About Us
History & Background
The Sarasota Jewish Community expanded very rapidly in the early 1970's. With that growth came the need to provide social services. A group of dedicated volunteers, many of whom were retired social workers, directed their energies to "helping the elderly". As the needs of the community grew, it appeared that a more comprehensive organization was needed.
In the early 1980's, a committee led by Sidney Berkowitz, a retired Executive Director of a social service agency, began the process of studying the feasibility of a local full-fledged family service agency. With the need demonstrated, Jewish Family Service became an autonomous agency with its own independent Board of Directors replacing the existing Jewish Federation Advisory Committee. Jewish Family Service was chartered, by-laws were developed, and Officers and Board Members were officially elected in July 1986. The first office for Jewish Family Service consisted of 250-sq. ft. of rented space.
On June 3, 1996, our name was changed to Jewish Family & Children's Service of Sarasota-Manatee and a department for children and adolescents was officially launched.
In 1997, the Board of Directors undertook its first major capital campaign to build a permanent home for Jewish Family & Children's Service. The agency moved into its new facility in August 1999.
In its short lifespan, Jewish Family & Children's Service has more than proven and met the needs of the community. Both Jewish and non-Jewish clients continue to benefit from its many programs.
OUR MISSION
Guided by Jewish tradition,
JFCS provides comprehensive
counseling and social services
to people confronting
life's challenges.
Our Current Range of Services
The current range of services include:
- Counseling & Psychotherapy to individuals and families
- Family Life Education
- Adolescent & Children’s Services
- Substance Abuse Prevention and Counseling Services
- Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities / Age-In-Place Services
- Elder Care, Senior Outreach Services and Case Management
- Volunteer Program
- Safe Alternative to Out-Of-School Suspension (SATOSS) programs for at-risk middle school students
- After School Programs
- Building Strong Families Homelessness Prevention Services
- Food Pantry for the needy
- Support groups including bereavement, anger management, women’s self awareness, survivors of sexual abuse and adult children of Holocaust survivors
- Jewish Healing Program
- Friendly home visitors to those hospitalized or residing in a nursing home
Locations
- Main Campus
- The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Campus
- 2688 Fruitville Road
- Sarasota, Florida 34237
- 941-366-2224
- (941) 366-2982 Fax
- Satellite Offices
- South County Human Services Center
- 7810 South Tamiami Trail, Suite A-7
- Venice, Florida 34293
- (941) 492-4717
- (941) 492-4297 Fax
- Glasser / Schoenbaum Human Services Center
- 1750 17th Street, Suite C-3
- Sarasota, FL 34234
- 941-366-2224
- (941) 366-2982 Fax
Jewish Family & Children's Service is a multi-function family agency serving Sarasota and Manatee Counties. The services are based on the premise that personnel trained in understanding the behavior and environments of individuals, can help them with crises, problems, and growth issues to improve the quality of their lives.
The following is a list of the Past Board Chairs of Jewish Family & Children's Service who have provided the lay leadership to guide the organization over the years:
Sidney Berkowitz* Although not a Past Chairman, Sid facilitated the development of Jewish Family & Children's Service of Sarasota-Manatee, Inc. during the early to mid 80's
Gerald Engman* 1984 - 1987
Norma Gordesky* 1987 - 1989
Raymond Brown* 1989 - 1990
Mace Levin 1990 - 1992
Eugene Friedmann 1992 - 1994
Richard Blumenthal 1994 - 1996
Alice Taich 1996 - 1998
Stacey Gillman 1998 - 2000
Eve Kommel 2000 - 2001
Charles Ackerman 2001 - 2003
Barbara Brizdle 2003 - 2005
Sue Jacobson 2005 - 2007
Bob Black 2007
Judy Abroms 2008 -
* Of blessed memory
