Spokane Area Jewish Family Services

Spokane Area Jewish Family Services (SAJFS) fosters connection and reduces isolation through essential social services and inclusive cultural programs for people of all backgrounds in the Inland Northwest, grounded in Jewish values.

SAJFS was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on Aug. 19, 1999. According to Leslee Schoengold, who served as the first vice president of SAJFS, Board President June Shapiro “was definitely the driving force and spearhead” behind the organization initially. Larry Kuznetz (z”l), also part of the inaugural board, noted that Shapiro “was active with social services in the community at large in her job with the city at that time.” Board meetings were held at Kuznetz’s law office until SAJFS received financial and organizational support from Temple Beth Shalom. Eventually, the agency moved into a small office at the temple, which still serves as its location.

Kuznetz and Steve Berde, another founding board member, recalled that a need existed within the Jewish community to supplement the efforts of the rabbi at that time to visit the elderly and contact homebound seniors regularly. The emphasis was to make sure that they were not forgotten and that their specific needs as seniors were addressed. Since the rabbi had limited time, a director would be hired to assist community members, but especially seniors, and direct them to local resources if they required more help than SAJFS alone could provide.

Today, SAJFS has expanded its list of services and programs to serve more than just the elderly (though seniors still make up the majority of the agency’s clientele) and well beyond just the Jewish community. Neal Schindler is the current executive director and has served in this role since November of 2014.

Here are some of the ways JFS currently serves the community:

• Home, hospital, and hospice visits with seniors
• Reassurance phone calls to seniors
• Errand and chore services for seniors and clients with disabilities
• Consultations focused on clients’ strengths and challenges
• Referrals to relevant community resources
• Client advocacy
• Peer-led support group for caregivers
• Food assistance from the JFS food bank
• Financial assistance for low-income clients who need help paying for rent, utility bills, or other basics
• Transportation to medical appointments
• Medical lending closet (wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, and canes)

Join us for one of our ongoing programs:

• JFS Luncheons: Monthly JFS Luncheons — which include a catered lunch and a guest speaker, musical performer(s), film screening, or excursion — provide a reliable opportunity for seniors (and others!) to socialize, learn, and have fun together.
• Spokane Jewish Film Festival: As the biggest Jewish cultural event in our region that is open to the public, SJFF brings acclaimed international films to Spokane that share Jewish life and culture with the community at large.