If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am only for myself, what am I?
If not now, when?" -- Rabbi Hillel

Being there for each other: that's what transforms a group of individuals into a community, and that's what Jewish Family Service is all about.  We provide confidential counseling services, referrals to other agencies and professionals, and outreach programs that support Columbia's Jewish population.  All of this helps us grow stronger as individuals, as families, and as a community.

Elysa Sexton, Director of Jewish Family Services, was born and raised in this community, and will be remembered by some as Elysa Kahn.  Elysa, a licensed Social Worker, returns to Columbia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Social Work.  While in graduate school, she worked at Senior Resources helping to evaluate seniors for Meals-On-Wheels and other programs.  She also worked at DHEC in the Office of Youth Development and Adolescent Health developing programs to help teens address issues that affect their daily lives.  Elysa joins us having worked as the Children’s Program Director at the Charleston Jewish Community Center, running preschool lunch enrichment programs, after school programs, family holiday programs, etc. and, most recently as a Hospice Social Worker, working with patients and their families at the end-of-life.

Jewish Family Services is growing to meet the needs of the community and that requires knowing what the needs of the community are.  I invite you to call me and provide insight into ways Jewish Family Services can better serve this community.  I am also happy to field any questions you may have about how Jewish Family Services works and what we do.  Elysa, her husband Troy, and their son Liam are excited to be in Columbia, close to their family and old friends.  When not working they enjoy seeing movies, visiting the zoo and local museums, and are happy to be exposing Liam to the wonderful cultural sties Columbia has to offer.

JFS Mission:

Jewish Family Service is a human service agency dedicated to promoting, strengthening, and preserving individual, family, and community well being in a manner consistent with Jewish philosopohy and values.

The ways we help people help themselves:

• Information, Assessment, and Referral
• Individual, Marriage, and Family Counseling
• Resettlement Programs
• Volunteer Services and Community Outreach
• Kligman Family Life Education
• Food and Personal Care Pantry
  

We're here when you need us, and if you can help, we need you.    

Since JFS was founded in 1996, many peole have given generously of their time and talents to hlep us reach out to those in need.  But we are always looking for additional volunteers who are committed to making a difference by sharing their energy, expertise, and time.

If you want to make use of our services, volunteer to help out, or learn more about the role Jewish Family Service plays in our community, call Elysa Sexton at 803.787.2023 x 219.

• Please support the programs and efforts of Jewish Family Service: how you can help us help others 

Do you know a friend or family member who has recently moved into a nursing home or assisted living facility?  Please contact Jewish Family Service with his or her name and the name of the facility so your loved one will be included in holiday visits made by JFS volunteers.  Because of changes in privacy laws, the facilities are no longer allowed to disclose information about residents.  Withour your help, JFS may overlook members of our community who have moved into one of these facilities.  Contact Elysa Sexton at 787.2023 x 219.

Jewish Family Service is a beneficiary agency of the Columbia Jewish Federation

Dr. Naomi Farber, JFS Advisory Chair
Esther Greenberg, CJF President
Steven R. Terner, Executive Director