When you or your family is in need, Jewish Family Services (JFS) will provide emergency care and special needs services. Loss of jobs, medical crisis, mental illnesses, family issues and legal needs are supported by Tzedakah, case management, advocacy and referrals. You would be surprised by how many of your friends and neighbors are confidentially and completely helped by JFS. JFS’s mission is “to preserve and strengthen the Jewish family.” We feel we have a major role in affirming Jewish life and identity with in our community. Jewish Family Services provides social services supporting the needs of each individual's situation during their life cycles. The numerous assistance services and resources are case management, financial assistance, advocacy services, information and referral, a volunteer program and immigrant support.
Senior Adult Program.
The overall mission of the Senior Adult Program (SAP) is to empower the adult senior to maintain independence with a dignified quality of life in their own home for as long as possible. JFS, through SAP serves over 150 seniors with case management and advocates on behalf of more than 300 other seniors to attain and access services that will fulfill basic living needs, such as: legal, psychiatric, medical services, complete needs assessment, case management, emergency response system, environmental modifications, volunteer interaction, social luncheons, Care Meals through the Tobis Fund, educational speakers, entertainment, bus trips and transportation.
Transportation continues to be the primary need of our seniors. As we age, the independence once taken for granted becomes increasingly precious. As individuals age they experience health problems which lead to the loss of independence and the ability to drive. They become home bound and are unable to meet their needs, such as trips to doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies, etc., which sometimes leads to institutionalization. The Senior Adult Program is extremely fortunate to have 32 dedicated volunteers.
Thankfully, Jewish Family Services is a United Way Agency, but the majority of funding for this program is received from the Greater Des Moines Jewish Federation’s All-in-1 Campaign.