Jewish Family and Children's Services receives $50k grant from Philly Gives

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Jewish Family and Children's Services of Greater Philadelphia has been a community pillar for all residents.

From mental health services to their food pantry, JFCS has become a lifeline for nearly 30,000 people each year.

And now, Philly Gives, a community fund aimed at amplifying local nonprofits, is giving them a $50,000 to continue funding these services.

"We had an issue with our phone, and they came through more than we expected," said Sarah Smith.

To say the Jewish Family and Children Services has been a lifeline would be an understatement for Smith.

"We had a moment there was no income, no food," she said. "They came through."

She says the nonprofit has been critical to her family for over a decade, helping them in their most desperate hour of need.

The nonprofit is focused on building community by offering resources like counseling and parenting programs, education assistance, and financial assistance.

"It wasn't linear. There wasn't one service one could call in for and receive. It was, you call in for one need and you have a whole host of resources that are available to you," said Courtney Owen, Chief Program Officer.

This grant from Philly Gives will help JFCS continue serving those like Smith and help sustain their mission in serving those residents most in need.

"Especially in challenging times when there's a lot of uncertainty for the folks that we serve. It allows us to continue to advocate not only a direct service level, but also on a broader macro level and helping to break down some of the systemic challenges we face," said Owen.

"And we need this agency and agencies like it to keep going," said Smith.

The organization is guaranteed a $50,000 grant, but your generosity can also make that gift grow.

To help, visit 6abc.com/PhillyGives to watch our stories and donate to these worthy causes.