Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County

Mission: To create solutions, promote dignity and inspire humanity.

Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County is a private non-profit social services agency community founded in 1993. Originally established by the Jewish Federation of Washtenaw County to assist the growing number of refugee families in Ann Arbor from the former Soviet Republics, JFS has since grown into an organization providing programs and services ranging from older adult caregiving to resettlement and career services and more. Whether you were born in another country or right here in Michigan, raised in comfort or in poverty, rescued from a war-torn country or from the despair of depression, you are equally welcomed and served by JFS. Through its dedicated staff and volunteers, and in cooperation with a wide range of community partners, we strive to be the catalyst for meeting the human services needs of all people in Washtenaw County.

Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County enhances the lives of individuals and families through social services, education, and advocacy.

Our Services include:

• Nourish – Our Specialty Food Pantry offers medically and culturally-tailored groceries, Meals on Wheels, and a Senior Café. The new Shalom Commercial Kitchen provides prepared meal delivery for homebound older adults, training for JFS Microenterprise clients and a space for community events.
• Accessible Transportation – Offering affordable, handicap-accessible door-through-door transportation options that ensure individuals and families have reliable and safe ways to get where they need to go.
• WISE Services – Our WISE dedicated care professionals partner with older adults to help them access the resources they need to stay as safe, secure and independent as possible. Our CARES program provides caregivers with respite, support and educational resources.
• THRIVE Counseling & Support – Our skilled and compassionate licensed clinicians offer support, guidance and solutions for a wide range of issues, offering individual, couples and family counseling as well as groups.
• RISE (Resettlement, Integration, Support, Education) – As the only major resettlement agency in Washtenaw County, JFS has resettled thousands of individuals from all over the world, providing critical social services to ease their transition, including ESL and Citizenship classes.
• GROW Employment & Economic Empowerment – Offering job search support, career guidance, financial education, asset building, and small business planning. Plus, our Microenterprise Development Program helps develop, maintain or expand self-owned businesses through an education curriculum, credit building, and loan support.