Yana Vishnitsky Refugee Resettlement program

Refugee family in home

JFS is a Reception & Placement agency and works in partnership with HIAS, the Global Jewish Organization for Refugees. Together, we provide vital services to refugees so they can rebuild their lives after they are forced to flee their homelands due to economic hardship and persecution from countries such as Ukraine, Afghanistan, El Salvador, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

What we do 

JFS staff and volunteers: 

  • Find affordable, safe housing. 

  • Provide cultural mentors to teach refugees U.S. currency and the general value of goods, general public safety and what to do in an emergency, how navigate public transportation, their new neighborhood, and city, and how to grocery shop. 

  • Assist with intake paperwork, public benefits, language courses, and enrolling kids in school. 

  • Provide food, employment support, and mental health counseling. 

What you can do 

  • Help find housing and employment opportunities*. (Contact Troy Cox with landlord and employment referrals.) 

  • Learn about volunteer opportunities. 

  • Make a donation to support the Refugee Resettlement program. 

  • Donate a new home supply basket.  

  • Donate furniture, household goods, appliances, and more. 

Do you have open positions at your company? 

JFS has a vibrant Refugee Resettlement team that supports new Americans from all over the world. Dedicated to ensuring clients’ and employer partners’ success and happiness, our Employment Specialists are passionate about coaching refugees through the hiring process, onboarding phase, and beyond. Learn more.  

Reception and placement activities are paid for, in part, through financial assistance provided by the Department of State.