About Us
Who We AreWe are a collective of social workers, volunteers, generous supporters, compassionate hearts, spirited and spiritual human beings.
Passionate providers of comprehensive social services.
Jewish Family Service of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, Inc. is an independent 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide professional social services from Jewish perspectives which respond to and support individuals and families through life’s transitions.
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 collective of social workers, volunteers, generous supporters, compassionate hearts, spirited and spiritual human beings.
We are one of the oldest social service agencies in Nashville, but that doesn’t mean we are stagnant. We are constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the people we serve. Above all, we never cease finding new ways to enrich, enhance, and empower the lives of those in need of help.
Serving Nashville
Since 1853
As part of a nearly 170-year-old global tradition, ours has been the compassionate thread of continuity in an ever-changing world. We know that the work we do makes where we call home, a kinder and more inclusive place.
Our Mission
To provide professional social services from Jewish perspectives which respond to and support individuals and families through life’s transitions—enriching social, emotional, and economic conditions; enhancing personal growth; and empowering our clients to lead independent, productive and satisfying lives.
Our History
In 1853, the Hebrew Benevolent Society, was established to care for the sick and protect orphans, widows, the afflicted, and the destitute.
Over the years, the organization evolved into what is known today as Jewish Family Service. When you look through the volumes written about Nashville’s Jewish history, on nearly every page you’ll find us or one of our predecessors.
Whether we are visiting the sick, counseling the broken, responding to crisis situations, facilitating adoption journeys, or offering financial assistance, our values-driven approach to societal care is rooted in the foundation of our history–caring for our neighbors, honoring dignity and respect above all.
1853
Hebrew Benevolent Society established
1860
Young Men’s Hebrew Benevolent Society established
1870
Nashville Hebrew Ladies Benevolent Society established
1871
Hungarian Benevolent Society established
1879
Hebrew Relief Society, a collaboration of all benevolent societies established
1914
Federation of Jewish Charities
1937
Jewish Welfare Federation
1976 - Present
Jewish Family Service
Beliefs
Our Core Values
Compassion
Empathetic and caring, kind and generous, we listen with open hearts, and offer loving kindness. We treat everyone with dignity, we are welcoming, and go the extra mile without hesitation.
Professionalism
With a high standard of professional conduct and credentialed providers, we act with integrity and firmly protect client confidentiality. We strive for excellence and high-impact in all that we do.
Dignity
We offer unconditional love, without fear of judgement—welcoming one and welcoming all. Our environment is safe, affirming, and respectful. We believe all humans have value and should be treated as such.
Inclusivity
Agility
Both nimble and flexible, we stand ready to respond to our community’s ever-evolving needs. We observe then adapt—offering innovative ideas and thoughtful solutions when and where they’re most needed.
Jewish Values
We actively heed the calling of our human responsibility. We are guided by Jewish values of hope, justice, community, healing, acts of loving kindness, and to repair the world.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Financial Disclosure
Jewish Family Service of Nashville and Middle TN, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. As part of our commitment to accountability and transparency, our IRS Form 990s and Audited Financial Statements are available here.