HISTORY

For more than 50 years, Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley has played an integral role in caring for the local Jewish community and the community at large. Begun as a committee of the Jewish Federation of Allentown, JFS has grown and expanded into a thriving, independent agency.

About Us

Select a year below to read more information about JFS.

1972

1972 – JFS IS BORN

Jewish Family Service originates as the Family Study Committee of the Jewish Federation of Allentown. Soon after, a part-time case worker, Mary Beck, and a group of volunteers set up an office in the Jewish Community Center.

JFS IS BORN

1974

1974 – TRIAL PERIOD

The Jewish Family Service Agency is given a three-year trial period with a budget of about $20,000 for each of the three years and a directive to seek out a professional social service worker to be the full-time director. Bert Goldberg is hired to fill the role.

TRIAL PERIOD

1977

1977 – PASSING THE BAR

After the three-year trial period, the Allentown Jewish Federation votes unanimously to continue Jewish Family Service as an agency supported by the Jewish Federation and the Federation’s Endowment Fund.

PASSING THE BAR

1979

1979 – RUSSIAN RESETTLEMENT

JFS becomes involved in a great, historical movement: the emigration of Soviet Jews in the 1980s and into the 1990s. Through the Resettlement Program, JFS staff and volunteers help many of these newcomers resettle in the Lehigh Valley.

RUSSIAN RESETTLEMENT

1982

1982 – BETH TIKVAH

With a growing need for housing for Jewish older adults, JFS works with Leader Nursing and Rehabilitation Center to open the Beth Tikvah Jewish Community Wing in Bethlehem, designed to attend to the religious and rehabilitative needs of its residents. The wing features a full kosher kitchen.

BETH TIKVAH

1984

1984 – INDEPENDENT AGENCY

JFS becomes incorporated as an independent agency, and the name is changed from Jewish Family Service of the Jewish Federation of Allentown to Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley. The agency starts to recruit volunteers to help with the work.

INDEPENDENT AGENCY

1990

1990 – NATIONAL RECOGNITION

JFS is recognized by the National Association of Jewish Family & Children’s Agencies (now known as Jewish Family and Children’s Services) as one of three small agencies that provided outstanding programming.

NATIONAL RECOGNITION

1993

1993 – TIKVAH HOUSE

Working closely with a group of local parents, JFS aids in the opening of Tikvah House, a group residence for mentally disabled Jewish adults in the Lehigh Valley. JFS staff and volunteers continue to provide support for residents today.

TIKVAH HOUSE

1997

1997 – GROWING NEEDS

To meet the expanding needs of the community, JFS moves to a new location at 1136 Hamilton Street. The new space allows for maximum client confidentiality, convenient street parking, and is handicapped accessible.

GROWING NEEDS

2000

2000 – A NEW HOME

JFS moves from rented quarters into its own purchased building at 2004 West Allen Street, where it currently resides. The agency’s spacious new home provides ample room for the first kosher food pantry.

A NEW HOME

2001

2001 – FOOD PANTRY OPENS

The JFS Kosher Food Pantry opens its doors. The pantry is located in the basement and supplies non-perishable kosher food, toiletries, and personal care products to homebound Jewish seniors as well as other individuals who might need the assistance. JFS launches the program with the help of Second Harvest, which furnishes most of the food.

FOOD PANTRY OPENS

2006

2006 – BENEFITS CHECKUP

In partnership with two other agencies, JFS pilots Benefits CheckUp. Through this program, staff members screen and help older adults and people with disabilities discover and apply for state, local and federal benefits they may not have known they were eligible for. The program at JFS runs for 10 years.

BENEFITS CHECKUP

2007

2007 – FAREWELL BETH TIKVAH

The last program called “Honored and Remembered,” was held at Beth Tikvah, the Jewish unit in ManorCare Health Services (previously Leader Nursing and Rehabilitation Center).

FAIRWELL BETH TIKVAH

2016

2016 – VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES EXPAND

The newly enhanced program trains volunteers so they are ready to go when needed for activities such as providing rides, making friendly phone calls, and leading holiday programs.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES EXPANDED

2020

2020 – COVID PANDEMIC

JFS quickly adjusts its operations to continue caring for its clients through this trying time. Staff members seek out new avenues of income to support clients’ increasing needs.

COVID PANDEMIC

2022

2022 – CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

JFS marks its 50th anniversary by interviewing many of the people who built the agency and contributed to its success. A virtual celebration is held.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS