Jewish Family Services of Western New York

JFS has a long history of supporting refugees and asylees as they begin their new lives in the United States. The primary goal in resettlement is to ensure that every new arrival can become economically, socially, and civically integrated into our community.

Specifically, we support housing identification and move-in, initial food and basic-necessity supply, securing their first job, parenting guidance, and securing health care and social support services.

Jewish Community Services offers individuals and families connections to a multitude of Jewish support systems. With the support of the Buffalo Jewish Federation and several others within the Jewish Community, Jewish Community Services supports Jewish individuals and organizations within Western New York such as synagogues, the JCC, Jewish day schools, and other Jewish institutions.

R.I.C.H. is one of JFS’ signature resources that includes the Survivors of Torture and Trauma Systems Therapy programs. Each are designed to support those who have experienced or been exposed to refugee trauma or political and state-sponsored torture.

The Community Education program provides the refugee communities we serve with valuable knowledge and skills to help them obtain success in the United States. 

JFS’ Career Services program supports job seekers of all ages and at all stages of their careers, from entry-level to more advanced. Services include assessment and career counseling, job search assistance, employment for individuals with disabilities, and newly resettled refugee employment placement.

The program has developed an extensive employer network to support identifying opportunities based on the job seekers’ interests and skillset. In addition, counseling support is available for those who have experienced a period of unemployment or other unforeseen job loss, which can often impact the job seeker’s self-worth.

Each of our programs at JFS offer exciting internship opportunities! For more information, contact Sierra at sjohnston@jfswny.org!

In alignment with JFS’ mission and values, we are undertaking a new project, funded by The City of New York, to provide coordinated entry services to asylum seekers who are currently living in hotels here in Erie County. The goal of the Coordinated Entry Program is to move eligible asylum seekers into more permanent housing while helping them better assimilate into their new communities.