Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (JFS) is about to transform the services provided to the special needs community with generous seed funding from the Norman and Ruth Rales Foundation.

With an additional, transformative gift from the Cooperman family, the Toby and Leon Cooperman Therapy and Family Resource Center (TFRC) will expand services currently being provided to the community through JFS’s Special Needs Department. The new center will create a “one-stop shop,” where all family needs can be met in one place and without the barrier of affordable access. TFRC will serve children with special needs from birth to 22 years of age and their families, and will offer financial assistance, so that no family in need will be turned away.

“TFRC will provide families with access to a variety of therapies, as well as a range of information services, guidance, education and support, all under one roof. We recognize the importance of the families of our clients and their own unique needs,” said Center Director Aliyah Longhurst, LMFT, BCBA.

“Our goal is to address all aspects, abilities, and challenges our clients face, in order to provide the best possible treatment customized for each individual, and to improve the quality of life of our clients and their family units as a whole.”

Center will address unmet needs, alleviate financial burden for families

The operations of the TFRC will address an unmet need in the community, as identified by a study from Beit Issie Shapiro, and commissioned by the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County.

While there are many for-profit therapy centers in the area, the TFRC distinguishes itself by providing financial assistance to those families who qualify, making access to much-needed therapies less of a financial burden. In addition, because JFS is already equipped to serve the entire family, another barrier often reported by families – lack of convenient access to services in one location – is removed.

“We are so pleased to be able to support causes and agencies that we care about,” said Toby Cooperman, whose family foundation made the lead donation for the TFRC’s construction. “JFS truly makes a difference in people’s lives.” Leon continued, “We believe that agencies like JFS deserve support for the important services they provide, and we are blessed to be in a position to contribute to the creation of this new Center.”

To learn more about the TFRC, please contact JFS at 561-852-3333 or info@ralesjfs.org.