Navigating Life’s Transitions.
Together.
Social services from Jewish perspectives that respond to and support individuals and families through life’s transitions.
We are JFS.
Jewish
family
Service
Founded nearly 170 years ago, we are one of the oldest social service agencies in Nashville, but that doesn’t mean we’re stagnant. We are constantly evolving our services and programs to met the ever-changing needs of our community.
We honor individual dignity, confidentiality, and inclusivity and promise to help you navigate life’s challenges—no matter who you are, how old you are, or what season you’re in. Our doors will always open to an affirming and safe space.
Financial donors
Committed volunteers
Community programs
Clients served annually
enriching
Services & Programs
Counseling
- Individual Counseling
Some situations in life are nearly impossible to manage, but you don’t have to do it alone.
- Couples Counseling
When being in a marriage or relationship feels overwhelming, we’ll help provide strength.
- Family Counseling
Safely work through problems and heal wounds that often prevent families from moving forward.
- Children & Teens Counseling
Learn the skills to handle life’s obstacles through the challenges of childhood.
Adoption
- Birth Parents
We offer compassion and strength in making the best decision for you and your child.
- Adoptive Parents
We have more than 40 years of experience in adoption services in Nashville and beyond.
- LGBTQ+ Adoptions
As the first agency in Tennessee to facilitate same-sex adoptions, we know that love knows no bounds.
Food & Financial
- Emergency Financial Assistance
Our community resources can help you temporarily while you get back on your feet.
- Hanukkah Gifts
Since 1993, we have ensured that all children can celebrate the holiday with dignity.
- Kosher Food Boxes
Kosher food boxes containing items that have been approved by a rabbi and a dietician.
- School Supplies
Arming students with enough school supplies to start the new year with confidence.
Older Adults
- Golden Lunch Bunch
Bi-monthly lunch program for older adults to enjoy a catered lunch, entertainment, and socialization.
- Helping Hands
Providing companionship and friendship for isolated seniors and people with disabilities.
- Cyber Seniors
Cyber Seniors matches computer savvy volunteers with older adults needing basic tech assistance.
- Jacob’s Ladder
Volunteers help seniors with small household tasks that require the use of a ladder.
- Low-Vision Aid
Giving seniors with failing eyesight the tools they need to maintain independence and daily living.
- Religious Programming
If you’re unable to travel outside of your home to celebrate the holidays, we’ll bring the holidays to you.
Family & Community
- Family Education
Educational programs that address emerging concerns or needs that impact families and the community.
- Healthy Skills for Healthy Kids
Teaching our children the aspects of building healthy relationships and recognizing unhealthy relationships.
- Jewish Job Network
A confidential committee of business leaders who review resumes and offer job opportunities.
- Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing
Award-winning, five year curriculum using Jewish teachings to guide girls through adolescent life.
- Chaver Mentorships
One-on-one relationships between an adult and a child being raised in a non-traditional Jewish home.
- Support Groups
Support groups lead by JFS social workers that bring together people facing similar life challenges.
Counseling Services
Individual
Counseling
Some situations in life are nearly impossible to manage, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Couples
Counseling
When being in a relationship feels overwhelming, we’ll help provide strength.
Family
Counseling
Work through problems and heal wounds that often prevent families from moving forward.
Children & Teens
Counseling
Skilled professionals help young people and their families navigate the challenges of childhood.
Adoption Services
Birth
Parents
We offer compassion and strength in making the best decision for you and your child.
Adoptive
Parents
We have more than 40 years of experience in adoption services in Nashville and beyond.
LGBTQ+
Adoptions
Food & Financial Support
Financial
Assistance
Our community resources can help you temporarily while you get back on your feet.
Hanukkah
Gifts
Since 1993, we have ensured that all children can celebrate the holiday with dignity.
Kosher Food
Boxes
Kosher food boxes containing items that have been approved by a rabbi and a dietician.
School
Supplies
Arming students with enough school supplies to start the new year with confidence.
Older Adults Programs
Golden
Lunch Bunch
Helping
Hands
Cyber
Seniors
Jacob’s
Ladder
Low-Vision
Aid
Religious
Programming
Family & Community Support
Family
Education
Healthy Skills For
Healthy Kids
Jewish Job
Network
Rosh Hodesh:
It’s A Girl Thing
Chaver
Mentorships
Support
Groups
2021-22 Featured Program
Mental Health Matters
In one way or another, the past year has made an impact on nearly every individual’s mental health. In addition to our on-going services, we have developed a year-long series of programs designed to address the mental health needs of our community. Please join us.
Professional Development
Mental Health in the Workplace
Employees of Jewish organizations will be trained in safely managing and de-escalating disruptive behavior, ways to offer and provide initial help, and ways to guide a person toward appropriate care if necessary.
Mindfulness Books
Resources
Mindfulness practice can encourage kindness in children and help them manage their emotions. It can also aid in the search of a more enriching and harmonious way of parenting. Call to schedule a time to pick up your free book.
Community Education
with Blue Dove Foundation
Join us for the 2-part educational program series, "Recognizing when someone is in need of help." Engage in a variety of activities to understand how to best support others.
David Wiley Long
Book Talk
JFS client, David Wiley Long, shares his incredible story of resilience, hope and perseverance, and the inspiration for his book, Up Against The Wind, Chasing David Wiley.
Interactive Art Project
Share Your Truth
Stand up, speak up and share your truth with an interactive art display that features a collective group of individual journeys including emotions, grief, success and hope.
Beads of Courage
Coping With the Loss of a Loved One
During the program participants express memories, fears, courage and hope for the future using symbolic beads that become metaphors of remembrance.
100 Cups of Coffee
Meet the JFS Staff
Get to know your social service agency and professionals so that you know where to go when you need assistance and learn about our agency’s programs and services.
Testimonials
How to Support JFS
Our organization is sustained by the generosity of those who contribute time and resources. If you would like to give back to JFS, there are a number of ways to help.
Our Impact
Counseling Individuals
Adoption Families
Hanukkah Gift Recipients
Seniors Served
News & Community Resources
JFS Central
Pandemic Pen Pals Help Each Other Cope
EditorialThis article was originally published in The Jewish Observer. by Barbara DabIn today’s screen centered world, many people consider letter writing to be merely a quaint throwback to B’nai Mitzvah and wedding and baby shower “thank you,”...
Dear Esther: Update from Toni Jacobsen, JFS Clinical Director
Dear EstherDear Esther is a monthly advice column published in The Jewish Observer. Hello readers! It’s Toni Jacobsen, Clinical Director of Jewish Family Service. Esther is on vacation and getting ready for the holidays with her family, so she asked...
Dear Esther: Searching for Joy
Dear EstherDear Esther is a monthly advice column published in The Jewish Observer.Dear Esther, For two years I have been caring for my husband, who has dementia, in our home. We have two grown children who live out of state and try to help when they...
