Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis (JFCS) and Jewish Family Service St. Paul (JFS) are excited to announce they will unite as one organization with a new name, Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minnesota.
Beginning January 1, 2026, the two social service organizations will begin to operate as one, providing more than 30 programs and services to the Jewish and broad communities across the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.
FAQ: Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis Acquisition of Jewish Family Service of St. Paul – Uniting to become Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minnesota.
By joining together, JFCS and JFS can expand their reach, respond more comprehensively to emerging needs, and build a stronger, more sustainable future for Jewish human services across Minnesota. The historic and cultural significance of JFS St. Paul, with its century of service to the east metro, and JFCS Minneapolis, which has served the community for more than 100 years, are both honored in this acquisition. Together, their trusted legacies create meaningful synergies that will strengthen and expand support for individuals and families.
The acquisition will occur on January 1, 2026
The combined agency will be called Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minnesota (JFCSMN). The JFCS logo and branding, other than the addition of Minnesota/MN, will remain unchanged to ensure continuity, recognition, and trust.
The current locations in Golden Valley, Minneapolis and St. Paul will remain.
All programs/services will continue until the acquisition occurs on January 1, 2026. Program/services changes may develop after that date and will be communicated.
Clients will continue to be served by programs that continue.
The acquisition is guided by Tom Cytron-Hysom (JFS Board President), Barbie Levine (JFS Board Member), Ruth Olkon (JFS Chief Executive Officer), Lisa Cohen (JFS Finance and Operations Director), Howard Hoffman (JFCS Board President), Natalie Zamansky (JFCS Immediate Past President), Judy Halper (JFCS Chief Executive Officer), Amy Weiss (JFCS incoming Chief Executive Officer), Daniel Belich (JFCS Chief Financial Officer), and Sheilah Howard (JFCS Chief Administrative Officer).
Continue your generous support, advocacy, and involvement. Your time, talent, and resources will be essential to ensuring the success of the new organization.
You can email general questions about the acquisition to info@jfcsmpls.org or Ruth Olkon at rolkon@jfssp.org. Questions about specific JFCS programs and services through the end of the year should be directed to your contact providing those programs and services. Questions about JFS programs and services through the end of the year should be directed to Ruth Olkon at rolkon@jfssp.org.
