Navigating Life’s Transitions.
Together.
Social services from Jewish perspectives that respond to and support individuals and families through life’s transitions.
We are JFS.
Jewish
family
Service
Founded nearly 170 years ago, we are one of the oldest social service agencies in Nashville, but that doesn’t mean we’re stagnant. We are constantly evolving our services and programs to met the ever-changing needs of our community.
We honor individual dignity, confidentiality, and inclusivity and promise to help you navigate life’s challenges—no matter who you are, how old you are, or what season you’re in. Our doors will always open to an affirming and safe space.
Financial donors
Committed volunteers
Community programs
Clients served annually
enriching
Services & Programs
Counseling
- Individual Counseling
Some situations in life are nearly impossible to manage, but you don’t have to do it alone.
- Couples Counseling
When being in a marriage or relationship feels overwhelming, we’ll help provide strength.
- Family Counseling
Safely work through problems and heal wounds that often prevent families from moving forward.
- Children & Teens Counseling
Learn the skills to handle life’s obstacles through the challenges of childhood.
Adoption
- Birth Parents
We offer compassion and strength in making the best decision for you and your child.
- Adoptive Parents
We have more than 40 years of experience in adoption services in Nashville and beyond.
- LGBTQ+ Adoptions
As the first agency in Tennessee to facilitate same-sex adoptions, we know that love knows no bounds.
Food & Financial
- Emergency Financial Assistance
Our community resources can help you temporarily while you get back on your feet.
- Hanukkah Gifts
Since 1993, we have ensured that all children can celebrate the holiday with dignity.
- Kosher Food Boxes
Kosher food boxes containing items that have been approved by a rabbi and a dietician.
- School Supplies
Arming students with enough school supplies to start the new year with confidence.
Older Adults
- Golden Lunch Bunch
Bi-monthly lunch program for older adults to enjoy a catered lunch, entertainment, and socialization.
- Helping Hands
Providing companionship and friendship for isolated seniors and people with disabilities.
- Cyber Seniors
Cyber Seniors matches computer savvy volunteers with older adults needing basic tech assistance.
- Jacob’s Ladder
Volunteers help seniors with small household tasks that require the use of a ladder.
- Low-Vision Aid
Giving seniors with failing eyesight the tools they need to maintain independence and daily living.
- Religious Programming
If you’re unable to travel outside of your home to celebrate the holidays, we’ll bring the holidays to you.
Family & Community
- Family Education
Educational programs that address emerging concerns or needs that impact families and the community.
- Healthy Skills for Healthy Kids
Teaching our children the aspects of building healthy relationships and recognizing unhealthy relationships.
- Jewish Job Network
A confidential committee of business leaders who review resumes and offer job opportunities.
- Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing
Award-winning, five year curriculum using Jewish teachings to guide girls through adolescent life.
- Chaver Mentorships
One-on-one relationships between an adult and a child being raised in a non-traditional Jewish home.
- Support Groups
Support groups lead by JFS social workers that bring together people facing similar life challenges.
Counseling Services
Individual
Counseling
Some situations in life are nearly impossible to manage, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Couples
Counseling
When being in a relationship feels overwhelming, we’ll help provide strength.
Family
Counseling
Work through problems and heal wounds that often prevent families from moving forward.
Children & Teens
Counseling
Skilled professionals help young people and their families navigate the challenges of childhood.
Adoption Services
Birth
Parents
We offer compassion and strength in making the best decision for you and your child.
Adoptive
Parents
We have more than 40 years of experience in adoption services in Nashville and beyond.
LGBTQ+
Adoptions
Food & Financial Support
Financial
Assistance
Our community resources can help you temporarily while you get back on your feet.
Hanukkah
Gifts
Since 1993, we have ensured that all children can celebrate the holiday with dignity.
Kosher Food
Boxes
Kosher food boxes containing items that have been approved by a rabbi and a dietician.
School
Supplies
Arming students with enough school supplies to start the new year with confidence.
Older Adults Programs
Golden
Lunch Bunch
Helping
Hands
Cyber
Seniors
Jacob’s
Ladder
Low-Vision
Aid
Religious
Programming
Family & Community Support
Family
Education
Healthy Skills For
Healthy Kids
Jewish Job
Network
Rosh Hodesh:
It’s A Girl Thing
Chaver
Mentorships
Support
Groups
Community Education
2023 Featured Programs
Please join us this year for one of our in-person community education events.
