‘Sharing and Healing’ Fund Eases the Burden for Bereaved Parents

The following is a reprint of an article published in the July 22, 2026 issue of the Jewish Community Voice, titled, "‘Sharing and Healing’ fund eases the burden for bereaved parents":

Matthew Bandler Minches, Jamie Brooke Lieberman, and Joel Weiner all grew up in our South Jersey Jewish community. Sadly, their lives were cut short way too soon, leaving their mothers–Eve Bandler, Carole Lieberman, and Susan Weiner, respectively–lost and shattered. Looking for help, they turned toward each other to find answers to questions and navigate their new reality. Today they remain close friends, crediting one another for their invaluable support. It is what drives their mission to lend help to parents who now share this reality.

Over a dozen years ago, Bandler and Lieberman were introduced following Matthew’s and Jamie’s passing, and they quickly connected. They ultimately decided to finance an eight-week support group through Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), utilizing the skills of grief therapist Debra Abrams Goldsmith. Here, they could incorporate Jewish traditions, openly discuss their challenges and feelings, and find much-needed companionship.

In the group, they met Weiner, and together the trio bonded to help each other, but they wanted to do more. They decided to start the Sharing and Healing while Mourning our Children Foundation Endowment Fund with the Jewish Community Foundation, Inc. (JCF), designed to provide annual income to JFCS to ensure that the parental bereavement group could carry on each year for those who would need it in the future.

Fast forward to this past March, when more than 400 community members heard from Bandler and Weiner at JFCS’ Stepping Out event. With honesty and courage, they conveyed their personal stories and healing journeys, profoundly impacting everyone present. Though Carole Lieberman was unable to attend, she shared these powerful words: “This group truly saved me. When I felt like I was barely holding on, it gave me support, connection, and hope. Now, I’m inspired to help others who may be struggling in similar ways. My deepest wish is for this group to always be available to anyone who needs it.”

Knowing how vital this group was to their own well-being, they decided to grow the endowment fund to fully support two annual cycles of the group, which meets eight times each spring and fall. This yearly funding will continue to assist the community for many generations, and Bandler, Lieberman, and Weiner welcome contributions to the fund to provide even more support.

If you or someone you know could benefit from participating in the parental bereavement group, contact JFCS Senior Director of Clinical and Older Adult Services Rebecca Rosenau at (856) 424-1333, ext. 1702 or rrosenau@jfedsnj.org.

To learn more about the endowment fund or to make a contribution, visit jcfsnj.org/sharing or contact JCF Assistant Director Mike Staff at (856) 673-2528 or mstaff@jfedsnj.org.