IFFP has always strived to be a community that takes good care of one another: whether it be providing meals for someone who is ill, sharing joys and concerns during Gatherings, or visiting one another after a major life event. Through the years, IFFP clergy and community members alike have found ways to be present for one another during challenging times, life transitions, and happy milestones. We formalized this essential aspect of IFFP through the creation of the IFFP Care Team.
WHAT DOES THE IFFP CARE TEAM DO?
The Care Team was founded to be a source of support and connection for IFFP members. Whether you are experiencing the loss of someone dear, an illness, pandemic fatigue, family concerns, life transitions or other difficult situations, we seek to be a listening ear and a loving reminder that you are not alone. We are here to follow your lead and be present to you with a phone call, letter or visit. We can help organize a meal train, as well as share prayers, poems or other meaningful resources.
HOW DO I CONTACT THE IFFP CARE TEAM?
We encourage you to notify us about a loss, concern, joy, milestone or specific request by emailing us at care@iffp.org Please know that what you share with us is held in confidence unless you give us permission to tell the wider community.
WHO IS THE IFFP CARE TEAM?
Along with Reverend Sam and Rabbi Debbie, the Care Team includes the following IFFP members who feel especially motivated to extend care to our community.
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Rev. Samantha Gonzalez-Block
I am grateful to be a part of IFFP and this new Care Team. I look forward to getting to know each of you. As a pastor, I am passionate about being a source of support and celebration for people of all ages. Please reach out at any time. I look forward to the conversations we will share. See Reverend Sam’s full bio here.
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Rabbi Debbie Reichmann
Being IFFP’s rabbi is a continuing source of joy and stability for me, and for that to be true, it means that the community needs to be nurtured. I am dedicated to serving you as a source of support, a ready ear, and as a cheerleader. Reach out to me whenever you want to, really, it is never a bother. See Rabbi Debbie’s full bio here.
Heidi Anderson
I, Heidi Anderson, care about you. Isn’t it nice to know someone cares about you?! Please reach out to me – no need is too small or too big. Background: My family have been IFFP members since 2015, we have two cats, and we live amongst all the beautiful Takoma Park trees.
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Larry Bostian
It’s an honor to serve on the Care Team. Since we joined in 1998, this community has supported my family and me with abundant love and care. Under Rev. Sam and Rabbi Debbie’s guidance, I hope to do my part in paying that care forward.
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Susan Kaplan
The IFFP community has supported my family and me through some hard personal times over the years that we have been members. Now I hope to use my own experiences to support others.
CAN I JOIN THE IFFP CARE TEAM?
If you are feeling moved to care for the IFFP community in this way, please contact Reverend Sam to learn more about how you can participate in or support the work of the Care Team. We also welcome your ideas and feedback as we continue to shape this new team! Please reach out at any time. We are holding each of you in our hearts and are excited to be on this journey together.
Contact the IFFP Care Team at care@iffp.org.