Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis (JFCS)

Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis provides essential services to people of all ages and backgrounds to sustain healthy relationships, ease suffering and offer support in times of need.

Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis provides essential services to people of all ages and backgrounds to sustain healthy relationships, ease suffering and offer support in times of need.

Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis provides essential services to people of all ages and backgrounds to sustain healthy relationships, ease suffering and offer support in times of need.

JFCS is here for you, offering support, when you need us.

We are proud to say that for more than a century, JFCS has provided programs, services, and support for thousands in the Jewish and broader communities. We provide senior services, career services, education and learning, community engagement, and counseling and mental health support. Our staff is highly trained and professional, providing culturally sensitive, confidential care that incorporates best practices. Repairing the world one person at a time, a central value of Judaism, informs our work and mission. Above all, our staff are compassionate and experienced. We are here for you when you need us, for many years to come.

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, December 14, 2024

PJ Library Traveling Havdalah

Shir Tikvah Young Families and PJ Library Minneapolis invite you to join us for Starry Night Havdalah. The evening will include dinner, a musical Havdalah,…

Sunday, December 15, 2024

PJ Library Family Chanukah Party

PJ Library Minneapolis and yourJewish invite you to a Family Chanukah Party at YoYo Donuts. Join us as we retell the Chanukah story, learn how…

Thursday, November 21, 2024

GLOW Holiday Festival

JFCS is excited to announce that we have been one of 30+ charities selected to participate in the GLOW Holiday Festival 2024, which will be…

Video Spotlight

Hag Sameach (Happy Holidays)

See how you can help your community in celebrating the holidays by donating or volunteering.

See more video content on our blog!

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Thanks to his longtime support and legacy of givin

Thanks to his longtime support and legacy of giving, JFCS will honor Jacob Garber's memory with our annual Friends of the Family Award at the JFCS Annual Benefit this Saturday, Dec. 7. It will be presented in memory of him and recognizes Frank Trestman (z’l), Kevin Brazner, and Sally Forbes Friedman for carrying out his wishes.

Jake, as he was known, was a longtime supporter of several organizations in the Twin Cities – including JFCS, where his legacy gifts support programs such as PJ Library, Hag Sameach, Academic Scholarships, Food Security, and of course, the Jacob S. Garber Transportation Program. Visit jfcsmpls.org/blog for more on Jake!

It's not too late to get tickets for the Annual Benefit – get them now at tuneinjfcs.org! Join us at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest for a winter wonderland filled with friends, fun, and a few surprises! We will joyfully celebrate coming together as a community to support the important work of JFCS.

The Fund-a-Need at JFCS' 36th Annual Benefit on Sa

The Fund-a-Need at JFCS' 36th Annual Benefit on Saturday, Dec. 7, will be Senior Services.

Many seniors face isolation, loneliness, and difficulty accessing basic needs like food, medical care, and social connections. JFCS Senior Services provides essential support through transportation, shopping assistance, kosher Meals on Wheels, personalized case management, and Holocaust Survivor support. We also offer programs like Memory Café and Powerful Tools for Caregivers to support caregivers.

By combatting the challenges of aging, our services have a transformative impact that extends far beyond mere assistance. These services empower seniors to live independently and with dignity. Community funding is crucial to continue this vital work, reflecting our values of respect, professionalism and compassion for our elders. Visit jfcsmpls.org/blog for more on our Senior Services.

The JFCS 36th Annual Benefit is coming up – get your tickets now! Join us on Dec. 7 at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest for a winter wonderland filled with friends, fun, and a few surprises! We will joyfully celebrate coming together as a community to support the important work of JFCS. Buy your tickets at tuneinjfcs.org!

Join JFCS' Volunteers in Action in an upcoming gro

Join JFCS' Volunteers in Action in an upcoming group volunteer event from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, where we will sort and inventory toys for PRISM‘s upcoming Holiday Toy Shoppe. This volunteer activity is open to volunteers of all ages. You can sign up with a friend or family member, or feel free to come alone and you will meet others. Visit jfcsmpls.org/events for more information and to register!

