What began in the 1860s as a way to help orphans and the needy, has blossomed during the past 150 years to become Jewish Family Service of MetroWest, a comprehensive social service agency reaching more than 3,500 families each year. Today, the Agency's catchment area has grown to serve Essex, Morris, Sussex and parts of Union and Hudson Counties with offices in Florham Park, Livington and Jersey City as well as social workers placed in synagogues and senior care facilities throughout the community. 

JFS launched its celebration of its 150th year of service with the Annual Gala on June 3, 2010 and designed a new logo to reflect this milestone achievement.  The Agency has partnered with the Jewish Historical Society of MetroWest to create Past-Forward, an exhibit that showcases the many contributions of its leadership, volunteers and staff.  Past-Forward will be on display at the Alex Aidekman Family Jewish Community Campus from September 15 to November 17, before travelling to various community venues to coincide with JFS programming.

JFS acknowledges the generous underwriting support of the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey for its sponsorship of the Past-Forward exhibit and is pleased to recognize additional support from Hebrew Free Loan of New Jersey and the Rachel Coalition.

The Agency has planned other celebrations to mark its 150th Anniversary including:

• Grand Opening of Past-Forward on September 15 at the Alex Aidekman Family Jewish Community Campus in Whippany
• Lore Ross Cafe Europa Fourth Annual Community Celebration featuring the HaZamir/North Jersey Jewish Teen Choir on October 24 at the JCC in West Orange
• The Fourth Annual Joseph Goldberg Learning Disabilities Seminar, a free educational program, on November 11, 2010 at Millburn Middle School
• An event honoring the past presidents of JFS
• "Living Better: The Jewish Family Faces the Future," an open community forum, featuring keynote speaker Judith Viorst on May 4, 2011
• And the 150th Anniversary Gala on June 2, 2011

Click here to read more about JFS's 150th anniversary celebration in the New Jersey Jewish News.

For more information about JFS's 150th Anniversary Celebration events, please contact Anita Millman at 973-765-9050 or amillman@jfsmetrowest.org.