In August 2018, Jewish Family Service of RI (JFSRI) and Jewish Seniors Agency of RI (JSARI) joined forces to become Jewish Collaborative Services (JCS), a full-spectrum housing and social services agency. The combined agency serves Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, helping individuals and families facing housing, hunger, aging, caregiving, or physical or emotional challenges.
The mission of JCS is to sustain, nurture and strengthen the wellbeing of seniors, adults, children and families and to ensure access to a full continuum of care through the life cycle, within the framework of Jewish tradition and values. In keeping with its spirit of inclusiveness, the agency serves those in need regardless of religion, race, background or other factors.
The union followed a Partnership Committee examination of best structure for serving the thousands of clients the agencies serve each year. The Committee’s formal recommendation noted, “The combined agency will provide a single entry point for services and permit the identification and fulfillment of client needs across the full spectrum of services. As a single, larger organization, moreover, we will be better positioned to design and implement new services, cultivate leadership, expand our volunteer base and raise funds, all for the benefit of the community we serve.”
JCS opened its headquarters at 1165 North Main Street in Providence at the beginning of August. This new office houses The Counseling Center, Lifeline RI, Jewish Eldercare of RI, Partners in Care, the Full Plate Kosher Food Pantry, Adoption Options, and other services. The agency’s West Bay campus in Warwick is home to its landmark Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence and Shalom and Shalom II affordable housing complexes, as well as the Shalom Mealsite and the Ta’Am To Go Kosher Catering service.