Collat Jewish Family Services

Collat Jewish Family Services 3940 Montclair Road Suite 205 Birmingham, AL 35213
www.cjfsbham.org We serve all ages, with a special emphasis on older adults.

Collat Jewish Family Services’ comprehensive range of services is designed to help clients live independently and safely, often in their own homes, for as long as possible. For more than 25 years, CJSF has been a United Way agency, serving people of all religions, income levels and races. Our seasoned and professional staff creates a nurturing environment to assist with issues large and small, short-term and chronic, with a focus on preserving the respect and dignity of each person.

We’re so happy to share that CJFS has been awarded the Civic Volunteer Group Award from the Community Food Bank of Centr...
04/24/2025

We’re so happy to share that CJFS has been awarded the Civic Volunteer Group Award from the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama!

Our volunteer team has given more than 100 hours of hard work and dedication to serving others. Caleigh Rathmell Alevy, CJFS Volunteer and Outreach Social Worker, has been instrumental in organizing many of these amazing volunteers and continues to inspire us all.

We’re so grateful to the Community Food Bank for recognizing CJFS volunteers and Caleigh’s commitment to building a stronger, more connected community through service.

Did you know? Nearly 1 in 6 older adults in the U.S. are struggling with hunger, and Alabama has one of the highest rate...
04/23/2025

Did you know? Nearly 1 in 6 older adults in the U.S. are struggling with hunger, and Alabama has one of the highest rates of food insecurity for older adults.

CJFS is working hard to change that, partnering with the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama to provide 30 lbs of food each month to low-income older adults.

We’d love for you to join us in this important mission! Volunteers are needed to pack food on Friday mornings or deliver it on Sunday afternoons—just once a month. It’s a small amount of time that makes a big impact, ensuring our community's older adults have the nutrition and support they need.

Want to help? Reach out to Caleigh Alevy at [email protected] or 205-278-7101.

Thank you, Community Food Bank for this honor!
04/23/2025

Thank you, Community Food Bank for this honor!

04/22/2025

Join You Belong in Birmingham for an evening of learning and impact! 💙

We’ll explore the Jewish value of service, understand the importance of caring for our elders, and hear about the incredible work of Collat Jewish Family Services (CJFS).

Following dinner, we’ll pack activity bags for CJFS’s Friendly Visitors Program. Friendly Visitors are volunteers who provide social, uplifting visits to local seniors- and you can get involved!

📅 Thursday, May 8th
🕠 5:30 PM
📍 LJCC (Levite Jewish Community Center)
🔗 RSVP here: https://bjf.org/event/cjfs-ybib-service-learning/

This program is made possible by funding from Catalyst: a national partnership between Jewish Federations of North America and Repair the World 🙌.

Did you know? Right here in Birmingham, Collat Jewish Family Services (CJFS) offers a specialized day program for indivi...
04/21/2025

Did you know?

Right here in Birmingham, Collat Jewish Family Services (CJFS) offers a specialized day program for individuals living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and other memory and movement disorders.

The CARES program welcomes people of all backgrounds and provides a warm, supportive environment where participants engage in enriching activities, share a nutritious lunch, and build connection and routine—from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

During this time, the caregivers are given respite with a vital window of time to rest, work, or simply catch their breath while their loved ones are being cared for with compassion and dignity.

The CARES program reflects the sanctuary we strive to provide—where individuals are seen, supported, and engaged.

This is one of the many reasons we’re celebrating 10 years of CARES at Hands Up Together 2025, next Tuesday at The Grand Bohemian, sponsored by Protective Life.

To purchase tickets, visit www.cjfsbham.org/giving or call 205-879-3438!

See you there!

The Friendly Visitor Program connects volunteers with older adults who may be homebound, in senior living, or recovering...
04/14/2025

The Friendly Visitor Program connects volunteers with older adults who may be homebound, in senior living, or recovering in the hospital—offering comfort, joy, and companionship through meaningful visits.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome—adults, teens, and children with a parent. Visits are flexible (just once a month makes a difference), and you’re welcome to bring a friend along, too!

