By Julie Loftis

As we turn the page into a new year, we’ re reminded that fresh starts aren’ t just a matter of the calendar, they’ re an opportunity to strengthen our commitments, deepen our connections, and reaffirm what it means to care for one another. At Jewish Family Services( JFS), this sense of renewal comes at a crucial time for the organization with the introduction of three new staff to the JFS team.

This year, we are thrilled to welcome three new talent-

plex, from caregiving pressures to social isolation to navigating aging with dignity. Eva’ s depth of knowledge, warm leadership style, and longstanding relationships within the community will allow JFS to expand its reach while maintaining the personalized, attentive support that is our hallmark.

Under her leadership, JFS will continue building a seamless continuum of care. One that supports seniors not only with practical resources, but also with opportunities for meaning, connection, and independence. Her commitment ensures that our senior engagement work continues to evolve thoughtfully, meeting the needs of today while preparing for the needs of tomorrow.

Alongside Eva, we are delighted to welcome Lakia Murphy as a full-time Case Manager. Originally from Washington, D. C., Lakia brings more than 12 years of case management

more complex and challenging, JFS is truly fortunate to be able to access Lakia’ s experience in connecting the needs of our clients to community resources.

Lakia is passionate about helping clients navigate resources, advocate for their needs, and achieve meaningful stability, an

Sarah Barnett

maintain the highest level of accountability while making certain that every program, every hour of service, and every dollar entrusted to us is managed with integrity. This behind-the-scenes work enables JFS to grow sustainably and continue offering high-quality mental health, senior support, and community services.

As Eva, Lakia, and Sarah step into their roles, we look ahead to a year marked by deeper relationships and strengthened support for those who rely on JFS most. Their leadership and compassion, paired with our current talented staff members, will continue to strengthen our mission and our community in ways that will resonate far beyond 2026.

This new year invites us all to reaffirm what JFS stands for: building a community where every person, at every age, feels supported, connected, and valued.

For more information about JFS, please visit jfscharlotte. org, email info @ jfscharlotte. org or call( 704) 364-6594.

Engaging • Connecting • Healing

Eva Kantor

ed professionals: Eva Kantor, Senior Engagement Manager, Lakia Murphy, Case Manager, and Sarah Burnett, Finance and Administrative Services Manager. Their expertise, passion, and dedication will continue to ensure the quality and fidelity of JFS’ programs and services and our ability to continue to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our community.

Many in the aging services community will recognize Eva Kantor, who brings a long history of experience working with older adults. In her new role, Eva will oversee all senior engagement programming, Holocaust survivor services, and caregiver support initiatives.

Eva’ s return comes at a pivotal time. The needs of older adults are becoming increasingly com-

Lakia Murphy

experience supporting children, families, and adults facing socioeconomic challenges including homelessness, mental health needs, and financial hardship. Her academic training and professional background reflect her deep commitment to uplifting individuals through a strengthbased approach. As the needs of our community have become

invaluable asset for seniors and caregivers who often struggle to manage complex medical, financial, and emotional demands. Outside of work, Lakia is a plant lover who enjoys reading mystery novels, listening to podcasts, and sitting by the ocean. These are but a few of the quiet joys that match the grounded, thoughtful care she brings to her clients every day.

As JFS continues to prioritize effective strategies for meeting the needs of our community, we remain equally focused on responsible stewardship of community resources. This year, we were pleased to introduce Sarah Barnett, our new Finance and Administrative Services Manager, who has already played a key role in enhancing our internal systems. She is improving accuracy in billing, refining processes, and elevating reporting, all essential elements of fiduciary responsibility in a nonprofit setting.

Her diligence ensures we