The Story of Jewish Family Service begins in 1862 when four organizations merged to become the Federation of
Jewish Charities of Buffalo.
The Hebrew Benevolent Union, the Sisterhood of Zion, the Women’s Jewish Benevolent Society and the Ladies Sewing Aid Society joined to form the Federation of Jewish Charities in 1862.
In 1930 the Federation established the Jewish Welfare Society. In 1947 the Jewish Welfare Society changed its name to the Jewish Community Service Society and reorganized into three departments: Family Service, Child Care and Vocational Service.
In 1955, under the executive direction of Albert Deemer, the Jewish Community Service Society was located on Chippewa Street and had a staff of three. The caseload of the charitable organization consisted of six families, seven children in foster homes and refugees.
Mr. Deemer associated the agency with United Way and in 1958 opened a psychiatric outpatient clinic to serve the community at large. In 1960 the Jewish Community Service Society became Jewish Family Service and was located in the Sidway Building at the corner of Main and Goodell Streets.
During the 1970s, Jewish Family Service was the lead agency responsible for resettling Soviet refugees in Buffalo. JFS moved to its present location at 70 Barker Street in 1983.
Jewish Family Service of Buffalo and Erie County is a constituent agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo.
Dr. David Gersh succeeded Albert Deemer as JFS executive director in 1987. Dr. Gersh expanded programmatic support for the frail elderly, single parent families,the chronically mentally ill and for individuals with compulsive disorders.
Marlene Schillinger was appointed executive director in 1995 and was named JFS president in 2007. Today the JFS staff is comprised of 11 certified social workers, three psychiatrists, two psychologists, five case managers, 20 nurses, three certified rehabilitation counselors, support staff and others.
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