What Services Are JFCS, JFS & Others Offering?

As the community is beginning to hunker down in voluntary – or involuntary – quarantine, the Jewish community’s two main social service agencies are preparing to continue as much of their services as possible while they are closing up their offices.

Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis is suspending regular office hours effective March 18, and remaining closed until further notice, and the offices of Jewish Family Service of St. Paul will be open only to appointment-only visits to its building until at least March 27. JFS has published a list of all the resources and contacts in this time of quarantine.

“These efforts are consistent with community and global efforts to curb the transmission of the novel coronavirus and support social distancing,” JFCS CEO Judy Halper wrote on the agency’s website. “JFCS remains committed to our mission and providing support to all who turn to us, especially at this time.”

If you are a current client, volunteer or program participant and are in need of support, please contact your JFCS provider directly, or call 952-546-0616. Call the same number if you are not a current client or in need of support.

At JFS, there are two therapists available by appointment in its Counseling & Mental Health Services department. The fee for this therapy is covered by most health insurance plans; however, we also offer a sliding fee scale for those who qualify.

St. Paul’s community chaplain, Rabbi Lynn Liberman has training that includes spiritual care emergency response. Liberman will listen, provide insights from the Jewish tradition and acknowledge the challenges being faced by each of us at this time. Rabbi Liberman can be reached via phone at (651) 434-4112 or email. There is no fee for her services.

JFS also offers emergency financial assistance for those who qualify – assistance that can be used for emergency expenses related to housing, utilities, transportation, and some health expenses.

Outside of the Jewish community, here are some other resource available in the Twin Cities:

Hennepin County Resources: