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 152 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, chaplain and Jewish life, disability services, and aeroponic farming. 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 32,000 people each year of all faiths, races, ages, incomes, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.