Community Programs & Education 

JFS offers support groups and workshops focused on the specific needs of our community, such as workshops for parents and support groups for caregivers. 

Domestic Violence Awareness Initiative

Domestic Violence is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.  This can occur in many different forms, including: verbal, emotional, physical, sexual, technological and financial, even mockery of one’s beliefs. And the children in the household? They feel it too.  

Every year, JFS hosts a Domestic Violence Awareness Day.  Last year our Lighting the Way to Peace attracted a crowd of all ages, who came together to END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE and write their message of peace on our Mural of Peace.

There are thousands of reported incidents of Domestic Violence in Charlotte throughout the year. Each domestic abuse survivor has a different story and a different path forward as they break free of abuse.

In addition to community awareness campaigns, JFS works directly with many domestic abuse survivors to address their immediate physical, financial and emotional needs. If you are in a troubled relationship and need help, call JFS @ 704.364.6594.

R U OK? Shalom Park

Discussions about mental health are becoming more and more common, as people open up about their struggles with this often times taboo subject. But there are still so many people who feel embarrassed or that they will be judged so they don’t confide in others about their problems. The R U OK?  Shalom Park Campaign is about highlighting the hidden struggles of those people who are going through their own battles, not just on one day, but every day of the year. The aim of a program like this is to remind us all to be our brothers keeper and to ask “Are you ok?”

Spearheaded by Jewish Family Services, the R U OK? Shalom Park Campaign is a collaboration offered to the community by the Jewish organizations in Charlotte. It is designed to educate us all on how to go about creating safe conversations. Got a funny feeling that someone you know or care about isn’t behaving as they normally would? Perhaps they seem out of sorts, more agitated or withdrawn or just not themselves. The R U OK? Shalom Park Campaign will arm you with the tools you need to check in with that person.  If they say they are not ok, you’ll be able to show them they are supported and guide them to accessing resources and better manage their load.  If they are ok, then that person will know that you are someone who cares enough about them to ask. 

Stay tuned for pop up displays and discussions, workshops and other ways for you to reach out and ask R U OK? For more information contact Howard or Rachel at JFS at 704.364.6594.

As Jews, we gather to give thanks, celebrate and stay connected to the ancient and modern traditions that shape Jewish life and identity.  We remember, we re-enact, and we retain the light for generations to come.

As a community its important to come together to honor the moments, experiences, and values we hold dear. Throughout the year, JFS hosts celebrations that commemorate festive occasions and holidays. 

Jewish Experice Fund 

The Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’s Jewish Experience Fund promotes Jewish identity building among our Jewish youth through Jewish camping, community building, leadership development and informal educational opportunities. Click here to download the application for the Jewish Experience Fund.

Jewish Education Loan Fund

The Jewish Educational Loan Fund grants interest-free loans to Jewish students from Georgia, Florida, North and South Carolina and Virginia for post-secondary study at accredited institutions. JELF’s loans are ‘last dollar’ – they supply the final funds that a student needs to attend school.  Applications for interest-free loans for post-secondary education (college, graduate school, vocational and professional courses)  is available on JELF’s website at www.jelf.org.  For more information, contact info@jelf.org, or call 770-396-3080.

Temple Israel Dues Abatement & Preschool Scholarship 

Temple Israel and Charlotte Jewish Preschool utilize JFS staff to review applications for dues abatement and scholarship assistance.  In this way JFS helps maximize the resources of the entire Jewish Community by applying a consistent approach to evaluating individual scholarship needs.

Hebrew Cementery

On behalf of the Hebrew Cemetery Association, the JFS case manager meets with individuals and families to assess financial need for those unable to pay full price to bury a loved one. Please contact the Hebrew Cemetery Association for additional information at 704-576-1859.