For more than 150 years, Jewish Family Services in St. Louis has helped more than 60,000 children, families and seniors every year. Its mission is simple: to make life better for people facing challenges, whether that means staying independent, finding mental health support or simply putting food on the table.
Through programs like Care Connect, the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, mental health counseling and psychiatry and services for older adults, JFS offers a safety net that reaches across the region. Most services are offered at no or reduced cost, keeping help accessible to anyone who needs it.
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In recognition of decades of service, JFS is throwing a special night to celebrate the people who help make its work possible every day. The sold out FLOURISH: A Night of Giving Benefiting JFS on Sept. 28 will raise critical funds to keep JFS programs strong, and will honor two longtime supporters who have helped carry that mission forward: Julie and Tim Stern.
Getting involved with JFS
Julie first connected with JFS the way many people do, through curiosity about the food pantry. “Like most people, I thought of it mainly as the food pantry,” she says. “The more I learned, the more I wanted to get involved. Eventually, I joined the board — I can’t even remember exactly how long ago — but I’m so glad I did.”
Volunteering at the pantry quickly became a regular part of her life. “I was looking for a way to volunteer where I could directly make an impact in people’s lives,” she says. “Volunteering at the pantry felt like another way to help meet people’s most immediate needs.”
Community work
The Sterns’ impact extends beyond JFS. Tim has chaired Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ Annual Campaign twice and helped raise funds for the Israel Emergency Fund. Julie has served on the boards of College Bound and Lift for Life. Neither of them makes a lot of noise about it — they just keep showing up.
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“Tim and Julie Stern live their values every day — through volunteering, giving, and inspiring others to do the same,” says JFS CEO Miriam Seidenfeld. “Their leadership has made a real impact in the Jewish community and beyond. Honoring them at FLOURISH is a well-deserved recognition of their commitment and example.”
In addition to that steady presence, Julie notes how much they value working as a team.
“We both feel very strongly in supporting the organizations we are both involved in together as well as individually,” she said. “We each have different skill sets to bring to the table.”
What this night is really about
JFS called the couple “the spirit of community, generosity, and service” in a social post — a fitting description, but the evening isn’t just about them. It’s about what happens when a community decides to show up for one another.
Julie hopes the event pushes others to do just that. “Whether it’s taking an hour a week or giving extra money, JFS needs the participation of the entire St. Louis Jewish community,” she says. “Every bit helps them reach more people and change lives.”
“There are so many ways to get involved — from volunteering at the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry or helping older adults with home repairs to attending events or making a gift,” Seidenfeld says. “Every hour and every dollar helps us meet the growing needs of families across the region.”
The Sterns may be the honorees, but the real spotlight is on JFS — and on the work that still needs to be done.
FLOURISH: A Night of Giving Benefiting JFS
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 28
WHERE: Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
TICKETS: Sold out.
MORE INFO: Click here for more information or here to make a tribute. The event is Co-Chaired by Lisa and James Deutsch, and Wendy and Neil Jaffe.
