About Us

Inspired by Jewish values, we improve lives through service.

Since 1928, Jewish Family Service has served Detroit’s Jewish community. Today, we’re proud to carry that important work forward by serving all who come through our doors. Through the efforts of our highly skilled and dedicated staff, the hundreds of volunteers who support us in countless ways, and the leadership of our Board of Directors, JFS can provide compassionate, personalized services that help thousands in our community each year.

Our Services

Our services are uniquely tailored to the specific needs of each individual or family and center around three core areas: services for older adults, mental health and wellness, and basic needs assistance.

Whether you’re looking for help, want to contribute as a volunteer, or are seeking to support our important mission as a donor, we’re glad you’re here, and we look forward to connecting with you.

Our Accreditation

JFS demonstrates the value of its services and meets internationally recognized organizational and program standards through accreditation by COA (Council on Accreditation), which ensures the highest standard of professional practice.

Our Integrity

Since 2013, we have received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator every year! Our staff and board work tirelessly to maintain the highest level of integrity and ensure this continued ranking. This exceptional designation sets us apart and demonstrates our trustworthiness to the public.


Inspired by Jewish values, we improve lives through service.

A community in which no person faces life’s challenges alone.

JFS honors its Jewish values, including recognizing the dignity of all people (B’Tzelem Elokim) and the call to care for others (Chesed) to strengthen the Jewish community and the broader community. We do this by focusing on:

Respect

We honor the dignity of all people, empowering those we serve with care that is sensitive to individual and cultural needs.

Kindness

We believe in the good of all people. We serve others with compassion, empathy, generosity, and without judgement.

Diversity

We embrace diversity in all its forms and serve and employ people of all backgrounds. We foster an equitable and inclusive culture allowing individuals to thrive on their own terms.

Integrity

We hold ourselves to the highest standard in all aspects of our work. We are dependable and accountable to each other and pride ourselves as good stewards of the agency.

Collaboration

We work together to cultivate relationships with those we serve and the broader community to provide comprehensive and high-quality service.

Integrity

We hold ourselves to the highest standard in all aspects of our work. We are dependable and accountable to each other and pride ourselves as good stewards of the agency.

Collaboration

We work together to cultivate relationships with those we serve and the broader community to provide comprehensive and high-quality service.

Our Strategic Plan

View our latest strategic plan.

Our Strategic Plan

View our latest strategic plan.

Our History

Since we were founded in 1928 — through name changes and moves, local crises and international atrocities — Jewish Family Service has remained dedicated to helping individuals, families and the community with whatever challenges and transitions occur.

We do this work humbly, as we should. And while we wish there wasn’t a need for our continued work, there is. And we will keep working for the next day, the next year, and the next century, to ensure the brightest possible future for all of the members of our community and the region. That’s what we’ve always done.