The roots of Jewish Family Service began in 1862 with charitable groups such as the Hebrew Benevolent Union Society, the Sisterhood of Zion, the Women's Jewish Benevolent Society and the Ladies Sewing Aid Society. In 1920, these four organizations merged to form the Federation of Jewish Charities of Buffalo now known as the Jewish Federation of Greater Buffalo.

In 1930, the Federation established the Jewish Welfare Society (JWS), a predecessor to the Jewish Family Service. The JWS was initially made up of four departments: (1) the Relief Department; (2) the Child Care Department; (3) the Nutrition and Allied Clinic; and (4) the Committee on Sewing and Disbursements.

In 1947 the Jewish Welfare Society name was changed to the Jewish Community Service Society, and the departments were reorganized into the Family Service, Child Care, and Vocational Service Departments. A new constitution was written that emphasized the importance of Jewish family life.

In 1953, Mr. Albert Deemer became Executive Director. The Agency located on West Chippewa Street, had a staff of three and the caseload consisted of six families, seven children in foster homes and refugees. The Jewish Community Service Society was seen as  a charitable organization whose main purpose was to aid the poor.

In 1958, the Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic was opened as a new service available to the community and a sliding scale fee based on family size and income was instituted.

In 1960, The Agency was changed to the Jewish Family Service and the offices were relocated to the Sidway Building at Main and Goodell. During the 1970's, the Agency assumed primary responsibility for resettling Soviet refugees in the Buffalo community. In 1983, the Agency moved to its present home at 70 Barker Street.

In 1987, Dr. David M. Gersh was chosen to succeed Mr. Deemer as the Executive Director. Dr. Gersh expanded programming to include more services for the frail elderly, the single parent family, the chronically mentally ill and individuals with compulsive disorders.

Marlene A. Schillinger was appointed Executive Director in 1995.

Today, the Agency staff is comprised of eleven (11) certified social workers, two (2) psychologists, two (2) psychiatrists, five (5) case managers, three (3) certified rehabilitation counselors, support staff and others.

Jewish Family Service is funded by the United Way, the Jewish Federation, the Erie County Department of Mental Health, the New York State Office of Mental Health, program fees and private contributions. The Agency receives third party reimbursement from insurance companies and Health Maintenance organizations. It is also an affiliate of the Niagara Behavioral Health Care Network.