Want to sign up or learn more?
You can contact Caleigh Alevy at [email protected] or 205-278-7101,
or stop by any of these upcoming events to get involved:
• Sunday, May 4: Mitzvah Day at Temple Emanu-El
• Thursday, May 8: Friendly Visitor Launch Party | 5:30–7:30 PM at the LJCC
• Sunday, May 18: Jewish Food Festival at the LJCC

Hands Up Together is here, and this year, we are celebrating a meaningful milestone—10 years of CJFS CARES. For a decade...
04/10/2025

Hands Up Together is here, and this year, we are celebrating a meaningful milestone—10 years of CJFS CARES. For a decade, CJFS CARES has provided a safe and supportive space for adults with movement and memory disorders, offering enriching activities, social connections, and respite for caregivers.

This program has made a profound impact on so many lives, and with your support, we can continue providing these essential services. Through Hands Up Together, we can help families experience peace of mind and ensure that participants feel a sense of purpose, connection, and joy.

Join us in celebrating this incredible journey and continue helping us make a difference. Visit cjfsbham.org/giving or reach out to Program Director Pam Leonard at [email protected] or 205-879-3438 to learn more!

In this month’s Counselor’s Corner, we explore the impact of our memories—how they define us and how we can heal by unde...
04/09/2025

In this month’s Counselor’s Corner, we explore the impact of our memories—how they define us and how we can heal by understanding them.

Memories have a way of shaping us, bringing both strength and, sometimes, pain. At CJFS, we understand the impact of these memories, and we’re here to help you honor the past while finding hope for the future.

Whether you're struggling with grief, anxiety, or life’s overwhelming challenges, you don’t have to walk this path alone. Our licensed counselors are here to provide the support and guidance you need to heal, grow, and move forward.

Our counseling services are open to everyone, no matter your background or beliefs. You deserve the chance to find peace and strength on your journey.

Take a moment for yourself today. Read more and learn about how we can help:
www.cjfsbham.org/our-pasts-can-be-the-ultimate-resource/

Many seniors in our community are facing hunger, and we’re doing what we can to help through the Senior Grocery Initiati...
04/08/2025

Many seniors in our community are facing hunger, and we’re doing what we can to help through the Senior Grocery Initiative. With your support, we’re able to provide 30 lbs. of food each month to seniors in need.

We’re looking for volunteers to help pack and deliver food. Your time, no matter how small, makes a real difference to someone who could really use the help.

📅 April 25 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
📅 April 27 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

To volunteer, please contact Caleigh Alevy at 205-278-7101 or [email protected].

We’re thrilled to introduce James Cannon and Meredith Stutts, our new Senior Services Social Workers.Since joining CJFS ...
04/05/2025

We’re thrilled to introduce James Cannon and Meredith Stutts, our new Senior Services Social Workers.

Since joining CJFS in January, they’ve already made a wonderful impact with their dedication to helping others. We’re so glad to have them as part of the team!

We are so thankful to our generous sponsors who are helping make Hands Up Together a celebration of 10 years of compassi...
04/03/2025

We are so thankful to our generous sponsors who are helping make Hands Up Together a celebration of 10 years of compassion and connection through the CJFS CARES program! Your support enables us to provide enriching programs for adults living with movement and memory disorders and peace of mind for their caregivers.

A special thank you to Protective Life Corporation, our presenting sponsor, and all of our other incredible sponsors for their support:

Honoring Life: Hal Abroms, Anonymous, Collat & Goedecke Families, Marjorie Perlman, Karen & Joel Piassick

Providing Care: Cigna, Faye & Robert Levin

Enhancing Independence: Beth & Andy Campbell, The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama, Dan Goldberg, Ronne & Donald Hess, Pat & Michael Levine, Medical Properties Trust, Inc., Sherri & David Romanoff

Supporting Caregivers: Gail & Jeffrey Bayer, Campbell Partners, LLC, Brenda Friedman & Frank & Fred Friedman Foundation, Barbara & Gary Gordon, Ken Jackson, Kassouf & Company, Kay Kornmeier & Steven Shultz, Judy Kriger & Family, Catherine & Emmett McLean, Kim & Neil Roth, Lana & Stephen L. Royal, Pam Ruttenberg & Family, Cameron & Scott Vowell, Vulcan Materials Company, Mike & Anne Warren

Creating Community: Harry Bayer, Steven A. Brickman, Ila & Jim Broyles, Encompass Health, Lisa & Alan Engel Foundation, Nancy Goedecke, Lynn & William Hazelrig, Ginger & Jerry Held, Sheryl & Jon Kimerling, Ricki & Lanning Kline, Rochelle & Michael Koslin, Sheri & Jimmy Krell, Tonya & Hank McLarty, Candy & Ed Meyerson, Karen & Brian Perlman, David Reese, Barbara & Stuart Royal, Roxanne Travelute & Michael Honan

Your support makes a difference, and we can’t wait to celebrate 10 years of CJFS CARES!

