Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans records
Scope and Contents
The Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans records begin in 1952 and conclude in 2015. The subjects documented in this collection focus primarily on community outreach events and programs and the preservation of Jewish identity in New Orleans. Through programs including Lifeline, Immigrant Resettlement, Homemaker, Adoption Agency, Teen Life Counts, and various other support groups, JFS engages with both the local Jewish population as well as non-Jewish communities in the greater New Orleans area. The records also document the Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans relationship with the regional and national Jewish Federation. The documents consist of meeting minutes, financial documents, future planning packets, community outreach pamphlets, teaching materials, internal studies, and media clippings.
Dates
- 1950-2014
Creator
- Jewish Family Service (Metairie, La.) (Organization)
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open to the public. No known restrictions.
Conditions Governing Use
Physical rights are retained by the Louisiana Research Collection. Copyright is retained in accordance with U.S. copyright laws.
Biographical / Historical
Originally established in 1948 when the Jewish Children’s Home closed, the Jewish Family Service of Greater New Orleans (JFS) is more than just a religious organization. It is a social service agency committed to preserving, strengthening, and enhancing the lives of individuals and families at every stage of life. JFS became a separate organization with non-profit status in 1976. It remains a constituent agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans and a community partner with United Way of Southeast Louisiana. JFS serves Greater New Orleans regardless of race, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation and the services are available on a sliding fee scale based on income.
The Jewish Family Service, although a relatively small organization, has had a big impact throughout New Orleans. One of the most renowned programs is the Teen Life Counts suicide prevention program for New Orleans schools, which provides mental health education and training programs for both students and teachers. The Homemaker Program provides services to the New Orleans elderly. Started in 1975, it offers driving and housekeeping assistance as well as offering case worker services. Another critical aspect of the JFS is the Resettlement Program. Since conception in the mid-20th century, JFS has assisted immigrant families, first from Egypt then later from Russia settle into life in America. Other programs include an adoption agency, “Share-a-Home”, interfaith family counseling, community nursing project, and other case work services. Events include the annual family tennis tournament and Passover basket distribution.
Extent
11.00 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Roselle M. Ungar. Date acquired: 05/05/2015.
Processing Information
Collection processed by Teva Kaplan in 2015.
- Title
- Archon Finding Aid Title
- Author
- Teva Kaplan
- Date
- 12/08/2016
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Tulane University Special Collections Repository