Services
Jewish Family & Children's Service (JF&CS) is all about innovation, because we know that the one constant we all face is change. For more than 70 years, we have never wavered from our mission to improve the lives of individuals and families. At the same time, we've also always been a flexible, forward-thinking organization, dedicated to helping people meet not only the "typical" challenges associated with lifecycle transition but also to developing new programming to help those in our community meet new challenges brought on by a continuously changing world.
Our Career Development Center, for example, was started in the 80s to help the unemployed workers affected by the fall of the steel industry; and over the years, we've developed several new programs to address new and changing needs, including programs for mature workers, at-risk youth, immigrants and job seekers with mental health problems.
When a change in the federal regulations threatened the well-being of hundreds of refugees JF&CS had helped to resettle, we developed an innovative program to help these mostly elderly adults who were not proficient in the English language to become naturalized citizens, which provided protection from the new regulations.
As we began to live longer, we developed programs that enable older adults to live safely and comfortably in their homes and that help older adults maintain their mental acuity.
And so much more. We will continue to innovate as the needs of our community continue to change and grow.
Jewish Family & Children's Service is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization. Services are provided and referrals are made without regard to race, gender, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, disability or age.
Adoption
JF&CS operates the Family Hope Connection, a licensed adoption agency, which provides compassionate support and expert guidance to those considering adoption, adoptive families and to birth parents.
We offer adoption counseling; domestic and waiting child placement; referral and support for international adoption; domestic and international home studies and a range of post-placement support and service.
We also offer counseling, support, adoption assistance and resource coordination for birthparents to help them get through what for many is a very difficult decision.
For children in need of permanency, we offer a number of services, including child preparation, child profile and child-specific recruitment services.
Career Services
JF&CS operates the Career Development Center (CDC), a full service career counseling center with more than 25 years’ experience helping thousands of individuals to plan their careers and obtain meaningful employment opportunities. In addition, the CDC works with companies to attract, retain and transition employees.
If you are a job seeker and are just starting a career, considering a job/career change or have been recently laid off, we can help you find and land a quality job. The CDC provides career/interest assessment and counseling, assistance in packaging and positioning yourself, job search assistance and workshops and other resources. We even have special programs targeting job seekers with additional challenges including mature workers, legal immigrants, professionals with mental health issues and at-risk youth.
For employers, we offer employee transition/outplacement services, recruiting assistance and spousal relocation services.
Counseling
JF&CS operates Squirrel Hill Psychological Services, a licensed mental health outpatient facility, providing comprehensive psychological services for individuals, couples, families and organizations.
Whether you want help with an immediate problem, or simply want to find greater self-understanding or fulfillment, our team of experienced therapists can help. We offer long- and short-term counseling services to children, teens, adults and seniors, and consultation and supportive services to organizations.
Critical Needs
If you are overwhelmed by financial distress, family concerns or other issues, you don’t have to go it alone. JF&CS provides critical needs resource coordination and emergency aid.
We’ll make sure we understand the challenges you’re facing and come up with a plan to help you meet them, utilizing resources within JF&CS and the greater Pittsburgh community.
Elder & Senior Care
JF&CS’s Elder Care services are designed for older adults who need help living healthy, safe and independent lives. We provide information and referral, care coordination, caregiver services, counseling and more.
Whether you are local or are trying to manage the special challenges of caring for your loved one long-distance, JF&CS can help you navigate the plethora of available resources and cope with the demands of caring for your own family, work and caring for your aging parent or relative.
Food Pantry
JF&CS operates the Squirrel Hill Food Pantry which serves those who qualify for food assistance in the 15217 zip code area. As the only kosher food pantry in the Greater Pittsburgh area, we also serve those individuals and families outside the 15217 zip code area that require kosher food.
If you are challenged by food insecurity, we can help. With the help of professional staff and an army of committed volunteers, we provide supplemental food and supportive services that help you regain stability and self-sufficiency.
Guardianship
Comprehensive guardianship services are available to those individuals who have been determined by the Court to be incapacitated and no longer able to make their own life decisions. JF&CS serves clients ("wards") through a private guardianship program, as well as through a contract with the Allegheny County Offices of Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities. We may serve as guardian of person, guardian of estate or both. We also may be granted Power of Attorney by individuals desiring JF&CS to act on their behalves in various or in specific situations.
Learn MoreImmigrants & Refugees
JF&CS is an acknowledged leader in helping immigrants and refugees resettle and successfully build new lives in our community. We provide immigration-related legal services, naturalization services, employment services and more to legal permanent residents. In addition, JF&CS resettles individuals and families granted refugee or asylee status by the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS).
Learn MoreSpecial Needs
One of ten American families has a member with a physical or developmental disability. And that disability affects every other member of the family. JF&CS is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities and their families through information and referral, advocacy, community education, counseling and support groups.
Learn More