Life’s hardest moments rarely look the same from one household to the next.

For one person, it’s the overwhelming weight of caring for an aging parent with dementia. For another, it’s coping with anxiety and depression in an increasingly complex world or managing the sharp rise in local living costs on a fixed income. For families raising adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, it’s searching for a place where their loved one can live with safety, independence, and dignity. And for so many today, it is navigating the growing fear and uncertainty surrounding rising antisemitism.

The circumstances vary widely, but one essential truth remains unchanged: no one in our community should face these challenges alone.

At JF&CS, that promise has guided our work for more than 130 years, and today, the need across our region is broad and deeply felt. Nationwide, one in four Jewish adults is financially vulnerable, unable to absorb an unexpected expense, let alone afford specialized care or therapy when a crisis strikes.

Here in Atlanta, housing costs have risen 60% faster than average incomes, pushing hardworking families to the brink. Last year alone, more than 300 Jewish families turned to our Bridge to Stability program to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table.

We’re ready to help; we have the expert staff, the proven programs, and the commitment to meet these needs head on. But the reality of human services is that systemic funding falls short. Insurance reimbursements, Medicaid, and government grants cover only a fraction of what high quality, compassionate care actually costs:

• Mental Health Therapy: Insurance reimburses only about two thirds of the true cost of a session. Community support allows us to maintain a sliding fee scale so no one is turned away based on their ability to pay.

• Respite Care: Giving exhausted family caregivers a temporary break requires specialized care that most families cannot fund out of pocket without philanthropic assistance.

• Residential Care for Adults with Disabilities: Medicaid rates persistently fall short of covering the real cost of operating group homes that offer true independence and dignity.

• Free Dental Care: Standard safety net programs rarely cover adult dental care. Through the Ben Massell Dental Clinic, we provide comprehensive, high-quality dental treatment completely free of charge to financially vulnerable adults, fully funded by philanthropy and supported by volunteer professionals.

• Financial Assistance: When an unexpected medical bill or job loss hits, donor support provides the immediate bridge funding families need to stay afloat.

Your generosity ensures that access to care isn't just an open door, but a door that stays open for everyone who needs it.

The Annual Campaign and Why It Matters

As we enter a new fiscal year, we are launching our Annual Campaign. While special grants and capital projects fund specific needs and one-time initiatives, our Annual Campaign is the essential engine that keeps JF&CS running day to day. It provides the flexible, reliable funding required to keep our clinicians in place, our food pantry stocked, and our doors open to anyone seeking help. Every dollar raised through the Annual Campaign directly closes the gap between what government funding covers and the actual cost of serving our neighbors.

Celebrate the Annual Campaign with Us: Community of Giving

We invite you to join us for our campaign event: Community of Giving.

Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2026

Time: 11:30 AM

Whether you join us as an event sponsor, attend as a guest, or make a commitment from home, your involvement ensures that JF&CS can say "yes" to every neighbor who reaches out for help in the year ahead.

How You Can Help Right Now:

• Consider an Event Sponsorship: Help lead the way by sponsoring Community of Giving. Your corporate sponsorship lays a strong foundation for our entire annual campaign. Reach out to Allison Holmes, Sr. Manager of Events and Special Projects, at aholmes@jfcsatl.org

• Make an Annual Campaign Gift: If you cannot join us on November 12, you can still make an immediate impact by making your annual campaign gift today.

• Become a Monthly Supporter: A recurring monthly gift provides reliable, steady support that keeps our safety net strong year-round.

"Need" looks different for everyone, and because of your generosity, hope and support are always within reach.