Jewish Family Service of Colorado

A nonprofit organization

Your gift helps us feed people struggling with food insecurity, offer older adults services to keep them connected, keep families in their homes, get the unemployed back to work, provide mental health services, and give individuals with disabilities a variety of support services.

Testimonials

“I wish I would have reached out sooner. I talked myself in and out of it for months when all I needed was to submit a simple form, a small click for something so transformative. I let my lack of confidence keep me from taking steps towards a new career, so if anything, a lack of confidence and need for change is a sign to speak to career services. I can’t express enough how glad I am that I went through JFS Career Services.”– Laura

 “JFS helped me understand that there are people out there who are willing to help, and getting help is not a bad thing. JFS went over and beyond. They’ve given me financial help, food, clothing, diapers, to name a few. I am where I am today because of JFS. They gave me a beautiful life.”—Articia

"My wife, Anna, and I make decisions every year about what organizations we're going to support, and JFS is always at the top of the list. It's a family decision. What distinguishes JFS from other organizations is that it really is a social services organization. I love two things about JFS… it directly impacts people's lives, and it serves people of all races, religions, and socioeconomic levels." -David

Mission

Mission

Improving the lives of individuals and families in need throughout Colorado by taking an integrated approach to delivering comprehensive support services.

Values

Jewish Family Service exists to fulfill one of the most important Jewish values of Tikkun Olam, the obligation to make the world a better place. In delivering our services we are also guided by the following Jewish values:

-He who saves one life saves the entire world. - Pikuah Nefesh

-Social justice, the obligation to act justly toward people in need. -Tzedakah

-Acts of loving kindness. - G'milut Hasadim

-Every human being is equal in the eyes of God. - Tselem Elohim

-The act of mending the heart. - Tikkun HaLev

Background Statement

JFS is a nonprofit human services organization that serves anyone in need - regardless of their circumstances or religious beliefs. We believe in a shared responsibility to support impactful changes throughout our community.

Founded more than 150 years ago, we currently offer more than 30 programs and services, including food security, housing stability, mental health counseling, aging care, employment support, refugee resettlement, chaplaincy, and disability services. JFS takes a holistic approach, assessing the various needs of the individual or family and provides the appropriate services all from one organization. We continuously evaluate the evolving challenges of our community and adapt or develop programs that respond to the resulting needs.

Jewish Family Service of Colorado's origins began in 1872 with the founding of the Hebrew Ladies Benevolent Society. This organization helped meet the social service needs of Denver's 300 Jewish pioneers. One of our celebrated founding members and early presidents, Frances Wisebart Jacobs (1843-1892), was one of the co-founders of the United Way of America. Known today as the "Mother of Charities," Mrs. Jacobs dedicated her life to serving people in need, regardless of race, faith, income, or ability. She has been honored with induction in the National Women's Hall of Fame. Under her visionary leadership, our organization was a founding member of the Charity Organization Society in Denver which was formed as the Community Chest in 1887, the forerunner of the United Way. Through our many transformations over the years, Mrs. Jacob's legacy of community service has been a constant guiding beacon. Today, Jewish Family Service of Colorado serves more than 30,000 people each year of all faiths, races, ages, incomes, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Jewish Family Service of Colorado

other names

JFS, Jewish Family & Children's Services

Year Established

1872

Tax id (EIN)

84-0402701

Category

Human Services

Organization Size

Large Organization

Address

Joyce and Kal Zeff Building 3201 S Tamarac Dr
Denver, CO 80231

Other

JFS Boulder 6007 Oreg Avenue
Boulder, CO 80303

Other

JFS Altius Farms 2500 Lawrence St #200
Denver, CO 80205

Service areas

Denver County, CO, US

Jefferson County, CO, US

Douglas County, CO, US

Adams County, CO, US

Boulder, CO, US

Phone

303-597-5000

Fax

303-597-7700

Social Media