Jewish Family Service of Colorado provides food aid and housing support

4 1 minute read

Jewish Family Service of Colorado: Making a Difference Every Day

The bustling two-story brick building at the corner of Eastman Avenue and Tamarac Drive is a hive of activity at Jewish Family Service of Colorado. Visitors rush up the stairs, while others select groceries from the food pantry. Pamphlets are flipped through, and signs detailing the nonprofit’s work adorn the walls, painting a picture of the impact they have on the community.

Linda Foster, president and CEO of JFS, sees the constant flow of people seeking help as a testament to the unprecedented need in the community and the essential role the nonprofit plays in addressing it.

“We are an organization that has Jewish values, but we serve everybody. We don’t discriminate in any way,” Foster emphasizes.

With over 30 programs and services, JFS serves more than 26,000 individuals annually, offering assistance in areas such as food security, housing stability, mental health counseling, aging care, employment support, refugee resettlement, and more.

Receiving funding from JS Community Foundation’s Season to Share program, JFS has evolved significantly from its origins as the Hebrew Ladies Benevolent Society, now in its 153rd year.

As Colorado grapples with a housing crisis and rising food prices, JFS remains committed to its mission of improving the lives of those in need. The organization’s staff of nearly 200 employees and over 700 volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared sense of purpose.

Expanding its food pantry support and community partnerships, JFS focuses on preventing homelessness through programs like Emergency Housing Assistance and Rapid Rehousing.

Despite challenges like SNAP cuts during the government shutdown, JFS adapts to meet community needs, relying on community support to sustain its efforts.

Reflecting on her interactions with clients, Foster underscores the importance of the organization’s work and the impact it has on individuals and families in need.

Looking ahead, JFS aims to secure additional funding sources and explore new strategies to continue making a positive difference in the world.