A beacon of hope for families in crisis

Tucked away in the heart of NW11, there is a place where warmth, dignity and hope live under one roof.

Since its founding in 2000 by Sandy Weinbaum and her husband, Dr. Bunim Weinbaum, the Jewish Family Centre has evolved into a lifeline for families across the Jewish community, offering support, connection and compassion through life’s most ordinary – and most difficult –  times.

Originally launched in Golders Green, the JFC began with simple goals: to offer weekend and holiday activities for families, including “stay and play” sessions, pottery painting, and summer camps. But as Sandy soon realised, the need was far greater. Vulnerable families were falling through the cracks – and the centre stepped in to bridge the gap.

“We started it as a place for Jewish families to go and do normal things in a culturally appropriate environment,” says Sandy, now the centre’s volunteer director. “Over the years, the emphasis changed as the needs of the community changed. We carried on with our fun activities, but the main thrust of our work now is family support.”

As it marks its 25^th anniversary, the JFC is today based in a beautiful, modern, purpose-built space. After a temporary closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, they reopened with a renewed sense of purpose  – and a new space to match. “It’s a tribute to the community,” Sandy says proudly. “Clients love it – it’s compact, welcoming.”

A meeting room at the JFC (Photo: JFC)[Missing Credit]

Just over a year ago, they opened a new contact centre –  a safe, neutral place where children of separated families can spend time with one or both parents.

Far from being a place just serving the Orthodox community, which is how it is often perceived, the JFC serves the full spectrum of Jewish families. “People don’t always realise the centre is for everyone,” Sandy says. “You don’t need to be religious to walk through our doors. What matters is that you’re part of the community –  and that you need support.”

A playroom at the JFC (Photo: JFC)[Missing Credit]

Support can come in many forms, from social services to emotional and practical help during a crisis. One client, a survivor of domestic abuse, shared how the centre helped save her life.

“I went through a horrendous few years of domestic violence. I lost my home, I couldn’t see my children for weeks. My ex had turned my synagogue and my community against me,” she explains. “I was living out of my car, completely alone. I thought I wouldn’t survive.”

JFC co-founder Sandy Weinbaum (second from right) at a JFC fundraiser[Missing Credit]

The JFC offered her a lifeline. “Sandy sat me down and explained what they did, and I just started crying. They listened without judgment, got me a new phone so I could speak safely and connected me with people who truly cared. Without the centre, I wouldn’t be here. My children wouldn’t have a mother.”

She is now keen for others to know about it. “You don’t have to be Orthodox. I’m not. I never thought the Jewish Family Centre was for someone like me. But it is. It’s for all of us.”

While the JFC is incredibly proud of its impact, the need for its services unfortunately continues to grow –  and so does the call for support. “We work way above our weight,” Sandy says. “Our team of social workers and support staff are incredible. They talk the talk, and they walk the walk.”

Pottery-painting at the Jewish Family Centre (Photo: JFC)[Missing Credit]

The centre is facing the future with a challenge: sustainable funding. “We need people to know we’re here,” Sandy says. “And we need their help to stay here.”

As she says, for many, the Jewish Family Centre isn’t just a building –  it is a second chance, a safe space, and sometimes, a reason to keep going. And with continued support, it can remain that way for generations to come.

On May 18 and 19, the Jewish Family Centre is aiming to raise £250,000 through its “Beyond the Crisis to a Brighter Future” match-funding appeal. Click here to donate or go to charityextra.com/jfc