Sharon's connections with Jewish Family & Children's Service have strengthened this fall.

In October, resident Rimma Zelfand became chief executive officer of the Waltham-based agency.

And last month, a monthly Parkinson's disease support group at the Sharon Adult Center and Council on Aging reached 32 participants, doubling in size since its inception in April, Zelfand says. JF&CS and the Sharon Adult Center are partnering to offer the group, she says.

"The group is based on the successful Parkinson's Family Support model offered by JF&CS in Waltham, and its purpose is to meet the needs of both people with Parkinson's disease as well as their care partners/families," Zelfand notes, adding that the group "offers topics ranging from finding expert senior legal advice to getting the most out of the health care system while engaging the participants in stimulating discussion."

Zelfand took over JF&CS from Sy Friedland, who retired. She most recently served as JF&CS' senior vice president of programs. She joined the agency in 2003 as a member of its board of directors.

This interview was conducted by e-mail.

SHARON PATCH

How has JF&CS's role in the community changed since you joined it in 2003?

RIMMA ZELFAND

For almost 150 years, Jewish Family & Children’s Service has been Greater Boston's leading and trusted provider of comprehensive human services. JF&CS helps people of all faiths, races, and ages with the challenges of life.

In the past decade, the agency has grown in size, stature, and reach, with innovative and award-winning programs that are modeled around the globe.

Presently, JF&CS is carrying out a 10-year strategic plan focusing on the creation of more robust models of care, with an emphasis on measurement of outcomes – an area we intend to set an example for other social service agencies to follow. We believe it is our responsibility to ensure every dollar from our donors and funders is spent properly; "measureable results" are two words that will progressively invade the world of philanthropy.

SHARON PATCH

What new issues do you see JF&CS tackling in 2012?

RIMMA ZELFAND

Ensuring JF&CS remains on the same path my predecessor, Sy Friedland, put us on. Sy was passionate about helping vulnerable people live with dignity, and stressed the value of empathy, innovation and respect. Preserving his legacy is of utmost importance to me, and I intend to do so while positioning the agency to meet any changes that come our way.

SHARON PATCH

To what extent does JF&CS provide services in Sharon?

RIMMA ZELFAND

A caring presence in the 100 communities we serve, we're proud to be the place that new mothers, young families, people with disabilities, fragile elders, and the chronically poor can turn to for vital and personalized services.

Our 35 programs are coordinated at our Waltham headquarters. In Sharon, we visit isolated elders through our mental health clinic and Visiting Nurse Association, young families through Welcome Baby, and families in need through our Family Table food pantry. We also work with Sharon synagogues through our Caring Community Resource Network. These are just a few of the vital services available to Sharon residents.

SHARON PATCH

How can social service agencies in Sharon better complement JF&CS' work?

RIMMA ZELFAND

We are always looking to collaborate with other organizations. Our door is open, so please get in touch with me. I look forward to working with all of you, and welcome your thoughts and comments. You can reach me at rzelfand@jfcsboston.org or 781-647-JFCS (5327).

SHARON PATCH

What brought you to Sharon?

RIMMA ZELFAND

I moved from Canada in 1985 because my husband got a job in Boston. Sharon seemed like a welcoming, friendly community. We also loved the fact that it had a beautiful lake.

Thirty years later, after raising my two beautiful daughters, we are happy to call Sharon home.