Your Support Sustains Our Vital Work

Richard Zelin, JFS Akron Advisory Board Chair

In 2017, Jewish Family Service of Akron faced multiple challenges making it difficult to meet the demand for services in our senior community. Most significantly, these challenges included devastating cuts in funding from the United Way of Summit County and the GAR Foundation, both of whom terminated funding for seniors. As a result, the JFS Board of Directors sought to become a division of Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland. 

It has been our pleasure to be part of this dynamic organization. Our merger with JFSA Cleveland has allowed us to expand and intensify the services provided to seniors in Akron in a sustainable manner. It remains important to both agencies that Akron staff continue to service Akron clients, with JFSA strictly providing back office support. 

Over the past 12 months, JFS has developed mental health programming that is fully accredited through the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The agency is now reimbursed for its services through commercial insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid, something which was previously not possible due to a lack of infrastructure support. JFS has also expanded support and socialization opportunities for Akron area Holocaust Survivors and seniors with grants provided through the Jewish Federations of North America and the Claims Conference (The Conference on Jewish Material Claims against Germany). 

But we need your help to continue our vital work! While we have established sustainable funding streams for core services, our clients benefit from quality of life experiences such as outings in the community, friendly visits, holiday food baskets, and quality time with others. These are not things the government will pay for, but are essential to keeping individuals physically and mentally healthy. 

Your gift to our Annual Friends Drive directly impacts the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors. For your convenience, use the enclosed envelope to return your gift by mail or donate on-line at jfsakron.org. 

On behalf of our clients, we thank you in advance for doing your part to improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our community.