Enriching Communities. Together.
Family & Community ServicesPrograms and services that address the ever-changing needs of our families and neighbors.
Love thy neighbor.
Life can be challenging, and knowledge is power. The Jewish Family Service’s Family and Community Enrichment programs serve to empower, protect, and address the ever-changing needs of the entire Nashville community.
Sometimes, individuals require assistance that can’t be met by JFS’s programs and services. In those cases we can connect you with other providers through our free information and referral services.
Family & Community Enrichment
Chaver Mentor Program
The Chaver (friend) Mentor program is designed to emphasize one-on-one relationships between a Jewish adult and a child being raised in a Jewish home.
Family Life Education
Educational programs which focus on prevention and education. Our goal is to address emerging concerns or needs which impact families and the community through programs which empower, protect or inform the population about a current issue facing our community.
Healthy Skills for Healthy Kids
Protecting our children by teaching them all aspects of building healthy relationships and recognizing unhealthy relationships.
Jewish Job Network
A confidential committee of 30 compassionate and expert business leaders who review resumes, respond if they have related job opportunities, or send resumes to colleagues when applicable.
Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing
An award-winning, five year curriculum that uses Jewish teachings to guide girls in grades 6 through 12 through the bumpy path of adolescent life.
Support Groups
Led by our social workers, JFS support groups bring together people facing similar issues, such as illness, relationship problems or major life changes.
Chaver Mentor Program
615-354-1662
Volunteer
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The Chaver (friend) Mentor program is designed to emphasize one-on-one relationships between a Jewish adult and a child being raised in a Jewish home. These families may include single parent families, non-traditional families, children being raised by grandparents, or children who could benefit from additional adult support. Volunteers must pass all background and reference checks.
Chaver Mentor Program
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If you know a child who can benefit from this program please contact Ashley Franklin .
615-354-1662
Volunteer
Recent program topics include:
- Cyberbullying
- Teen Suicide Prevention
- Opiod Prevention
- Dating Abuse
- LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Family Life Education
615-354-1686
Events
Family Life Education
Jewish Family Service offers the community educational programs which focus on prevention and education. Our goal is to address emerging concerns or needs which impact families and the community through programs which empower, protect or inform the population about a current issue facing our community.
Recent program topics include:
- Cyberbullying
- Teen Suicide Prevention
- Opiod Prevention
- Dating Abuse
- LGBTQ+ Inclusion
If you are interested in learning more about this program, call us or check out all of our upcoming events.
615-354-1686
Health Skills for Healthy Kids
If you are interested in learning more about this program, please call or email Toni Jacobsen.
615-354-1672
Healthy Skills is an educational program with one goal in mind: protecting our children by teaching them all aspects of building healthy relationships and recognizing unhealthy relationships. Children are taught about body boundaries, red flags of sexual abuse, safety regarding strangers, positive social skills, resolving conflicts, conflict negotiation, direct communication, and dealing with bullies. The multi-session program is offered to children from preschool to school age.
Healthy Skills for Healthy Kids
Helping children identify the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships.
If you are interested in learning more about this program, please call or email Toni Jacobsen.
615-354-1672
Volunteer
~ Maimonides
Jewish teachings show that the highest form of charity is giving a person independence (work) so that he or she will not have to depend on charity.
This is the goal of the Jewish Job Network which was initiated in February 2009 to help Jewish community members weather the economic downturn. The Jewish Job Network is a confidential committee of 30 compassionate and expert business leaders, who review resumes, respond if they have related opportunities, or send resumes to colleagues where appropriate.
If you are a hiring manager or have colleagues and friends who are in the position of hiring for their company, and wish to be a part of the Jewish Job Network committee, please contact us.
Or, if you are a Jewish job-seeker and would like your resume forwarded to the network, please email your resume.
Jewish Job Network
If you are a hiring manager or a job seeker, contact Pam Kelner to get connected with the network.
615-354-1686
Jewish Job Network
~ Maimonides
This is the goal of the Jewish Job Network which was initiated in February 2009 to help Jewish community members weather the economic downturn. The Jewish Job Network is a confidential committee of 30 compassionate and expert business leaders, who review resumes, respond if they have related opportunities, or send resumes to colleagues where appropriate.
If you are a hiring manager or have colleagues and friends who are in the position of hiring for their company, and wish to be a part of the Jewish Job Network committee, please contact us.
Or, if you are a Jewish job-seeker and would like your resume forwarded to the network, please email your resume.
If you are a hiring manager or a job seeker, contact Pam Kelner to get connected with the network.
615-354-1686
Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing
If you are interested in learning more about this program, please contact Pam Kelner.
615-354-1644
♁
Thanks to a grant from the Ernest and Selma Rosenblum Foundation, Jewish Family Service was able to purchase the five year, award-winning curriculum Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing (RHIGT).
