Mission: Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford is a multiservice agency helping individuals and families deal with adversity and life transitions. Guided by the highest standards in counseling, advocacy, and programming, JFS enhances and strengthens quality of life for all those in need through the Jewish tradition of caring and compassion.
Background: JFS has been helping the Greater Hartford community for 97 years and is accredited by the National Council on Accreditation, licensed by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families as a psychiatric outpatient clinic for adolescents and children, and by the state Department of Public Health as a psychiatric outpatient clinic for adults. From educational information to short-term counseling and long-term treatment, the JFS comprehensive management approach has worked for thousands of individuals and families.
Targeted services are provided by a clinical staff for the following:
• Children and families — counseling for all individuals and families; autism and special-needs support groups; parenting education programs for divorcing parents (court mandated program); Focus on Kids (child-centered divorce counseling); and school-related issues.
• Older adults — aging challenges; bereavement counseling; memory and mental-health related issues; care-giving stress and depression.
• Geriatric care management — referral and stand-alone care management process; monitoring complicated issues of aging; and family responsibilities.
• Care at home — placement and management of caregivers for older adults who wish to remain independent in their homes.
In addition, JFS supports an active group of Holocaust survivors, providing social programs, financial assistance and clinics for reparations available through national and international agencies. JFS also houses the area’s only Kosher Food Pantry, serving anyone in need. Shelves are filled entirely by donations.
Major Fundraiser: Annual campaign for community donations. JFS is also supported through the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, United Way, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and the Jewish Community Foundation, and various other organizations.
Volunteer Needs: JFS has a growing volunteer program. Opportunities include Friendly Visitors for homebound clients, auxiliary staff support, seasonal projects and activities. Contact Lynn Preminger by telephone at (860) 236-1927, or by e-mail at lpreminger@jfshartford.org.
Leadership:
Anne Danaher, executive director
Janice Rothstein, director of clinical services
Gideon Rutenberg, president
Felix Springer, first vice president
Steve Kleinman, treasurer
Contact info:
Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford
333 Bloomfield Ave., Ste. A
West Hartford, CT 06117
Telephone: (860) 236-1927
Web site: www.jfshartford.org
Anne Danaher is executive director for Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford.
