Responding to Rising Need

Across our community, the need for social services is surging amid economic uncertainty, growing mental health needs, an aging population, and disruptions in public funding. Long‑standing safety nets are increasingly fragile, even as more people turn to them for help.

In this challenging landscape, Jewish Family & Children’s Service is meeting the moment. We respond with expertise and compassion—addressing immediate crises while helping people move toward stability. Our integrated approach recognizes that people’s challenges rarely exist in isolation, and neither do our solutions.

This work is made possible by the generosity of our donors and the extraordinary commitment of our volunteers, who ensure that JF&CS is here for the thousands who rely on us each year.

Our impact

2025 Highlights

Improved the lives of 16,000+ people
Galvanized 2,000 volunteers
Helped 2,313 people navigate complex life challenges through our free helplines—a ~12% increase in the last year
Distributed $5.5 million in client assistance and put 3,500 people are on a path to economic stability
Helped 3,486 people address mental health needs
Advanced independence for 1,304 people with disabilities
Helped 4,250 older adults to age with dignity
Assisted 527 Holocaust survivors—including 78 new clients—with home visits, economic supports, and social opportunities
Promoted positive development for 1,355 young children and their parents and caregivers.

Letter from the CEO

“I am so grateful to our community for helping us to be a lifeline for thousands of people in their most vulnerable moments.”

Letter from the President

“I firmly believe that the work this agency does is the most important work there is.”

Welcoming Our New President

Lewis Pearlson has been a member of JF&CS’s Board of Directors since 2016, chairing both our Disabilities Committee and our Nominating Committee, and serving most recently as Treasurer and a member of the Strategic Planning Committee. A longtime volunteer with Family Table, Lewis is deeply committed to JF&CS’s mission and to ensuring the agency’s long‑term sustainability.

Lewis is a former partner at LCB Senior Living, a senior housing developer and operator, and previously spent much of his career in investment management. Living in Newton with his wife, Heidi, they are the parents of two boys, Harrison and Joshua.

“I believe that everything I do for JF&CS ultimately makes a positive impact on someone’s life and contributes to a stronger community.”