Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast, Inc. (JFCS) is 35 years in the making. Present-day JFCS of the Suncoast was founded in July of 1986 to address a growing need to offer social services to Sarasota’s increasing Jewish population, particularly the elderly. However, with each passing decade, the organization’s visionary leaders continuously recognized the overwhelming need to serve the Sarasota community at-large, while still remaining faithful to its founding Jewish traditions and principles. 

With the support of over 800 volunteers JFCS empowers over 5,000 clients annually, including seniors, veterans, at-risk youth and individuals and families, toward self-sufficiency and stability through free and low-cost initiatives such as mental health counseling, youth programs, family services, seniors and caregivers’ support groups, veterans’ housing assistance, life skills and job placement, homeless prevention services, food and financial support and case management. Services are provided regardless of religious affiliation.

Today, JFCS is recognized as one of the leading mental health counseling and human services agencies on the Florida Suncoast. As a preeminent community partner in Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, Lee and Charlotte Counties, JFCS has been recognized consistently for notable acts of kindness and effectiveness.

In honor of many generous individuals and several monumental milestones, JFCS is hosting a 35th Anniversary celebration at Michael’s On East, on Sunday, December 5 at 5:30 p.m. A commemorative tribute to the organization’s significant contributions to the community will occur during the celebration. Tickets are available for purchase on the JFCS website (jfcs-cares.org). JFCS would like to thank the community for allowing it to positively impact the lives of many area residents.