Schoke Jewish Family Service Celebrates 50 Years of Service.

Founded in 1975 to serve the Greater Stamford area, Schoke JFS quickly expanded in 1990 with an office in Westport, which allowed the agency to reach the towns of Westport, Weston, Wilton, and Norwalk. Since then, Schoke JFS has continued to grow, now providing services in 15 towns, including Bridgeport, Fairfield, Trumbull, Ridgefield, Redding, Easton, Monroe, and Stratford.

What began in the late 1970s with just one secretary, a part-time director, and a part-time social worker primarily focused on helping Russian immigrants resettle has grown into a robust and diverse service provider. Schoke JFS now offers a wide range of programs, including counseling, geriatric care services, emergency assistance, and initiatives to combat food insecurity. The agency is also home to the Freedberg Family Kosher Food Pantry and the Kosher Mobile Food Pantry, Connecticut’s only kosher food truck.

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We celebrate our 50th anniversary with powerful testimonials highlighting Schoke JFS’s impact over the past half-century.

An Evening with Schoke JFS

Sunday, May 18, 2025

 

SCHOKE JFS THROUGH THE YEARS

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September 1978

Federation News
Greenspan Will Take Charge of Family Service


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June 1979

Jewish Voice
Listing of Services


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March 1981

Jewish Voice
JFS Russian Resettlement Committee Reorganizes for New Influx of Emigres


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January 1984

The CT Jewish Ledger
JFS Series on Sexuality Planned Jan 24 and Jan 31 at Stamford JCC

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November 1986

Jewish Voice
Women's Group Gets New Leaders


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February 1987

Jewish Voice
First Graduating Class of JFS's Home Companion Program

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May 1987

Jewish Voice
Russian Refugees Arrive


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April 1989

Jewish Voice
JFS Day to Recognize Volunteers


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December 1991

Jewish Voice
New Executive Committee for JFS

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Summer 1991

JFS Reporter
JFS Plans Westport-Norwalk Office


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July 1993

Jewish Voice
Federal Grants Help JFS Start New Job Program


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June 1994

Jewish Voice
JFS Plans Move to Larger Quarters

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February 1995

Stamford Jewish Ledger
JFS Looks to its Third Decade


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October 1999

The New Jewish Voice
Matt Greenberg new JFS Exec. Director

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January 1993

Joan and Ben Zinbarg Camp Scholarship Program Established


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April 2002

The New Jewish Voice
JFS Establishes Kosher Food Pantry


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June 2003

The New Jewish Voice
JFS Expands Services for the Elderly with Case Management

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Spring 2007

JFS Reporter
Jewish Family Service Relocating to New Offices


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2010

Jewish Twenties & Thirties (JTT) Established


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November 2013

JFS Reporter
Coping with Bullying


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March 2014

The New Jewish Voice
JFS Focus on K.I.D.S. For Separated/Divorced Parents in High Conflict

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August 2016

Grecia and Ron Gross Jewish Family Life Education Program Established

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Fall 2016

JFS Reporter
Jewish Family Service to be Named Elayne and James Schoke Jewish Family Service of Fairfield County


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May 2017

JFS Reporter
Counseling Services Debut New Name - Kuriansky Family Counseling Program


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Feburary 2019

JFS Reporter
Schoke JFS Moves to New Offices at 196 Greyrock Place

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February 2019

JFS Reporter
Pamela and Michael Hirsch Kosher Home Delivered Meal Program Launches

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Spring 2019

JFS Reporter
The Kosher Food Pantry has been renamed the Freedberg Family Kosher Food Pantry in recognition of their commitment to Schoke JFS


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Spring 2023

JFS Reporter
Announcing The Japha Family Emergency Assistance Program

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Spring 2023

JFS Reporter
Fighting Hunger and Feeding Home - New Kosher Mobile Food Pantry

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Fall 2023

JFS Reporter
Schoke JFS Opens New Office in Fairfield

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We celebrate our 50th anniversary with powerful testimonials highlighting Schoke JFS's impact over the past half-century.