RHIGT uses Jewish teachings to guide girls in grades 6 through 12 through the bumpy path of adolescent life. The girls develop close relationships with other girls to have intimate discussions on topics such as friendships, relationships, family, body image, stress, competition, and anything else on their mind.
Facilitated by a group leader who has been trained in the curriculum, the program gives girls a stronger sense of their Jewish self throughout their life.
Rosh Hodesh: It’s A Girl Thing
♁
RHIGT uses Jewish teachings to guide girls in grades 6 through 12 through the bumpy path of adolescent life. The girls develop close relationships with other girls to have intimate discussions on topics such as friendships, relationships, family, body image, stress, competition, and anything else on their mind.
Facilitated by a group leader who has been trained in the curriculum, the program gives girls a stronger sense of their Jewish self throughout their life.
If you are interested in learning more about this program, please contact Pam Kelner.
615-354-1686
When the seas get rough, connect with others who are in the same boat.
Recent support group topics include:
- Grief
- Caregiver Support
- Anxiety Support
Support Groups
If you are interested in joining a group, call us or check out all of our upcoming events.
615-354-1672
Events
Support Groups
Recent support group topics include:
- Grief
- Caregiver Support
- Anxiety Support
If you are a hiring manager or a job seeker, contact Pam Kelner to get connected with the network.
615-354-1672
Information & Referral Services
Last year, Jewish Family Service staff answered over 500 calls from individuals through our Information and Referral service. The issues, questions, and solutions are as diverse as those seeking assistance and span the spectrum of human experience. This may include childcare, housing, transportation, employment, financial assistance, senior care, volunteer opportunities, relocation and much, much more.
Our social workers are trained to assess the needs of the person calling and help them understand their situations and empower them to make informed decisions about possible solutions. This service is free, convenient and confidential. Have a question, looking for direction, or need help? Give us a call at 615-356-4234.
Confidentiality Promise
The trust between our clients and JFS is the basis for our success. All transactions and discussions are protected by the highest professional ethical standards of client/counselor confidentiality.
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Our comprehensive social services and programs are designed to enrich the whole person, enhance the whole family, and empower the whole community–no matter your age, race, religion, preference, identity, economic standing, or otherwise.
Life can be challenging, relationships can be hard, and you may need the extra support that comes with working with a therapist. Our licensed social workers offer counseling for individuals, couples, and families, as well as for children and adolescents.
Choosing to adopt a child, or to place a child for adoption, is a life-altering decision. We are a licensed child-placing agency in Tennessee with more than 40 years of experience in adoption services in Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
Whether you need emergency financial assistance, such as help paying a utility bill or rent for the month, or material assistance by ensuring your children have gifts at the holidays, school supplies, or food supplements, Jewish Family Service offers this critical assistance in a confidential, compassionate manner.
Older Adult Programs & Services
We recognize that older adults are true treasures, and we strive to create and maintain a community that values and celebrates them for their wisdom, contributions, and experiences. Our programs and services are an important outlet for our older adults, encouraging them to be social and stimulated.
Life can be challenging, and knowledge is power. The Jewish Family Service’s Family and Community Enrichment programs serve to empower, protect, and address the ever-changing needs of the entire Nashville community.
Passionate providers of comprehensive social services, we are advocates, allies, educators, cheerleaders, and guides who create solutions to problems facing families and individuals of all ages.
We are a team of experienced professionals dedicated to treating each person with compassion, care and dignity.
A group of people with different backgrounds and perspectives who come together to help Jewish Family Service fulfill its mission and expand its reach.
We serve the people of Nashville and Middle Tennessee in many different ways. Here are a few of the human stories where JFS programs have made a tangible difference in people’s daily lives.
We’ve compiled a selection of items that we use frequently at JFS – in some cases every day.
The number of ways in which you can help support individuals and families navigate life’s transitions are endless.
Volunteers are a vital part of how we support our clients. Find opportunities to assist those in our community who need a helping hand.
Since our founding in 1853, the generous support of our community has made the work of Jewish Family Service possible.
Press coverage about JFS Nashville’s programing and services, learn about the history of the agency from our past newsletters, and enjoy reading original JFS content like our signature advice column, “Dear Esther.” Stay up to date with the impact we’re making throughout our community.
Check out the full calendar of upcoming JFS Nashville events. From community education, support groups, and special engagements alike, find out where you can show up and get connected.
Information & Referral Resources
Connect with our community partners. Our information and referral directory includes local and national resources that can provide additional support for addiction, mental health, and more.
Mental Health Matters is a JFS series that was designed to reduce the stigma of mental health issues by providing education, increasing awareness, and inclusivity. Check out our ongoing resources and past programming.
Need to know which pharmacies deliver? How to get a ride somewhere? Volunteer opportunities? The senior directory is the go-to resource for anything seniors might need related to the community.
How can we help? Send us a message, give us a call, or find us on social media. We usually respond within 1-2 business days.