Join CJFS to volunteer this April!We’re excited to offer several ways you can support our community:• Community Foodbank...
04/01/2025

Join CJFS to volunteer this April!

We’re excited to offer several ways you can support our community:
• Community Foodbank Volunteer Event – April 21, 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
• Senior Grocery Initiative Volunteer Events – April 25, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM & April 27, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

To volunteer, contact Caleigh Alevy at 205-278-7101 or [email protected]. Every helping hand counts, and we appreciate your support!

We’re excited to invite you to our Honor Our Parents Shabbat service on Friday, April 4, at 11 AM at the LJCC, led by Ra...
03/31/2025

We’re excited to invite you to our Honor Our Parents Shabbat service on Friday, April 4, at 11 AM at the LJCC, led by Rabbi Henkin. Following the service, we’ll share a complimentary lunch together.

This program is a wonderful way to celebrate Shabbat in a community-focused and inviting atmosphere.

RSVP by April 2 to Caleigh Alevy at 205-278-7101. We look forward to having you with us!

Infertility is a tough and often heartbreaking road, and no one should have to walk it alone. That’s why the Jewish Fert...
03/30/2025

Infertility is a tough and often heartbreaking road, and no one should have to walk it alone. That’s why the Jewish Fertility Foundation (JFF) is here for families in Birmingham.

Julie Cohen, manager of JFF’s Birmingham office, has personally felt the weight of infertility. Her journey to parenthood drives her deep commitment to supporting others who are facing the same challenges. Through JFF, families receive emotional support, financial assistance, and access to local counselors and clinics to help ease the burden.

With the help of CJFS and the Birmingham Jewish Foundation, the Birmingham community now has access to a network of care, education, and resources to support families during this difficult time.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this heartfelt support, visit:
https://cjfsbham.org/our-mission/jewish-fertility-foundation/

We’re so thankful for everyone who came out to our volunteer celebration on Sunday, March 16! 💜 It was such a joy to con...
03/28/2025

We’re so thankful for everyone who came out to our volunteer celebration on Sunday, March 16! 💜 It was such a joy to connect with you all over treats and conversations about how you can continue making a meaningful impact.

From CJFS Cares to the Senior Grocery Initiative, your involvement means the world to us. We’re grateful for each and every one of you who helps us make a difference every day. Thank you for being a part of this amazing community!

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia, communication can still be meaningful, but it might require some adjustm...
03/27/2025

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia, communication can still be meaningful, but it might require some adjustments. Here are a few tips to help foster better conversations:

• Speak directly to your loved one, not just their caregiver. This can help them feel more engaged.
• Give extra time for them to find their words and respond—patience is key during this stage.
• Keep conversations light—humor can help ease any frustrations and strengthen the connection.

Every person with dementia experiences it differently, so understanding and adapting to their unique needs can help improve communication.

At CJFS, we are here to help in any way we can. Visit www.cjfsbham.org/contact-us to learn more and contact us for support.

Source: alz.org

We’re ending National Women’s Month by celebrating the amazing Lauren Schwartz, MSW, Executive Director at Collat Jewish...
03/26/2025

We’re ending National Women’s Month by celebrating the amazing Lauren Schwartz, MSW, Executive Director at Collat Jewish Family Services!

Lauren started her role at CJFS in 1992 and later rejoined the agency as Executive Director in 2011. Her leadership has made a huge impact on the lives of older adults in Birmingham. She’s passionate about helping seniors age with dignity, and her dedication continues to drive everything we do at CJFS.

When she’s not inspiring us at work, Lauren is a proud mom of three and a loving wife to her husband, Daniel. We’re beyond grateful for her heart, leadership, and commitment to our community!

Address

3940 Montclair Road, Ste 205
Birmingham, AL
35213

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 4pm

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