Volunteers in Action is a JFCS volunteer corps that supports organizations in the Jewish and broader communities. The program partners with organizations whose missions align with JFCS’ mission to provide essential services to people of all ages and backgrounds to sustain healthy relationships, ease suffering and offer support in times of need.

"If you have picked up a prescription, brought ove

"If you have picked up a prescription, brought over dinner, given a ride to the doctor, taken care of an errand, or made decisions big or small on behalf of a senior, you are a caregiver. Caregiving provides many joys, and at the same time, can be a stressor. JFCS Senior Services places a strong emphasis on support for family caregivers," writes Senior Services Manager Roni Falck.

November is National Family Caregivers Month - visit jfcsmpls.org/blog to read Roni's column on all the ways JFCS supports senior caregivers.

Today, Nov. 20, marks the 25th anniversary of Tran

Today, Nov. 20, marks the 25th anniversary of Transgender Day of Remembrance. Founded in 1999, Transgender Day of Remembrance began in response to the murders of Rita Hester and Chanelle Pickett. It has since grown into an international effort to remember those that have been lost over the previous year due to transphobic violence and discrimination. May their memories be for a blessing.

JFCS' J-Pride program will again be co-sponsoring the Trans Day of Remembrance Service at Shir Tikvah in Minneapolis, which will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22.

For more information and resources on Trans Day of Remembrance, visit keshetonline.org/trans-day-of-remembrance/

The JFCS 36th Annual Benefit is just a few weeks a

The JFCS 36th Annual Benefit is just a few weeks away – get your tickets now! Join us on Dec. 7 at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest for a winter wonderland filled with friends, fun, and a few surprises! We will joyfully celebrate coming together as a community to support the important work of JFCS. Buy your tickets at tuneinjfcs.org!

Enjoy an evening filled with great music by RFactor, an interactive photo experience, wine pull, terrific food passed and at stations, and a dessert, hot cocoa, candy, and popcorn bar, plus treats to take home. Most importantly, there will be touching moments and opportunities to support JFCS.

JFCS is excited to announce that we have been one

JFCS is excited to announce that we have been one of the charities selected to participate in the GLOW Holiday Festival 2024, which will be held Nov. 21 through Jan. 5, 2025, at CHS FIELD in downtown St. Paul.

When you buy tickets for GLOW using the discount code “GIVING24”, $1 from each ticket purchase will be donated to the participating organizations. Buy your tickets at www.glowholiday.com.

Stroll through over a million lights, Color Blossoms, Enchanted Forest, Bright Bikes, Tremendous Tree, and more – celebrate the holidays and help support JFCS!
#GLOWHOLIDAY

"My passion for food security has deep roots, star

"My passion for food security has deep roots, starting from my childhood in Soviet Russia. Growing up, limited food availability was a reality due to political and economic challenges, and I saw how lack of access to food impacts families and communities."

Elena Ritz was recently hired as the JFCS Food Security Coordinator – visit jfcsmpls.org/blog to read a Q&A with her, where she speaks about her background and how JFCS works to address food security challenges the community currently faces.

Nov. 9 marks the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht

Nov. 9 marks the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht, a night of Nazi-led pogroms against Jews. (Visit ushmm.org for more information)
Last night, similar, targeted violence occurred in Amsterdam against Jewish people as part of an alarming pattern of rising antisemitism. In these very challenging times, continue to work towards peace and understanding.

Get your tickets to the JFCS 36th Annual Benefit n

Get your tickets to the JFCS 36th Annual Benefit now! Join us on Dec. 7 at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest for a winter wonderland filled with friends, fun, and a few surprises! We will joyfully celebrate coming together as a community to support the important work of JFCS. Buy your tickets at tuneinjfcs.org!

Enjoy an evening filled with great music by RFactor, an interactive photo experience, wine pull, terrific food passed and at stations, and a dessert, hot cocoa, candy, and popcorn bar, plus treats to take home. Most importantly, there will be touching moments and opportunities to support JFCS.

