To the editor:

At Jewish Collaborative Services, we often hear this phrase from people who come to us: "I never thought I would need help."

These are our neighbors and friends. They are caregivers, retirees, and working families who spent years supporting others. Yet, many now face rising household costs, health challenges, and other unexpected life changes that feel isolating and overwhelming.

Even people who never expected to need assistance now look for guidance, resources, and support. We see it every day: a senior deciding between groceries and a prescription, someone grieving the loss of a spouse while dealing with hospital bills, a caregiver balancing their job and the needs of an aging loved one, or a family unable to pay for utilities.

The encouraging news is that help exists. Through a full spectrum of social services including food assistance, elder services, housing, and counseling, JCS helps Rhode Islanders overcome challenges and rebuild their lives.

Recently, an older gentleman new to our area got connected to JCS by a neighbor. Today, he frequents the JCS Senior Café, welcoming newcomers with the same sense of connection he experienced when he first arrived. His story reminds us that kindness and community transform lives.

If you feel passionate about helping others, we encourage you to get involved! To learn more about JCS, support our mission with a donation, or to volunteer, visit www.jcsri.org or contact kristina@jcsri.org. One act of kindness can change the course of a life.

Kristina Contreras Fox
Woonsocket