In accordance with Jewish ethics, beliefs and practices, Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley helps individuals and families to live healthier and more stable lives by providing social services, professional counseling, education and community programs. 

Our vision is that no one in our community will suffer from hunger, isolation, abandonment, emotional or physical distress or lack of community support and caring.

Founded in 1972 and operating as an independent agency since 1984, JFS-LV supports clients across the Lehigh Valley from our office near the JCC of Allentown. Directly or indirectly, we touch every life in our community by meeting the varied needs of families, couples, individuals and groups with services personally tailored to them. JFS-LV maintains confidentiality and respect for the client’s right of privacy. We provide service without regard to race, gender, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or age. 

OUR PROGRAMS:

• SeniorLink Geriatric Care Management Program, a link between you and your loved ones and the services you or they need. This service gives you the tools you need to make the best choices for yourself or the ones you care about. Experienced, compassionate professionals help you make difficult decisions with more confidence and ease. SeniorLink offers peace of mind, helping older adults to live safely and independently with dignity and contentment. 

• Case Management, which provides concrete resources for community members and links people to these resources through information, advocacy and referral. We also offer resettlement services to new Jewish refugees to the Lehigh Valley. 

• Counseling Services through our staff of psychologists, social workers and counselors that are highly trained and skilled in working with people of all ages, whether as individuals, couples, families or groups. We offer expert counseling for stress management, depression, anxiety, phobias, bereavement, relationships and lifespan adjustment. We also offer optional hypnotherapy by a licensed hypnotherapist as an adjunct to counseling or as a stand-alone treatment. Many insurances are accepted, including Medicare. 

• Emergency Food Pantry which includes a separate kosher section—the only kosher food bank in the Lehigh Valley. The pantry provides emergency assistance to individuals and families in times of great need. It is supported through generous contributions from our community and is maintained by dedicated volunteers and staff. Special attention is given at holidays. Donations of food and/or supermarket gift cards are always appreciated.   

• Benefits Access Partnership, which helps low-income people of retirement age and younger adults with disabilities find and apply for federal, state and local benefits.

• Adoption Assistance through pre- and post-adoption counseling and performance of the home study required by Pennsylvania for domestic and international adoptions. We are licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

• Outreach to Seniors through stimulating programs of Jewish interest and holiday celebrations brought to Jewish residents of senior care communities through regular visits by our senior services coordinators.

• Senior Brunch & Learn series featuring presentations by experts on interesting and timely topics.

• Support Groups, professionally-led and available as indicated by community interest. 

• Yiddish Club, which meets every Tuesday for participants to enjoy Yiddish conversation. Participants at all levels of Yiddish knowledge are welcome to participate. 

• Educational Programs such as workshops, memoir writing courses and discussion groups, held at various times throughout the year.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Volunteers help JFS-LV accomplish our mission in many important ways. For example, volunteer drivers take people without transportation to much-needed medical appointments and shopping.  They make friendly visits or phone calls and help with mailings and other key activities at our agency. If you would like to volunteer with our agency or receive volunteer services yourself, please contact us.