It was yesterday – 25 years ago – in response to critical Jewish community needs, that JFS was created: caring for refugees escaping from the former Soviet Union and providing specialized mental health services. Today – JFS has grown to become Washtenaw County’s premier human services agency providing crucial support for thousands of families through Older Adult Programs, Mental Health and Community Services, Employment and Career Services and International Services for families from 40 countries.

JFS faces an unknown future. In addition, with federal and state funding decreasing, and a $3 million annual operating budget it is the Board’s goal to protect its clients and its services by establishing a “Protecting Our Future Fund,” a nest egg. Funding agencies are expecting grantees to have an operating reserve of 25 to 50 percent of its operating budget. However, JFS cannot do it alone.

 

• The time is now for our friends and neighbors to make a significant investment to protect the future of JFS.
• The time is now to create a JFS reserve to ensure that these important services for the most vulnerable are not interrupted.
• The time is now for your help! Your long-term commitment will prepare JFS for unforeseen challenges, for responding to contingencies, and for protecting the future.