Overview

Family

When families find the courage to open up and ask for help, we are there.

We are at your side.

FamilyMatters is the first expansion office of JAFCO (Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options), a non-profit organization established in 1992 in South Florida. In April 2014 FamilyMatters began its intensive Family Strengthening program serving the children and families of Greater Philadelphia. In addition to Family Strengthening support services, the office also offers respite, child enrichment programs, support groups, and supervised visitation.

FamilyMatters immediately responds to anyone who reaches out for help and provides barrier-free support, at no cost, for as long as necessary. We proudly serve all families without regard to race, color, national origin, or religion.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does FamilyMatters do?

FamilyMatters provides barrier-free, personalized support services to children and families facing crisis, trauma or overwhelming life challenges. Our mission is to keep families safe, strong and together by empowering them with the resources, skills and guidance they need to overcome obstacles.

 

Where are the services provided?

Currently serving the Greater Philadelphia Community (Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks and Delaware Counties). Our services are provided in the home, at school or in the community.

What services does FamilyMatters provide?

FamilyMatters offers a comprehensive approach to family well-being. We advocate for families, navigate complex systems and provide the tools they need to achieve long term self-sufficiency. We are committed to standing by families for as long as they need us because every family deserves support, strength and a bright future.

Our Five Core Programs Include:

Family Strengthening: Strengthening families by providing the support and resources they need to remain stable and thrive.

Respite: Offering caregivers a much-needed break while providing children with meaningful experiences that reduce stress for the whole family.

Children’s Enrichment Programs: Engaging and fun programs designed to help children learn, grow, and succeed.

Support Groups: Connecting individuals with others facing similar challenges, facilitated by expert clinicians for guidance and encouragement.

Supervised Visitation: Providing a safe, structured environment where families can rebuild relationships with professional guidance.

Who does FamilyMatters serve?

FamilyMatters serves families who are facing crisis, trauma or overwhelming life challenges who have a child under the age of 18 living in the home. The parent/relative caregiver must be the legal guardian of that child in order to consent to services.

Circumstances may include but are not limited to: mental health and substance abuse issues, families at risk of involvement with Child Protective Services, grandparents or relatives caring for children, divorce, single parenthood, or raising a child with special needs.

FamilyMatters proudly serves all children and families regardless of race, color, religion or national origin.

How is FamilyMatters unique?

Immediate Response Time: Help is always just a call away, with same-day support for those in crisis.

Comprehensive, High-Quality Care: Expert clinicians provide intensive, personalized services tailored to each family’s needs.

Meeting Families Where They Are: We bring care directly into homes, schools, and communities for the most effective support.

Eliminating Barriers to Access: No family is turned away due to insurance, financial limitations, or diagnostic criteria.

A “Whatever It Takes” Mentality: We go above and beyond to ensure every child and family gets the help they need.

Ongoing Support: We create an enduring relationship with families, providing assistance for as long as needed.

Cultural Competence: Rooted in Jewish values, we serve our own community and have the privilege and honor to serve families of diverse identities.

Have a question?

Meet the Team

OUR STAFF

Jill A. Lapensohn

Executive Director
Main: 610-525-1040
Direct: 484-385-0726
Cell: 610-957-8308

Rebecca Salus Hodge, MSW

Director of Grants & Partnerships
Main: 610-525-1040
Direct: 484-385-0725
Cell: 610-737-0604

Ellie Ettman, LPC

Director of Clinical Services
Main: 610-525-1040
Direct: 484-385-0727
Cell: 610-215-3535

Joanna Kim

Director of Development
Main: 610-525-1040
Direct: 484-385-0725
Cell: 267-472-5538

Robin Raskin

Events Manager
Main: 610-525-1040
Direct: 484-385-0728
Cell: 267-379-3818

Kayla Jasper, LCSW

Clinical Team Leader
Main: 610-525-1040
Direct: 484-385-0729
Cell: 610-223-2235

Angel Benjamin, MS

Family Support Specialist
Main: 610-525-1040
Direct: 484-698-8294
Cell: 610-772-1085

Amanda Hercules, BSW

Program Coordinator
Main: 610-525-1040
Direct: 484-698-8295
Cell: 610-349-0060

Bethany Goodge

Office Manager/Development Assistant
Main: 610-525-1040

Board of Trustees

Linda Brodie

Board Chair

Mark Taplinger

Vice President & Treasurer

Michael Simon

Secretary

Marc Abrams

Board Trustee

Susan Auerbach

Board Trustee

Rana Bell

Board Trustee

Alan Casnoff

Board Trustee

Debbie Casnoff

Board Trustee

Amy Chipetz

Board Trustee

David Cohen

Board Trustee

Michael Goldberg

Board Trustee

David H. Levy

Board Trustee

Larry Robinson

Board Trustee

Brett Sandler

Board Trustee

Professional Affiliations, Licensure and Partners

The Jewish Disability Inclusion Consortium of Greater Philadelphia Philadelphia Jewish Domestic Violence Resource Consortium

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