The 24th Annual Twin Cities Jewish Community Menta

The 24th Annual Twin Cities Jewish Community Mental Health Education Conference was held on Oct. 20, with over 300 people in attendance. The Mental Health Education Conference Home Page (jfcsmpls.org/conference-home-page-2024) has all these great opportunities to continue connection with the event:
• Listen to audio recordings of all breakout sessions so you can “Take Us With You” as you continue your learning on the go
• View handouts from presenters
• Connect with community resources
• Check out the recommended book list
• Complete the evaluation form
• Print a certificate of attendance

We hope to see you again next year for the 25th anniversary of the Twin Cities Jewish Community Annual Mental Health Education Conference!

JFCS' 36th Annual Benefit will feature music from

JFCS' 36th Annual Benefit will feature music from RFactor. This group of musicians is the last entity to perform as The Rupert’s Orchestra of Minneapolis, and although the name has changed, the band is in high demand, performing every week at clubs and private events throughout Minneapolis.

Enjoy an evening filled with great music, dancing, an interactive photo experience, wine pull, terrific food passed and at stations, and a dessert, hot cocoa, candy, and popcorn bar, plus treats to take home. Most importantly, there will be touching moments and opportunities to support JFCS.

Get your tickets to the 36th Annual Benefit now! Join us on Dec. 7 at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest for a winter wonderland filled with friends, fun, and a few surprises! Buy your tickets at tuneinjfcs.org!

Get your tickets to the JFCS 36th Annual Benefit n

Get your tickets to the JFCS 36th Annual Benefit now! Join us on Dec. 7 at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest for a winter wonderland filled with friends, fun, and a few surprises! We will joyfully celebrate coming together as a community to support the important work of JFCS. Buy your tickets at tuneinjfcs.org!

Enjoy an evening filled with great music by RFactor, an interactive photo experience, wine pull, terrific food passed and at stations, and a dessert, hot cocoa, candy, and popcorn bar, plus treats to take home. Most importantly, there will be touching moments and opportunities to support JFCS.

There is still time to register for this Sunday's

There is still time to register for this Sunday's 24th Annual Twin Cities Jewish Community Mental Health Education Conference - register now at jfcsmpls.org!

The Oct. 20 event is free and open to everyone. The keynote speaker will be Kathy Flaminio, LGSW, MSW, E-RYT-200, who is the founder and CEO of movemindfully®, a training and consulting company on the science of mindfulness, movement, and social-emotional learning.

In addition to the keynote address, the conference will offer two breakout sessions of workshops with 13 topics to choose from, covering mental health issues affecting youth to people in the later stages of life. Workshop topics include setting boundaries and finding balance, ADHD, political polarization, the interaction between youth and the internet, ecotherapy, and much more! The event will also include an in-person and virtual resource fair.

The goal of this conference is to raise awareness, reduce stigma and provide comfort to those in need. The Conference is a collaboration with JFCS and Jewish Family Services of St. Paul (JFS) – partners in improving mental health access, understanding, and education in the community.

The 24th Annual Twin Cities Jewish Community Menta

The 24th Annual Twin Cities Jewish Community Mental Health Education Conference will be held Sunday, Oct. 20, at Temple Israel - register now at jfcsmpls.org!

The keynote speaker will be Kathy Flaminio, LGSW, MSW, E-RYT-200, who is the founder and CEO of movemindfully®, a training and consulting company on the science of mindfulness, movement, and social-emotional learning.

In addition to the keynote address, the conference will offer two breakout sessions of workshops with 13 topics to choose from, covering mental health issues affecting youth to people in the later stages of life. Workshop topics include setting boundaries and finding balance, ADHD, political polarization, the interaction between youth and the internet, ecotherapy, and much more! The event will also include an in-person and virtual resource fair.

The goal of this conference is to raise awareness, reduce stigma and provide comfort to those in need. The Conference is a collaboration with JFCS and Jewish Family Services of St. Paul (JFS) – partners in improving mental health access, understanding, and education in the community. It is free and open to everyone.

