How JFCS is planning for the future in uncertain times
By Amy Weiss • Chief Program Officer
How does an organization that offers 30+ programs to the Jewish and broader community plan for the future in uncertain times? That question, and our commitment to serving people through all ages and stages of life, is part of what informs our work on an ongoing basis.
JFCS recently completed a strategic planning process that will serve as our guide for the next three years. The process offered an opportunity to reflect on where we are, explore where we want to be in the future, and develop a roadmap to build on the work we’ve already done. We know that our mission, vision and values are solid – we remain committed to providing essential services to people of all ages and backgrounds to sustain healthy relationships, ease suffering, and offer support in times of need. The question is how do we continue the work and stay on track with all of the uncertainty?
As we’ve watched the federal and state spending debates, JFCS’ leadership team has utilized scenario planning to help us plan for potential budget impacts. Much of our work is funded through a combination of public and private dollars – a combination of government funding, private donations, and fees. Our goal is to maintain a healthy balance of funding so we are not over-reliant on one funding source.
We know that funding in areas that are key to our core programming – for example, serving seniors in our Meals on Wheels and transportation programs – has already been reduced. Therefore, we’ve leaned into conversations with funders, existing and new, to demonstrate the need and impact of our programs. Our primary goal in Senior Services is to support seniors’ independence, quality of life, and ability to remain in their own homes. Investing in these programs does just that and ultimately helps the whole family.
In addition to strengthening and maintaining relationships with our current funders, we are also exploring new partnerships, funders, and individual donors. This gives us an opportunity to talk about the impact we are making on individuals, families, and the community.
Engaging in discussion
JFCS is not an advocacy organization, but we do advocate on behalf of programs, policies, and communities that we serve. In practical terms, that means JFCS is an active member of a variety of coalitions, including Partners to End Hunger, WorkWell MN and the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies (NJHSA). Each year we support a legislative agenda to address issues of hunger, access to services for seniors and people with disabilities, gun violence prevention, early childhood education and health. Much of our advocacy work is educating elected officials and the community about the impact of suggested legislation and funding on individuals and families.
This year, during the legislative session, staff, and participants from JFCS and our Greater Minnesota partner in Northfield, Healthy Communities Initiative, visited with legislators and testified in a state House hearing about the ParentChild+ program. The goal was to secure funding to maintain the program at our Greater Minnesota sites in Northfield, St. Cloud and Rochester. Staff and families shared personal stories about the ParentChild+ Program’s impact on multiple generations – improving school readiness and high school graduation rates. Through an intensive home visiting program, we can help parents become their child’s first and most important teacher.
Unfortunately, the funding was not approved, leaving a funding challenge for JFCS and the Greater Minnesota partners. Working through our scenario planning, in partnership with the Department of Children Youth and Families and our Greater Minnesota partners, we are working to secure funding to maintain these sites.
Over the next few months, look for information from JFCS about the impact of federal and state budget decisions and how you can share your thoughts with legislators. Each of us has a role to play to ensure our community has appropriate resources to thrive.
If you are interested in learning more about JFCS’ advocacy work and how you can be involved, please contact Amy Weiss at aweiss@jfcsmpls.org.
JFCS’ Strategic Plan 2025-2027
Goal 1: Anticipate and meet the increasing need for responsive, relevant individual and family-centered services within the Jewish and broader community.
Goal 2: Foster an exceptional, inclusive organizational environment with the people, resources, and processes necessary to deliver on our strategic vision and priorities.
Goal 3: Expand our capacity to provide needed programs and services through long-term financial strength and operational effectiveness.
Goal 4: Increase our impact, influence, and visibility throughout the Jewish and broader community.