Jewish Family and Children's Services

CONTACT:

1430 Main Street
Waltham, MA 02451
617-227-6641
www.jfcsboston.org

Seymour Friedland, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

Here is an example of a solid but modest, old-line charity which merits the attention of many potential donors who might like to give it a helping hand. For more than 85 years, Jewish Family Service of Greater Springfield (JFS) has served the most vulnerable people in need, of all faiths, in the Springfield area.

Located in the ethnically diverse Forest Park neighborhood, JFS provides many programs for refugees and other immigrants, helping them learn English and become involved citizens. Activities are wide-ranging, from refugee resettlement, to family and individual counseling, to adoption and elderly services. One program, SeniorLink, helps seniors remain in their own homes for as long as possible, by helping families arrange for homemakers, nurses, companions, Meals-On-Wheels, and social activities.

The JFS Guardianship/Conservatorship Program is unique in Western Massachusetts. In it, JFS serves as legal guardian for elderly people who can no longer care for themselves and have no family to assist them. As guardian, JFS staff act as dedicated advocates for the personal, social, and financial needs of these older adults, most of whom live in nursing homes.

Your Chesed (acts of kindness) and Tsedakah (charity) will enable JFS to continue providing these and other much-needed services to its neediest neighbors.

(2000: HUMAN SERVICES: Well-Being)