Eight JFCS staff members attended an experiential

Eight JFCS staff members attended an experiential training and panel discussion last week, "Inspiring Minds: Creating an equitable future where all children thrive," hosted by Greater Twin Cities United Way (GTCUW) at the Science Museum of Minnesota. Staff first explored the "Wonder Years: The Science of Early Childhood Development" and the "Race: Are We So Different?" exhibits, followed by facilitated small group discussions to help them process the impacts of racism on child development.

The panelists Tikki Brown and Dianne Haulcy, Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner, respectively, of the newly-created Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF); Dr. Nicole Evans, Embracing Equity Director of Leadership; and Jamie Bonczyk, GTCUW 80X3 Program Officer; all shared inspirational words of wisdom on how the themes they explored in the exhibits intersect during the powerful first years of a child's life.

JFCS staff took time after the training to deeper their discussions on what they experienced and how they can take action on what they learned to make positive impact in their work and lives in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion.

We're excited to announce that the JFCS Blog now i

We're excited to announce that the JFCS Blog now includes a Video Library. Our Video Library, where we will continue adding content, will provide information about our programs and services, including:

• Education and tips for health and wellness, career and job search, mentoring, caregiving, addressing isolation, and more
• Resources
• Ways to volunteer and support JFCS

In our current Video Spotlight featured on our homepage, JFCS Therapist Becca Hotchkiss provides an overview of our Counseling program’s Play Therapy and how it is used to support families with young children. Additional videos currently available in the library feature other Counseling topics, as well as our ParentChild+ program. Check it out at jfcsmpls.org/blog by clicking the "Videos" tab at the top!

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. I

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. In recognition, JFCS is sharing tips and resources throughout the month from our Counseling department:

Talking with someone about your thoughts and feelings can save your life. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in need of emotional and mental health support. If you or someone you know needs support now, reach out to the 988 Minnesota Lifeline by calling or texting 9-8-8 or use the online chat feature at chat.988lifeline.org

For information on JFCS' Counseling program and the different types of therapies we provide, visit jfcsmpls.org/counseling
#YouMatterMN #StartTheConversation

The 24th Annual Mental Health Education Conference

The 24th Annual Mental Health Education Conference on Sunday, Oct. 20, at Temple Israel will feature @joedavispoetry to close the conference with his creative expression on "Wellness Through The Arts."

Joe Davis is an award-winning spoken word artist and bestselling author who uses poetry to power possibility. He is the founder and director of Finding Your Freedom Practice, teaching holistic health and wellness practices through spoken word, writing, music, theater, and dance. Joe holds a master of arts degree in theology of the arts and also heads a multimedia production company, a soul funk band, and a racial justice education program. His work has been featured on BET, MPR, CNN, VH1, and the Twin Cities CW.

Based in Minneapolis, he tours internationally to join schools, faith spaces, nonprofits, businesses, and correctional facilities to practice envisioning and embodying a world of collective liberation and human flourishing. To connect, book, or learn more, visit joedavispoetry.com

The Conference is a collaboration with JFCS and Jewish Family Services of St. Paul (JFS) – partners in improving mental health access, understanding, and education in the community. It is free and open to everyone. To register to attend, sign up for volunteering and/or to donate to this impactful event, visit jfcsmpls.org

JFCS, in partnership with the Minnesota JCC, will

JFCS, in partnership with the Minnesota JCC, will host a six-week class, “Powerful Tools for Caregivers.” It will be held Mondays, Oct. 14 through Nov. 18, at the Minnesota JCC Sabes Center.

The class is designed to provide you with a wealth of self-care tools that will help you take care of yourself while taking care of others. You will learn to reduce stress, improve your self-confidence, bring more balance to your life, better communicate your feelings, and increase your ability to make tough decisions. The class is open to people from the Jewish and broader community.

Visit jfcsmpls.org/events for more information and to register!

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