The Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services is one of the largest and most respected non-profit social service agencies in America. It has been helping people in need for over 110 years.

Sixty-five thousand New York City residents from a wide range of economic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds take advantage of the services provided by this organization. The doors of the four JBFCS branches in Brooklyn are also open for people from the Russian-speaking community. This organization has helped almost 4,500 Russian-speaking Americans over the past year alone.

Russian speakers can rest assured that if they go to JBFCS, they will be helped by employees who speak both English and Russian. These bilingual employees came to America from the Soviet Union many years ago and had to solve their problems on their own. They understand better than anyone else the problems that immigrants face and the worry that these problems cause.

"We mostly work with adolescents aged 11 to 18, as well as with their families and elderly people from CIS [Commonwealth of Independent States] countries," said Galina Feinstein, director of the Project Reach program. "We are located at 2020 Coney Island Avenue and we serve neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens that are heavily populated by Russian immigrants."

Some Russian-speaking Americans think that JBFCS services are limited to those who have various physical, psychological, or developmental problems and are therefore embarrassed to have their children participate in programs run by this famous organization. In fact, this understanding is very far from the truth.

To the question of who can become a JBFCS client, employees respond, "Basically, anyone can come to us." Regular New York adolescents attend three summer camps run by JBFCS (two at JBFCS and one at Lefrak Community Center in Queens). The only difference between these camps and others is that qualified personnel watch over the children at movie theaters, museums, bowling alleys, and various attractions; parents will not have to wonder what their sons and daughters are up to while they themselves are at work or taking care of chores at home.

"We also provide discussion groups and counseling services for adolescents," added Galina. "Our employees visit several schools in Brooklyn, where we offer counseling services for Russian-speaking adolescents and make recommendations to their parents and the school itself. We send adolescents who need therapy to outpatient clinics where they can get help from bilingual personnel."

According to Galina, discussion groups in schools are especially popular since topics discussed include school problems, immigration issues, and daily difficulties. "These groups have become a safe place where young people can talk about their problems and get support from peers who are in similar situations. We have also held a discussion group for Russian-speaking adolescents at JBFCS since last summer."

Members of the group meet every week and also go on trips and take part in cultural events throughout the academic year and over the summer.

JBFCS employees put everything they have into their work and truly try to help adolescents solve the problems that go along with this difficult transitional age, so their work brings great rewards.

"My son has become more open and self-confident. I see that he is not as gloomy as he used to be and that he does not withdraw himself anymore. At JBFCS he learned to speak about what is bothering him and taught me how to do the same thing. I used to avoid speaking to my son about problems since I was scared of having a conflict with him," confessed the mother of the 15-year-old boy.

JBFCS is a non-profit organization, so the services that it is able to provide to our community are unfortunately limited by the amount of money it has. "I would advise parents whose children are not our clients not to worry. Parents can resolve many issues on their own just by talking with their children more. After all, a child does not exist separately from its family. The more needed and respected he feels, the easier it will be for him to open up," commented Galina.

JBFCS also provides services and counseling for elderly Russian-speaking people and recommends various services for them. "We help our clients adjust better to their new country and overcome the difficulties of immigration and loneliness. Many of these people are isolated. They do not speak English, they are scared and do not feel comfortable."

The agency organizes discussion groups at its offices, as well at JCH of Bensonhurst, Kings Bay Y, Shorefront Y, Bay Ridge, and Brighton Beach. All the services discussed above are free, with the exception of treatment, which is covered by insurance.

Like many other agencies, JBFCS is now facing a very difficult economic situation. Fortunately, this organization has managed to retain its level of service and number of clients in spite of many financial cuts. To a great extent, this is due to the dedication of its employees.

"We help those who are in need of help," emphasized Galina. "I think that this is worth all the effort that we put into our work, and it gives meaning to life. Here, plans for the future are spoken of with optimism and confidence, which is nothing less than inspiring."