Philly Gives grant supports Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- For the third year, 6abc is supporting Philly Gives, a philanthropic effort that assists organizations serving neighbors in need across the region.

Through the initiative, 10 charities that perform life-changing work will receive grant funding to help support their missions and create change in local communities.

One of the organizations benefiting from the program is Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia (JFCS).

For Lenyja Marks, the nonprofit provided critical support when she became a teen mother.

"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 said.

Marks said raising a child as a teenager was challenging.

"You cannot do it by yourself, even though you think you can. It's harder if you do it by yourself," she said.

JFCS helped Marks through its parenting classes, which provide resources to teen mothers and other parents seeking assistance. Marks said the organization supplied basic necessities and guidance during a difficult time.

"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," Marks said.

According to JFCS, the organization serves thousands of people each year and offers a range of programs beyond parenting support. Those initiatives include mental health and wellness services, assistance with critical basic needs and LGBTQ+ programs.

Denise Crosby, director of parenting and community prevention for JFCS, said many participants remain engaged with the organization 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," Crosby said.

JFCS emphasizes that its services are available to the broader community.

"It is all inclusive. We provide services throughout Philadelphia, so if you are a parent residing in Philadelphia we are able to service you," Crosby said.

Donations help the nonprofit continue its mission of strengthening families and cultures to achieve stability, independence and community. Through Philly Gives, JFCS received a $50,000 grant to help support those efforts.

"The donations and being a part of this wonderful opportunity is really paramount. Our families are often in very vulnerable places financially," Crosby said.

JFCS also received a grant through the program last year. Organization leaders said the latest funding comes at a critical time as economic challenges continue and federal grants are being reduced.

Allison Felder, a support case manager with JFCS, said the organization hopes to expand its reach and continue helping those in need.

"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," Felder said.

Community members can support participating organizations through donations to the Philly Gives initiative at PhillyGives.org.