Highlights of the 70 Corporate Years of JFS

1. JFS starts in 1888 by a group of women dedicated to helping the needy.
2. In 1933, JFS is incorporated as a 501©(3) nonprofit.
3. The agency initiates a student loan program with the strong support of the Queen Esther Ladies Aid Society over thirty years ago and has served over 150 students in Wyoming Valley.
4. JFS expands during times of need such as Tropical Storm Agnes in June 1972.
5. Counseling becomes a major service in the last 70 years to assist and support close to 1500 persons.
6. Resettlement of former Soviet Union Jews expands in the last 35 years to include over 250 persons.
7. Kosher Home Delivered Meals develops over the last 30 years to include 300,000 meals since its inception and serving 200 people.
8. Emergency assistance funds have been provided to an estimated 200 individuals over many years of defined need for people not being able to pay utility and other types of bills.
9. JFS is recognized twice for a Points of Life designation by the national Point of Light Foundation.
10. Kids Care Club is initiated as a service learning opportunity for Kindergarten and early to later grade levels.
11. Clients as Volunteers program has received national attention.
12. Volunteer recognition day annually sponsored by JFS points to the significant role of volunteers in JFS activities.
13. JFS supports adult day care opportunities in Wyoming Valley.
14. JFS supports Elan Gardens construction as a need in the region.
15. Preparation of a strategic plan in 1993 and its update in 2003 are keys events.
16. Holocaust Survivors program initiated in partnership with Scranton JFS several years ago,
17. JFS participates in Community Growth Committee and offers recommendations and advice.
18. Strategic planning recommended for entire Jewish community including Wilkes-Bane and Scranton.
19. Services offered to Greater Hazleton as needed.
20. JFS annually recognizes role and contributions of leaders within the Jewish community.
21. Friends Campaign increases annually to help support human service needs.
22. United Way of Wyoming Valley approves JFS as a member and annually supports financial needs.
23. Jewish Federation endorses role of JFS through its financial support.
24. Area Agency on Aging financially supports JFS for Meals and Refugee programs.
25. JFS initiates Mitvah in Motion program to help people needing transportation.
26. Holiday funding at various times during the year secured to provide gifts and food for needy children and families in the community.
27. Special partnering with United Hebrew Institute initiated.
28. Community Fomms initiated in cooperation with JCC.
29. Newsletter started as a supplement to Jewish Reporter publicity.
30. JFS becomes affiliate to National Jewish Coalition on Literacy.
31. Naming rights for seven rooms in JFS office initiated.
32. JFS moves to own quarters in 1994.
33. Sarah's Table initiated to provide food to needy individuals.
34. Rosenberg Endowment utilized to support special needs of young people.
35. National association highlights new JFS initiatives such as Kids Care Club.
36. Telephone squad initiated to make regular contact with individuals needing communication.
37. Medical Card Information Program publicized.
38. New Max Bartikowsky Scholarship Program organized.
39. Case management program service expanded. Serves hundreds of persons since originated.
40. Several support groups initiated as needed
41. Resource information made available to many persons asking for assistance.
42. Jewish Employment Bureau proposal supported for the region.
43. Retreat meeting of Board held and actions implemented.
44. Federal Emergency Management Agency food certificate program implemented to meet the needs within the Jewish community.
45. JFS participates in quarterly meetings of United Way member executives.
46. JFS creates informational base for college bound students interested in Jewish education.
47. Joint programming and other functions explored with Scranton JFS.
48. International partnerships being developed with the Ukraine and exploration with other nations.
49. JFS initiates a web site in 2002 to further its outreach activities.
50. Several restricted fund accounts established to cover specific needs in the community.
51. Special endowment fund begun as a goal to create a way to financially secure the agency.
52. JFS takes leadership in causing regional JFS meetings to be held in eastern PA.
53. A special page in the Jewish reporter to highlight JFS activities developed in cooperation with the Reporter's publisher,
54. JFS reorganizes in the 1990s to meet needs of the community.
55. Foundation funding secured for special projects from other foundations.
56. Camp scholarship program initiated to meet needs of families and youngsters.
57. JFS staffing changes occur in accordance with the needs and financial condition of the agency at various intervals.
58. Board meetings held at different locations to reach out to various parts of the community.
59. JFS continuously responds to special conditions in the Valley during recessions, floods, war, 9/11 and other economic downturns.
60. Annual report to the community prepared.
61. JFS joins national association called AJFCA
62. JFS initiates member assistance program to encourage more participation in agency services,
63. Special committees on services to the aging and youth organized.
64. JFS becomes member of PANO (Pennsylvania Association of Non-profit Organizations) and Standards of Excellence program begun.
65. Teen sexuality educational program developed.