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JFS is developing innovative, integrated resources that address the social, emotional, and financial needs of immigrants, refugees, and asylees, giving them the tools they need to succeed.

Services include:

• Family assistance, including:
  • Enhanced, intensive case management
  • information/referral
  • Distributions of food, personal care items, school supplies and other basic needs
  • Seasonal/emergency clothing and other support through the JFS/FPS Resource Room/Children’s Clothing Closet
  • Emergency financial assistance
  • Employment assistance
• Citizenship application support, American acculturation, and civic integration programs
• Refugee Resettlement Support

*  Partners include: Daniel’s Table, Hope and Comfort, Dignity Matters, Framingham Public School System, Pelham Lifelong Learning Center (LLC), MassBay Community College, Framingham Adult ESL Plus (FAESL), Operation Warm, Citizenship for New Americans Program (CNAP), ORI, HIAS and JFS of Western Mass.

Also, when world events force individuals and families to flee violence and seek safety and shelter in our community, JFS responds. Recent initiatives include:

• War in Israel
• Emergency support for families from Haiti seeking asylum
• Support for Ukrainian War Refugees
• Afghan Evacuee Resettlement Project
• Syrian Refugee Humanitarian Project

And, as nimble and responsive organization, JFS has a keen focus on addressing evolving community needs with creative and innovative solutions. Recent pilot programs include:

• JFS Center for Social Innovation – focusing on developing new approaches to social challenges to effectively address increasing needs in the Metrowest community.
• Refrigerated truck to augment JFS’ ability to address food insecurity in our community
• Mobile Office Van to maximize pathways to citizenship and permanent residency
• Area convener on optimizing the community’s ability to fight food insecurity
• Welcoming the Stranger – a sponsorship model that surrounds a family with the community support they need as they work towards self-sufficiency
• Home-Share Program – matching homeowners with space to rent with families and individuals in need of affordable housing
• English as a Second Language (ESL) – developed in collaboration with experienced volunteers, this program increases English language skills so working-aged adults can secure employment
• Migrant Health Care Career Tract – an advancement program that starts with entry level employment, and facilitates achievement of certification in Personal Care Homemaking so staff can earn a livable wage

JFS has worked with individuals and families from over 60 countries including Albania, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, China, Congo, Haiti, India, Iran, Mexico, Portugal, Syria, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Venezuela, Vietnam and Zambia.

Watch the below videos and learn how JFS helps refugees and immigrant families in their new community: