Jewish Community Services

Jewish Family Services Vision is Tikkun Olam; we will repair the world through compassion, connection and creative solutions. We embody this work through a wide range of social services and programs that help improve the lives of people in the Greater Rochester area. While we serve the entire community, we also have unique programs that are tailored to the specific needs of the Jewish Community. This reflects our commitment to Jewish values and traditions, which inspire us to support the well-being of all members of our community.

About Our Programs

Our Jewish Community programs are designed to help individuals and families overcome the unique challenges they may face, including cultural and religious considerations.

For example, we offer counseling services that serve members of the Jewish community, as well as programs that help families celebrate Jewish holidays and traditions. By providing these specialized services, we partner with individuals and families to celebrate the unique aspects of Jewish life and ensure that our cultural resources are accessible to all.

Jewish Family Services

All Jewish Community Service Programs

Accessibility & Inclusion Services

JFS partners with local synagogues and Jewish communal agencies to promote inclusion and address the needs of Jewish people with disabilities and their families. JFS Rochester also provides connections to resources for people with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and their families.

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Collection of nonperishable food

Brighton Food Cupboard

The Brighton Food Cupboard at JFS helps reduce and prevent hunger and food insecurity for people living in Brighton and surrounding communities. Weekly food deliveries, including Kosher, vegetarian, and gluten free options, are made directly to individuals and families.

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Younger woman and older man walking together outside

Connections for Older Adults

The Friendly Connections and JFS Connects programs both support ongoing connections for Rochester’s older adults to help them avoid the damaging effects of issolation and play an active role in our community. Friendly Connections connects older adults with volunteers that offer a check-in, and provide comfort and companionship. JFS Connects joins seniors with new friends in our community and beyond via a Virtual Senior Center.

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Holocaust Survivor Support

JFS supports 80 Holocaust survivors in Monroe County with care management services and access to emergency and quality-of-life supports including dental, vision, medical, home essentials, transportation, emergency homecare, rent, home repair, utilities, and food.

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Close up of man lighting the menorah during family meal on Hanukkah.

Jewish Living for People with I/DD

The Jewish Living Program at JFS Rochester offers multi-sensory engagement and connections to the Jewish holidays, traditions, and culture. The program is available year-round for adults with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) who reside in group homes or with their families.

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Happy senior man receiving groceries delivery at home.

Kosher Food Delivery

The Brighton Food Cupboard ensures Jewish community members in need of food assistance have access to Kosher options for both their regular grocery deliveries from BFC and as part of the Holiday Basket Program

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On-Site Support & Programs

Many of JFS Rochester’s programs are provided on site throughout the Greater Rochester community including at partner schools, synogogues, the JCC, and two housing complexes that offer unique services for their residents.

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School & Childcare Counseling Support

The Counseling Center at JFS includes on-site counseling to meet the social, emotional, developmental, and mental health needs of children and youth at Jewish Day schools, religious schools, and Jewish child carecenters.

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Volunteer with box of food.

The Holiday Basket Program at JFS

Every year JFS Rochster distributes hundreds of holiday baskets for all major Jewish holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, ensuring all in our community has support during multiple holiday seasons

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Senior friends out for a walk, enjoying the outdoors

The NORC at Ellison Park

The JFS Rochester NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community) program uses an innovative model for aging in place in your own home. NORC seniors continue to grow and learn, maintain their independence, and enhance their quality of life by making new friends and actively participating in their community.

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