Free Mental Health Services
We know you are struggling and overwhelmed with feelings about the war in Israel. We are offering free 30-minute conversations with one of our social workers for support, resources, and a safe place to process your feelings.
Let’s Talk Genes!
November 5, 2023
This Women’s Philanthropy Bruch will include a life-saving conversation about genetic testing and screening which will empower you to take control of your health.
Beads for Israel
November 8, 2023
Come together as a community to create your own strand of beads that represent protection, self-care, strength, and unity as we process feelings around the war in Israel.
Testimonials
How to Support JFS
Our organization is sustained by the generosity of those who contribute time and resources. If you would like to give back to JFS, there are a number of ways to help.
Our Impact
Counseling Individuals
Adoption Families
Hanukkah Gift Recipients
Seniors Served
News & Community Resources
JFS Central
2023 Annual Recap
News from the HeartIn this Issue: Israel Response A Word from JFS Board of Directors President Impact of 2023 Programs 2023 Chesed Honorees Volunteer Appreciation Tributes Stress Less Teen Workshop NARCAN Training Life & Legacy Ways to...
March 2023 Program Updates
News from the HeartIn this Issue: JFS Presents: Stress Less Teen Workshop Recap Jacob's Ladder Senior Seder Chesed Dinner 2023 Save the Date Make an Impact with our Giving Campaign
January 2023 Program Updates
News from the HeartIn this Issue: Hanukkah Recap Interactive Balloon Update JFS Presents: Stress Less Teen Workshop Financial Assistance Make an Impact with our Giving Campaign
Our comprehensive social services and programs are designed to enrich the whole person, enhance the whole family, and empower the whole community–no matter your age, race, religion, preference, identity, economic standing, or otherwise.
Life can be challenging, relationships can be hard, and you may need the extra support that comes with working with a therapist. Our licensed social workers offer counseling for individuals, couples, and families, as well as for children and adolescents.
Choosing to adopt a child, or to place a child for adoption, is a life-altering decision. We are a licensed child-placing agency in Tennessee with more than 40 years of experience in adoption services in Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
Whether you need emergency financial assistance, such as help paying a utility bill or rent for the month, or material assistance by ensuring your children have gifts at the holidays, school supplies, or food supplements, Jewish Family Service offers this critical assistance in a confidential, compassionate manner.
Older Adult Programs & Services
We recognize that older adults are true treasures, and we strive to create and maintain a community that values and celebrates them for their wisdom, contributions, and experiences. Our programs and services are an important outlet for our older adults, encouraging them to be social and stimulated.
Life can be challenging, and knowledge is power. The Jewish Family Service’s Family and Community Enrichment programs serve to empower, protect, and address the ever-changing needs of the entire Nashville community.
Passionate providers of comprehensive social services, we are advocates, allies, educators, cheerleaders, and guides who create solutions to problems facing families and individuals of all ages.
We are a team of experienced professionals dedicated to treating each person with compassion, care and dignity.
A group of people with different backgrounds and perspectives who come together to help Jewish Family Service fulfill its mission and expand its reach.
We serve the people of Nashville and Middle Tennessee in many different ways. Here are a few of the human stories where JFS programs have made a tangible difference in people’s daily lives.
We’ve compiled a selection of items that we use frequently at JFS – in some cases every day.
The number of ways in which you can help support individuals and families navigate life’s transitions are endless.
Volunteers are a vital part of how we support our clients. Find opportunities to assist those in our community who need a helping hand.
Since our founding in 1853, the generous support of our community has made the work of Jewish Family Service possible.
Press coverage about JFS Nashville’s programing and services, learn about the history of the agency from our past newsletters, and enjoy reading original JFS content like our signature advice column, “Dear Esther.” Stay up to date with the impact we’re making throughout our community.
Check out the full calendar of upcoming JFS Nashville events. From community education, support groups, and special engagements alike, find out where you can show up and get connected.
Information & Referral Resources
Connect with our community partners. Our information and referral directory includes local and national resources that can provide additional support for addiction, mental health, and more.
Mental Health Matters is a JFS series that was designed to reduce the stigma of mental health issues by providing education, increasing awareness, and inclusivity. Check out our ongoing resources and past programming.
Need to know which pharmacies deliver? How to get a ride somewhere? Volunteer opportunities? The senior directory is the go-to resource for anything seniors might need related to the community.
How can we help? Send us a message, give us a call, or find us on social media. We usually respond within 1-2 business days.
