Jewish Family Centre celebrates 25 years of being ‘a light in the darkness’

Jewish Family Centre therapy room (Photo: JFC)[Missing Credit]

An evening held to mark the milestone included tributes from clients.

One lady, in her fifties, who fled an abusive marriage, said: “Over the worst year of my life, I had a place to go where I could ask for help and invaluable advice. I was signposted and supported during external professional meetings.” She said that three years after leaving her marriage, she was “almost at the end of this ordeal.

“Without the Jewish Family Centre’s helping hands, I would not be at this point today.”

She called on the Jewish community to support the centre “that saved my life so that they can continue to help anyone in our community that needs their support and guidance”.

Another client called the JFC the Jewish community’s “best kept secret”.

She said: “When I first came to the Jewish Family Centre, I was broken, completely despondent, and unsure if I would ever find my footing again.

“But, from the very moment they opened their doors to me, they never let me go. They cradled me in a way that made me feel safe, seen and valued.

“One of the first things they said to me was: ‘We’re going to get you sorted out’, and they meant it. They’ve walked beside me ever since – with patience, care, and a steadfast belief that I could heal and rebuild.”

The JFC had been “the last speck of light when I was surrounded by darkness. That single light – that small glimmer of hope – has grown into an everlasting light that continues to guide me every day,” she said.

JFC founder Sandy Weinbaum addresses guests (Photo: Dina Tangi)[Missing Credit]

Tributes were paid to the charity’s founder, Sandy Weinbaum, whose vision has seen the centre grow from its early days of a place which ran ballet and martial arts classes to a hub that provides a wide range of social services to the Jewish community.

Chair of trustees, Annette Kurer, told guests: “What truly sets Sandy apart is her boundless compassion – and her lifelong inability to say the word ‘no’.
“She has welcomed families into her own home, supported survivors of domestic violence and worked tirelessly to ensure no one is ever left behind.

“She mentors staff and volunteers with generosity, empowering people from all backgrounds to discover their strengths and contribute meaningfully.”

Kurer added that Weinbaum’s sense of humour and modest nature meant that she often said: “‘Other people have professional letters after their names; I just have MRS before mine.’

“Sandy, you are more than a leader – you are a mentor, a lifeline, a provider of light, and a source of hope.”

Jewish Family Centre art room (Photo: JFC)[Missing Credit]

Weinbaum, who thanked her husband, Bunin, for his unstinting support, said that for many years, the JFC hadn’t needed to publicise its work.

“Those who needed us always seemed to find their way,”she said.

But, she added, it was now “essential” for the wider community to see “the depth and breadth of the centre’s work to ensure that no family faces crisis alone”.

Guests were invited to tour the centre to see its facilities first-hand.​