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 meet 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
Community Education
Upcoming Featured Programs & Events
Please join us this year for one of our in-person community education events.
Senior Seder 2025
April 10, 2025
Chesed Dinner
May 7, 2025
JFS Nashville’s annual Chesed Dinner will be held on May 7, 2025 at the Gordon Jewish Community Center where we will honor two highly impactful individuals, Toni Jacobsen and Patty Marks.
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
2023 Annual Recap
News from the HeartIn this Issue: Israel Response A Word from JFS Board of Directors President Impact of 2023 Programs 2023 Chesed Honorees Volunteer Appreciation Tributes Stress Less Teen Workshop NARCAN Training Life & Legacy Ways to...
Local Community Welcomes Israeli Families Seeking Respite
Editorial This article was originally published in The Jewish Observer. by Barbara DabNashville’s Jewish community welcomed six families last month from kibbutzim located near the Gaza border. The families will remain in Nashville for two months,...
A Letter from JFS
Editorial This article was originally published in The Jewish Observer. by Pam Kelner, JFS Executive DirectorTo the Nashville Jewish Community, The massacre in Israel and the ongoing crisis affects us directly here in Nashville. We want to help you...