As a multi-service agency, Jewish Family and Child Service provides support to vulnerable members of the Jewish and broader communities experiencing a spectrum of life challenges. We are sensitive and responsive to the ever-changing needs of our large and diverse community. Even before the onset of the pandemic, our clients faced difficult obstacles such as housing and financial instability, job loss, food insecurity, domestic abuse, and mental health challenges. Many JF&CS clients require support from more than one of our 30+ programs and services.

 

Maintaining our service excellence over the past two years required resilience and ingenuity, but now as we reopen for in-person services, we are able to once again welcome clients and community members into our spaces. Making connections is something upon which JF&CS prides itself. On a daily basis, our Intake workers connect clients to our extensive agency programs and services, as well as to many of our other partner community organizations. From distributing hundreds of Kosher for Passover food boxes each year to helping children attend summer camp, and facilitating grief and bereavement support groups, JF&CS never stops working to strengthen and support individuals, children, and families.

 

The stories shared in this year's Annual Campaign reflect our continued commitment to increasing safety and security, reducing the effects of poverty, and improving the mental health and wellness of those in our community. They reveal the close connection between safe and secure housing and improved mental health and wellness, and how addressing external barriers is critical to being able to address internal wellbeing. This idea inspired the theme of our campaign; From the Outside, In. The stories also illustrate the great impact of our generous donors and the dedication of our agency workers to bettering the lives of many isolated and vulnerable populations.