Fostering Hope, Empowering Individuals and Families for Generations
Jewish Senior, Family & Social Services (JSFSS) has been providing caring, professional services to the greater Toledo area since 1949. We are committed to excellent outreach and service to our community and advocacy for the vulnerable. JSFSS provides essential programs and services that enhance and strengthen the lives of children, adults, families, and seniors. Our work is guided by the Jewish values of tikkun olam, repair of the world, and gemilut chasidim, acts of loving kindness.
Community & Social Services
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JSFSS Family Pantry
Our pantry services are available to all Lucas County residents in need, by appointment only. Recipients are given items to make complete and healthy meals, based on individual preferences and special dietary requirements. Personal care, hygiene products, cleaning supplies are also available. The Family Pantry is carefully maintained and is certified by the Northwest Ohio Food Bank, and a proud partner of Shared Legacy Farms CSA. To make an appointment, please contact Hannah Loeser at 419-724-0401.
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Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available for Jewish individuals and families facing an emergent situation. A financial review is conducted by a JSFSS professional who determines eligibility and creates a short-term plan with the individual to address current needs. A longer-term plan is formulated to regain and maintain financial stability and independence. Once approved, a grant or a loan is provided, based on individual needs and resources. For more information, please contact Ben Malczewski, VP Senior, Family and Social Services at ben@jewishtoledo.org.
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Indigent Burial
Jewish Senior, Family & Social Services is responsible for the determination of eligibility for assistance and the coordination of the interment of indigent Jewish individuals. Indigent burials are determined on a case-by-case basis where resources of both the deceased and his or her immediate family (i.e., spouse, parent, children of majority age) are reviewed. For more information, please contact Ben Malczewski, VP Senior, Family and Social Services at ben@jewishtoledo.org.
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Refugee Services
Our dedicated, bilingual refugee services coordinator assists older and disabled Russians and their families who were resettled by JSFSS with the necessary social services to maintain self-sufficiency and quality of life. Personalized services include case management and advocacy, translation at appointments for medical care, housing, welfare and other financial benefits, and assistance with citizenship. For more information, please contact Ben Malczewski, VP Senior, Family and Social Services at ben@jewishtoledo.org.
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Care Management
Specialized Social Workers assist with coordination of in-home services provided by partner-agencies. In-home services provided by our partner agencies include housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, errands, medication reminders and set-up, assistance with bathing and dressing, home health care, and hospice. Individuals who elect to receive JSFSS-arranged care are considered for an hourly-rate subsidy. Following the initial assessment and coordination of service, the JSFSS Social Worker can be contacted in advocating for the best possible care. For more information, please contact Stacy Willis at 419-724-0407 or stacy@jewishtoledo.org.
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Case Management
Case management services assist families in coping with changes that often face older family members and/or those with disabilities. Through meetings with clients and their family members, a Jewish Senior, Family & Social Services professional assesses the current situation, develops an individualized plan of care, recommends needed services and available care options, assists the client and family members in accessing needed services, and provides on-going monitoring and assessment. For more information, please contact Liz Witter at 419-724-0406 or liz@jewishtoledo.org.
STAFF
JSFSS staff is here to help!
Perhaps you or a family member are in need of help with senior social services. Maybe you know someone in need of support from a family pantry. Jewish Senior, Family and Social Services offers a range of services to benefit our community. JSFSS has a knowledgeable and caring staff waiting to help you.
Vice President Senior, Family and Social Services
Ben Malczewski
(419) 724-0408
ben@jewishtoledo.org
Sekach Building and Food Pantry Manager
Hannah Loeser
(419) 724- 0401
hannah@jewishtoledo.org
Administrative and operations support; and functional coordination and direction of community calls and visits for services. Ensures safety and security of the JSFSS building during operational hours.
Pantry Phone (for appointments and information): (419) 376-0175
Refugee Services Contact
Ben Malczewski
(419) 724-0408
ben@jewishtoledo.org
Provides case management and advocacy to the current Russian refugees requiring assistance with housing, independent and assisted living, medical, mental health, financial benefits, welfare, SSI. Offers translation services for physicians, hospitals, mental health organizations, and other benefit related organizations.
Food Pantry and Support Services Coordinator
Stacy Willis, LSW, MSW
(419) 724-0407
stacy@jewishtoledo.org
Assists community members by connecting them with services while providing advocacy and an encouraging empowerment. Currently creating a new Friendly Visitor volunteer program to provide companionship to older adults as well as respite care to their adult caregivers.
Support Services Coordinator
Liz Witter, LSW
(419) 724-0406
liz@jewishtoledo.org
Assists with lining up services to help community members (mostly seniors) to remain safe and independent while remaining in their own homes. Offers case management to provide information about services such as Medicare/Medicaid, Area Office on Aging, Alzheimer’s Association, and emergency funding needs within the community. Also manages the Patient Advocate Program that offers trained volunteers to accompany Jewish Seniors to medical appointments as an advocate and second pair of ears.
Project Manager and Technology Coordinator
Tim Hagen
(419) 724-0412
tim@jewishtoledo.org
Currently overseeing Ohio Dept on Aging grant studying technology’s impact on helping community members age-in-place and live independently longer, with both a higher quality of life and sense of community. Provides technology help and programming for community members and staff, as well as oversees related services and projects.
Community Relations Programming Specialist
Mary Bilyeu
(419) 724-0405
mary@jewishtoledo.org
Works with both Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and Jewish Senior, Family & Social Services (JSFSS) helping to develop programs that raise and address issues of concern to the Jewish community and community at large, and assists with programming services aimed at improving the quality of life and sense of belonging amongst our Jewish community members.
JEWISH SENIOR, FAMILY AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
Rosemary Chaban, President
Helen Grubb
Barry Himmel
Andrea Goldberg
Hannah Loeser
Ben Malczewski, Vice President Jewish Senior, Family and Social Services
Toledo Jewish Cemetery Association
For information regarding Toledo Jewish Cemetery Association, please contact cemetery@jewishtoledo.org or 419-724-0404.
For information about volunteer programs and engagement opportunities, please contact Ben Malczewski, VP Senior, Family and Social Services at ben@jewishtoledo.org.
Donations
JSFSS Family Pantry is always accepting donations of personal care and hygiene products such as:
facial tissue, toilet paper (individually wrapped/small packages), hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, liquid hand soap, dish soap, deodorant, disposable razors, shampoo/conditioner, body soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. To arrange a drop-off time, please contact our office at 419-724-0401.
Monetary donations can be made over the phone by contacting our office at 419-724-0401, through online payment by clicking the "donate" button above, or by mailing a check to Jewish Senior, Family & Social Services noting where the donation should be processed.
