Alliance Between Jewish Federation and Jewish Family Service

News today coming out of Orange County today……

Jewish Federation Orange County and Jewish Family Service of Orange County announced today that the organizations have entered into a long-term strategic alliance designed to save one of the Jewish community’s most important service providers.  Going forward,    the institution will be known as Jewish Federation & Family Services, Orange County.

“The hard truth is that we are in a time of economic crisis combined with a 64% increase in service demand,” said Philip N. Kaplan, Chairman of the Board of Jewish Federation.  “In the last year, one of our three Jewish day schools closed its doors.  Several Orange County Congregations are discussing mergers.  Throughout the country, Jewish social service agencies have ceased to operate.  Jewish Family Service was on the brink, and we took immediate action to guarantee its survival.”

When the severity of the crisis became known, the boards of both organizations quickly established a task force to address short- and long-term solutions.  A joint decision to form the alliance was unanimously approved by both boards.  A board-level transition team was appointed to ensure uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian services.

While each organization will continue to maintain its individual nonprofit incorporation status, the alliance will be governed through increased integration between the two boards.

“The core strength of JFS is best-in-class humanitarian services,” said Daniel J. Koblin, Chairman of the Board of Jewish Family Service.  “Federation is known for its expertise in fundraising, leadership development, communications and financial management.  This alliance is a true partnership, in which each institution can focus completely on core competencies toward a shared goal: to provide more services to more people, more efficiently.”

Humanitarian programs of Jewish Federation & Family Service include crisis intervention, emergency assistance, support groups, employment and financial empowerment programs, professional counseling, a special needs advocate, educational scholarships, and a range of services for older adults including bereavement groups, care management and the SilverStreak senior transportation program.