About JFCS

Jewish Family & Career Services is a non-profit comprehensive human services organization founded in 1908, serving the entire community with programs focusing on family, work, education, older adults, immigrants and refugees.

Our History

Jewish Family & Career Services (JFCS) was founded in 1908 as the Federation of Jewish Charities and is one of Louisville’s oldest charitable human services organizations. It was initially created to provide financial assistance, health care and child care to immigrants from Eastern Europe. Throughout the years, it was considered vital to provide special attention to the economic, social and cultural needs of Jews as a communal group because these needs were not being met through the existing social welfare system.

In 1943, Jewish Vocational Service was established to provide a wide range of educational, vocational and career services for adolescents and adults and later for soldiers released from WWII. The social service and vocational agencies consolidated in 1978, forming Jewish Family & Vocational Service.

In 1997, JFVS had outgrown its physical space and embarked on a building campaign. Through the generosity of many individuals, businesses and community organizations, the Louis & Lee Roth Family Center opened in 2000 at the corner of Dutchmans and Cannons lanes as the new home for JFVS.

In anticipation of the 100th anniversary in 2008, the Board of Directors embarked on an endowment campaign to ensure sustainable programs and building maintenance. More than $3 million was raised. The agency name was changed to Jewish Family & Career Services with a new logo.

Today, JFCS is a comprehensive human services organization that takes an integrated approach to providing care, counseling and guidance for people of any age, religion or ethnic origin. We give people the skills and tools to manage transitions and to meet life’s challenges relating to family, relationships, aging, education, work and financial stability.

Services include:

Adoption Services
Career Services and Workforce Development
Emergency Services
Employer & Contract Services
Family & Bar/Mat Mitzvah Projects
Individual & Family Counseling
Klein Older Adult Services
Navigate Enterprise Center

Multicultural & Microbusiness Services
One-stop Career Center
Senior Concierge HomeCare
Senior PALS & Joy!Ride Transportation Services
Food Pantry
Support Groups & Group Workshops
Volunteer Opportunities

Vision

All in Greater Louisville live with dignity and purpose.

Mission

We expand possibilities for each person and every family to meet life’s challenges with confidence.

Values

Guided by our Jewish values, we serve people of all backgrounds with:

Kavod: Respect for the undeniable humanity of each person.
Chesed: Actions rooted in compassion and empathy.
Kehilah: Connections that strengthen individuals and build community.
Tzedek: Advocacy that fosters fairness and equity.
Avodah: Service to others that has the power to repair our world.