News from the Heart

2017 JFS Newsletter
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December 2017

Dear Friends of JFS,

I am glad to have the opportunity once again to express my thanks to all of you for your support of Jewish Family Service and for giving me the honor of serving as its board president. I am excited about the future of JFS. The organization is stronger now than it has ever been, thanks to the continued efforts of our staff, board, and members of the community at large.

The efforts of the staff, not only to continue providing essential services to our community, but also to seek out and address additional, unmet needs of Jews in Middle Tennessee, speaks to the high level of dedication and professionalism they maintain. It is a pleasure to work with them, and to know that they are both thorough and efficient, as well as discreet and caring. Today, JFS serves thousands of community members in dozens of ways that range from financial aid and food relief to counseling to adoption services, just to name a few. The number of people that JFS serves and the ways in which JFS serves them grows every year.

From the establishment our precursor organization, the Hebrew Benevolent Society, over 160 years ago, JFS has been a vital part of Nashville’s Jewish community. The agency serves a mission that the Jewish community of Nashville has always recognized as truly necessary and critical. Many members of our community have been involved personally with JFS for decades. Many of their families, for even longer. I am pleased to be able to carry on that tradition.

On a more personal note, as I mentioned in my remarks at the annual meeting, I value and am honored by the opportunity to serve an organization like JFS. There is nothing political, controversial, or skewed about its mission. JFS exists to help people in our community that need help, doing so in the best way it can. It is a privilege to lead an organization like that. The job is also made far easier because its mission is so pure of heart, and because the people who carry out its mission are so experienced, and care so deeply about it. They give their all to it daily.

I hope the year is a good one for all.

Yours Truly,

Ben Russ
JFS President

In this Issue:

  • L’dor V’dor, From Generation to Generation
  • 2016-2017 Service & Program Highlights
  • Chesed Dinner Honorees
  • Life & Legacy: Interview with David and Edria Ragosin
  • What Do You Get When You Cross a Passover Seder With a 12-Step Meeting?
  • Tributes
  • JFS Senior Seder
Dear Friends of JFS,

I am glad to have the opportunity once again to express my thanks to all of you for your support of Jewish Family Service and for giving me the honor of serving as its board president. I am excited about the future of JFS. The organization is stronger now than it has ever been, thanks to the continued efforts of our staff, board, and members of the community at large.

The efforts of the staff, not only to continue providing essential services to our community, but also to seek out and address additional, unmet needs of Jews in Middle Tennessee, speaks to the high level of dedication and professionalism they maintain. It is a pleasure to work with them, and to know that they are both thorough and efficient, as well as discreet and caring. Today, JFS serves thousands of community members in dozens of ways that range from financial aid and food relief to counseling to adoption services, just to name a few. The number of people that JFS serves and the ways in which JFS serves them grows every year.

From the establishment our precursor organization, the Hebrew Benevolent Society, over 160 years ago, JFS has been a vital part of Nashville’s Jewish community. The agency serves a mission that the Jewish community of Nashville has always recognized as truly necessary and critical. Many members of our community have been involved personally with JFS for decades. Many of their families, for even longer. I am pleased to be able to carry on that tradition.

On a more personal note, as I mentioned in my remarks at the annual meeting, I value and am honored by the opportunity to serve an organization like JFS. There is nothing political, controversial, or skewed about its mission. JFS exists to help people in our community that need help, doing so in the best way it can. It is a privilege to lead an organization like that. The job is also made far easier because its mission is so pure of heart, and because the people who carry out its mission are so experienced, and care so deeply about it. They give their all to it daily.

I hope the year is a good one for all.

Yours Truly,

Ben Russ
JFS President

In this Issue:

  • L’dor V’dor, From Generation to Generation
  • 2016-2017 Service & Program Highlights
  • Chesed Dinner Honorees
  • Life & Legacy: Interview with David and Edria Ragosin
  • What Do You Get When You Cross a Passover Seder With a 12-Step Meeting?
  • Tributes
  • JFS Senior Seder

All Services

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.

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Counseling Services

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.

Individuals  |  Couples  |  Families   |  Children & Teens

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Adoption Services

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.

Birth Parents  |  Adoptive Parents  |  LGBTQ+ Adoptions

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Food & Financial Support

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.

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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.

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Family & Community Enrichment

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.

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Who We Are

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.

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Our Staff

We are a team of experienced professionals dedicated to treating each person with compassion, care and dignity.

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Board of Directors

A group of people with different backgrounds and perspectives who come together to help Jewish Family Service fulfill its mission and expand its reach.

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Our Impact

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.




Read Our Stories →

Items That Tell a Story

We’ve compiled a selection of items that we use frequently at JFS – in some cases every day.

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Ways To Help

The number of ways in which you can help support individuals and families navigate life’s transitions are endless.

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Volunteer

Volunteers are a vital part of how we support our clients. Find opportunities to assist those in our community who need a helping hand.

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Make a Donation

Since our founding in 1853, the generous support of our community has made the work of Jewish Family Service possible.

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JFS Central

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.

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Events & Gatherings

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.

See what's Going On →

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.

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Mental Health Matters

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.

Check it Out →

Senior Services Directory

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.

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Contact Us

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.

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