Jewish Social Services

Jewish Community Social Services

Jewish Community Social Services provides opportunities for individualized support across the lifespan through case management, crisis assistance, and direct services to help individuals of all ages and families navigate life’s challenges.

If you’re facing a challenge or feeling unsure about what to do next, you don’t have to figure it out alone—call JFS to speak with someone who can listen, guide, and support you. Services are confidential, accessible, and available to all members of the community.

Our Programs & Services

Referrals and Resources
Our team is here to assist with information and resources for services tailored to your needs.

Case Management and Mental Health Support

A community social worker is available to meet with you one-on-one to learn more about what you’re experiencing and help identify the support and resources that may be most beneficial. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan based on your goals, with ongoing support to help you navigate the next steps.

 

Through case management, we can help connect you to mental health services that align with your needs—whether you're seeking guidance, access to therapy, or other forms of support.

Crisis Support

If you're facing a crisis, a community social worker can provide immediate support, help you explore options, and connect you with critical resources.

 

For emergencies, please call 911.

 

For mental health crisis, please call 988. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be a beneficial support.

Emergency Financial Assistance

If you're experiencing financial hardship, we can explore available assistance options and connect you to resources that may help ease immediate needs.

Hamsa Fund

The Hamsa Fund provides education and life enrichment grants to Jewish youth and young adults, helping to reduce financial barriers to meaningful opportunities.

Career and Financial Services
Work with a coach to identify and achieve your career and financial goals. Services include resume development, interview preparation, job search support, budgeting, credit improvement, and more. For more details and to get started, visit our Career and Financial Solutions page.

Career and Financial Services
Work with a coach to identify and achieve your career and financial goals. Services include resume development, interview preparation, job search support, budgeting, credit improvement, and more. For more details and to get started, visit our Career and Financial Solutions page.

Seasonal Support and Birthday Club

We offer seasonal programs throughout the year to support individuals and families in the community. Our Passover Food Drive provides holiday support, Backpack Attack offers back-to-school supplies, Adopt-a-Family assists with Chanukah needs, and Birthday Club provides birthday gifts for children.

Kavod: Support for Local Holocaust Survivors

Kavod: Holocaust Survivor Services provides compassionate support to Holocaust survivors through case management, emotional support, financial assistance, and other essential services. For more details, visit our Kavod: Support for Local Holocaust Survivors page.

Community Support and Education

At JFS, we play an active support role in times of crisis or concern, collaborating with other local Jewish organizations and synagogues to ensure individuals and families receive the care and resources they need. We also provide valuable support to their staff, helping them navigate challenging situations.

 

We also convene the Resiliency Roundtable, a forum that brings together professionals from Jewish agencies and synagogues across the community to strengthen our collective capacity to address mental health challenges for youth, young adults, and families. This initiative is inspired by the national BeWell program from Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). In conjunction with the Roundtable, we share mental health trainings and content tailored to the unique needs of each agency, helping to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and equip individuals and organizations with tools to better support mental well-being.

Julie Sondhelm
Clinical Director
317-536-1476
jsondhelm@jfgi.org

Sally Catlin, MSW, LSW
Social Worker, Older Adult Services
317-536-1475
scatlin@jfgi.org

Boris Gorlin
Holocaust Survivor Community Liason, KAVOD Program
Translator/Interpreter (Russian and Ukrainian)
317-210-1026
bgorlin@jfgi.org

Ways to Give

Your donation to Jewish Family Services, the social services arm of the Jewish community, provides for so many in our community, including programs and services for older adults and seniors.

Want to keep in touch? Connect with us by subscribing to our Monthly Federation Newsletter. Sign Up >