Philadelphia’s philanthropic effort Philly Gives has awarded a $50,000 grant to the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia (JFCS). The funding, part of the program’s third‑year round of support for ten local charities, will bolster JFCS’s parenting and family‑strengthening services for residents across the city.
Helping teen parents find stability
One of the grant’s most visible impacts is the story of Lenyja Marks, who became a mother as a teenager. “I was a teen mom. My first child, I didn’t know what to do. I needed help. I needed everything basically. I was starting from scratch,” Marks recalled. She described the difficulty of raising a child alone, noting, “You cannot do it by yourself, even though you think you can. It’s harder if you do it by yourself.”
Marks credits JFCS’s parenting classes for teaching her basic skills and providing essential supplies. “They helped me get the playpen, diapers. She taught me how to change a diaper because I didn’t even know how to change a diaper,” she said. The organization’s hands‑on guidance helped Marks transition from crisis to a more stable home environment.
Broad services for thousands of Philadelphians
JFCS reports serving thousands of individuals each year through a range of programs. In addition to parenting classes, the nonprofit offers mental‑health and wellness counseling, assistance with critical basic needs, and programs for LGBTQ+ youth. Denise Crosby, director of parenting and community prevention, explained that many participants stay connected after completing an initial program. “Often our parents will start off participating in one program. When that program ends, they are often asking, ‘What else do you have to offer? What else can I be a part of?’ So there is a sense of community that is organically established,” she said.
Crosby emphasized that JFCS’s services are open to all Philadelphia residents. “It is all inclusive. We provide services throughout Philadelphia, so if you are a parent residing in Philadelphia we are able to service you,” she added.
Grant arrives amid economic challenges
The $50,000 award follows a previous grant to JFCS last year, and the organization says the new funding comes at a critical time as local families face ongoing economic pressures and federal grant reductions. Allison Felder, a support case manager with JFCS, expressed optimism about the grant’s potential to expand outreach. “We love to see the growth, we love to see the smiles. We want to reach out to more people and to be able to assist in any way possible if we can. Sometimes when it is just that little bit that is just given, it can make a big difference in somebody’s life,” she said.
Community members who wish to support the participating charities can donate directly to the Philly Gives initiative via PhillyGives.org. Contributions help sustain programs that strengthen families, promote independence, and build resilient neighborhoods across the city.
Looking ahead
With the grant secured, JFCS plans to continue expanding its parenting curriculum, increase the availability of basic‑need assistance, and deepen its community‑building efforts. The organization hopes that the additional resources will enable more teen parents and families in need to access the tools and support necessary for long‑term stability.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
