The History of Jewish Family Services
The beginnings of Jewish Family Service stem from March 5,1888, when a group of Jewish women met in one of their homes and discussed the need of an invalid's chair for a destitute family. After collections, the group succeeded. This maked a lasting tradition of recognition, discussion, and assistance for those in need.

Through working in different groups, some volunteers noticed duplicating efforts. The groups started to meet together on a monthly basis. The purpose of the organization was to restore a self-supporting and normal life to Jewish families and individuals in the City of Wilkes-Barre and its immediate vicinity.

As the 1930s extended, the rumblings of war in Europe became reality and concentration camps and Jewish extermination were horrific issues that affected the future of Jewish lives, families, relatives, and friends, and as the war ended in 1945, immigration opened even more to families, with quite a few to the Wilkes-Barre area, and the Jewish Welfare Agency carried out the resettlement program and assisted in the preparation of sponsorship affidavits.

Throughout the years, Jewish Family Services has had several names, a few different locations, and numerous inspiring leaders. The one thing that remains the same is a commitment to the care and concern for the community. With newer initiatives and prize-winning programs, JFS remains constant in their mission.

For a more complete and thorough history that outlines decades and key contributers to the story of JFS, please click here.

For a history of 71-73 W. Northampton Street, the JFS headquarters, click here.