Our Mission

As the human services arm of the Jewish community, SJFS is dedicated to holistic, preventive, wellness-oriented integration of social and human services offered without regard to race or creed to all residents of Central New York.

Syracuse Jewish Family Service (SJFS) is a not-for-profit human service agency that is dedicated to helping individuals and families in the Jewish and general communities of Central New York maximize their self-determination, realize their potential and live with dignity. Since its incorporation in 1939, SJFS has been guided by the Jewish values of family, community, diversity, respect and autonomy. The agency promotes these values by identifying community needs, establishing priorities and implementing programs that seek to preserve and strengthen individual and family well-being.

With emphasis on issues relating to aging, SJFS provides human services on site and in community-based locations which include counseling and psychotherapy, CNY PEARLS, Kosher Meals on Wheels, client advocacy, psychosocial education, geriatric care management, financial case management and assistance with personal finances, transportation and errand services, volunteer coordination, the BeWell Initiative: Behavioral and Emotional Wellness Empowers Later Life, the Tachlis of Inclusion and other exceptional needs programming. SJFS is supported by the United Way, the Jewish Federation of CNY, the Onondaga County Department for Long Term Care, and many others.

Dedicated to preparing the workforce of compassionate, knowledgeable professionals of the future, SJFS also offers clinical internships and research and field work opportunities through accredited local programs.

We occupy a unique place in elder care

SJFS focuses on older adults with complex situations which result in high use of healthcare services, for example, clients with cognitive and mental health concerns. Our geriatric expertise is enhanced by our advanced therapeutic knowledge and “people skills.”

We are there when there’s miscommunication between providers and clients, which happens when patients and caregivers have limited understanding and providers have insufficient time with patients. Our long relationships with frequent client contacts can bridge that gap. We can guide client health behaviors, often despite cognitive impairment or inconsistent family involvement. 

Our Vision

We envision a community in which older adults, with and without cognitive impairment, and their care partners and support networks:

  • Maintain physical, cultural, social, spiritual, and vocational well-being at the highest possible level of independence;
  • Enjoy emotional well-being, quality of life, and the highest possible cognitive functioning;
  • Can live at home safely and/or make safe transitions into an appropriate level of care;
  • Are free from depression and have the skills and supports to achieve their goals;
  • Have a sense of positive well-being; and
  • Are socially resilient, and have the capacity and opportunity to foster, engage in, and sustain social relationships and the capacity to endure and recover from stressors and social isolation.

Our services support our Vision in 4 Interactive Areas

Planning and Navigating the Journey: care management, accessing health, housing, services; bill paying, personal affairs assistance; Kosher Meals on Wheels; transportation; medical appointment accompaniment; Activity Companions; AgeWise Planning Advisors; The Magen Center at Menorah Park emergency elder shelter

Promoting and Restoring Mental Health: Individual, Couples and Family Counseling; CNY PEARLS evidence-based in-home depression care; Stay Connected phone-based support for older adults; Learning Groups; Family Wellness Connections; Family Time with the Family Service wellness events

Supporting Brain Health and Living Well with Dementia: M-Power U: A Learning Community for Early Memory Loss, with programs for Brain Health, Arts & Minds, and individuals experiencing memory loss or confusion associated with Parkinson’s Disease; Mind Aerobics suite of cognitive-related research-based programs; depression care; Learning Groups; brain-health assessments; dementia consultation and coaching; Dementia Friendly CNY)

Catalyzing the Team: Families, Professionals, and Ancillary Services: Internship program with accredited colleges and universities; BeWell Institute workshops, courses, and consulting; Planning to Flourish workplace seminars and clinics; Arts & Minds Training Consultants; Project SECURE: Supporting the Experience of Caregivers to Upstate Region Elders