The United States is currently seeing tens of thousands of Afghans pour into the country as Humanitarian Parolees. After spending weeks or months on military bases while awaiting processing, they are now in need of assistance, and Nashville’s Jewish community is coordinating efforts to do just that.
A recent report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found over 100,000 people died from drug overdoses between May 2020 and April 2021. The finding highlights not only the growing opioid crisis, but also a crisis in mental health. And while the Biden administration is getting involved in the fight against opioid addiction, locally the Jewish Family Service of Middle Tennessee is working on the mental health front.
In 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,” notes. But during the past year and a half, a revival of the handwritten letter has taken place between local seniors and Jewish Family Service volunteers.
The Covid19 pandemic has both triggered and highlighted the need to change the conversation around mental health issues. According to a recent survey of adults by the Centers for Disease Control, more than one-third of those responding reported symptoms of anxiety or depression, over 10 percent reported having started or increased substance use, more than one quarter reported stress-related symptoms, and over 10 percent reported having serious thoughts of suicide in the past 30 days.
The late Kaaren Engel was a woman who was able to make any space a comfortable home. When her own home and art studio were lost in the historic flood in 2010, according to her daughter Zoe, “She was devastated, and hope felt very far away.”
As many in the Nashville Jewish community begin to venture outside their homes, albeit cautiously, for the senior population, it is a different story. This vulnerable group continues to stick close to home and the experience can be isolating and, at times, even dangerous. Recognizing the need to keep a closer watch on these folks, Jewish Family Service gradually expanded their outreach.
To address the need to reach more people, Jewish Family Service social workers recently received training and certification to provide tele-mental health treatment. Ashley Franklin, a LMSW social worker at JFS, says it was the increase in calls for assistance that triggered her desire for additional training. “Over the past several months we’ve become busier and received more requests for counseling.”
Tucked away in a nondescript building on the Vanderbilt University campus, a team of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and research assistants are working on what they hope will be a successful vaccine for COVID-19.
Toni Jacobsen, Clinical Director of JFS, answers questions about how JFS is pivoting to help those in need of financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jewish Family Service of Nashville and Middle Tennessee is being recognized by the Human Rights Campaign in its 2020 All Children All Families Report for its work in the field of same sex parent adoptions.
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.
Donate Now →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.
Explore →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.
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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.
Explore All →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.
Explore →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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