025

JFS Richmond celebrated the dedication and commitment of its staff on Dec. 5 during its annual holiday party, an evening that combined seasonal cheer with meaningful recognition. While the event included festive food, drinks and friendly conversation, one of the biggest highlights of the evening was honoring employees who reached significant service milestones, acknowledging the […]