“Thank you so much for all you do to coordinate these deliveries. The meals have provided my mom and I with such peace of mind that we don’t have to worry about Shabbat dinner. She had a hip replacement last week and all that said, we feel so blessed to have so much community meal support.” Food Programs Client
“Thank you again for making it possible for my wife to be at home an extra year. It has been difficult for me not to be with her after 55 years of marriage, so I cannot place a monetary value on what that year meant to me.” Home Companion Client
“I want to express my deepest gratitude for your heartfelt involvement in my case and for your kind assistance. You spent a lot of time advocating for my case, and I highly appreciate your invaluable help. Your efforts have resulted in a significant increase in my monthly payment from $245 up to $335, which has made a significant difference in my life. I wish all of you, my dedicated advocates, many successful cases and victories in fighting for the elderly community. Your dedication and advocacy are truly admirable, and I am grateful for your efforts on behalf of elderly clients like me.” Case Management Client
“I don’t have the kind of funds where I can go out and buy the things the doctor wants me to eat. The food I get from JFS truly helps me.” Food Programs Client
“Thank you once again for helping us to make our High Holidays brighter. The food looks delicious. Please also pass on our sincere thanks to all who helped. Thank you personally again for your love, kindness, and your fabulous organization for taking such great care of all of us, not only feeding us, but checking on us if for some reason we do not participate in some of your programs, and making us feel great and loved.” Anachnu Client
“Time volunteering together has also been time to connect with each other while simultaneously doing something good for the community!”Ronnie Kaplan, Volunteer (Shir Ami Congregant)
“When I was in High School, I delivered Shabbat meals to clients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since coming back from university in Canada, Schoke JFS has given me the opportunity to once again give back to my community by stocking shelves, moving deliveries from the food bank into the pantry, and packing meals for families. To me, providing families with decent food they need is a priceless form of tzedakah that I am honored to be a part of.” Aaron Lane, Volunteer
“It’s been hard to hang in there.. but thankfully, YOUR generosity has sustained us. We are this tiny, multigenerational family that sometimes feels forgotten & when one of you shows up at our door, it brings a tidal wave of joy. Thank you for EVERYTHING you do.. and for the lessons we learn from your generosity. My child already IS a better person because of Schoke JFS.” Case Management Client
“Volunteering and Schoke JFS have deeply impacted me. Whether it’s packing bags or making calls for the Anachnu Program, it always has a positive effect on me. Schoke JFS has become so deeply rooted in me, and I love spending my time helping others out.” Izzy Kanefsky, Volunteer
“Thank you for sending a Shabbat meal again this week. That is incredibly thoughtful and helpful! Last week was the first solid foods my son was able to tolerate and I swear it cured him. Thank you, Schoke JFS, for taking care of our family!” Food Programs Client
“Working in the food pantry is a joy. The clients are appreciative, the staff and other volunteers are friendly and welcoming. It is truly a feel-good experience.”Maryalyce Gover, Volunteer
“I was overwhelmed with the uncertainty of my situation, but Schoke JFS helped me navigate it with compassion and understanding. I will forever be grateful for their support.” Counseling Client
“The Home Companion program has allowed me to maintain my independence while receiving the assistance I need. It’s a great comfort to know there’s someone I can rely on.” Home Companion Client
“Through Schoke JFS, I’ve received not only practical help but also the emotional support I needed during a challenging time. They have truly made a difference in my life.” Case Management Client
“The food pantry has been an essential resource for my family. The generosity of Schoke JFS has given us peace of mind during difficult times.” Food Programs Client
“My daughter, Parker, and I regularly volunteer at Schoke JFS, especially around holidays or with our Temple Sinai community, and we love inviting new friends to join us. For me, volunteering is a way to live my values, build meaningful connections, and show Parker the power of giving back!”Erica Santiago, Volunteer (Temple Sinai Member)
“Schoke JFS was there when I needed help the most. Their dedicated team not only assisted me with immediate needs but also provided ongoing support for long-term stability.” Case Management Client
“Schoke JFS has made it possible for my kids to attend camp this summer. The Zinbarg Camp Scholarship Program has allowed my children to experience a place where they’ve made lifelong friends, learned new skills, and created memories they will never forget.” Camp Scholarship Recipient
“The professionals at Schoke Jewish Family Service continually show their sincere appreciation to the community, making it a pleasure to volunteer. Each JFS employee goes out of his/her way to show their gratitude with a friendly smile, conversation, and ALWAYS a thank you.” Melanie Massell, Volunteer
“In a world filled with so much unrest, stress, and uncertainty, the volunteering opportunities provided by Schoke JFS help to remind us that there’s still so much we can do, especially now, to help make life more meaningful for those around us.” Linda Shames, Volunteer
“Volunteering with Schoke JFS has shown me the deep impact of kindness and how much of a difference we can make in someone’s life. They are a true asset to the community.” Volunteer
“Thanks to Schoke JFS, I don’t have to worry about where my next meal will come from. Their food programs have been a great blessing to me and my family.” Food Programs Client
“Schoke JFS has given me a sense of community and belonging, which is priceless. They’ve provided not just physical help, but emotional support when I needed it most.” Case Management Client
“Schoke JFS’s compassion and expertise have helped me navigate some of the most difficult challenges in my life. They offer not just services, but genuine care.” Counseling Client
“The quality of care I’ve received through the Home Companion program has exceeded all expectations. They’ve made a lasting positive impact on my daily life.” Home Companion Client
“Through Schoke JFS, I’ve found a support system that truly understands my needs and helps me work toward a brighter future.” Counseling Client
“I don’t know where we would be without Schoke JFS’s food programs. Their support has helped us through tough times, and we are forever grateful.” Food Programs Client
“The Zinbarg Camp Scholarship was such a blessing for our family. It gave my child the chance to not only enjoy an amazing camp experience but also to build their confidence and independence. I’m so thankful for the chance they had to make new friends and grow in ways we never expected.” Camp Scholarship Recipient
“The Home Companion aides have been a huge help in allowing me to remain independent. Their kindness and support have made all the difference in my life.” Home Companion Client
“The counseling services provided by Schoke JFS have been an incredible resource for me. The team has given me tools to better manage my challenges and helped me feel empowered.” Counseling Client
“The dedication of Schoke JFS to improving the lives of others is evident in every interaction. Their compassion and commitment to their clients’ well-being are unmatched.” Case Management Client
“Schoke JFS has helped me in ways I never imagined. Their guidance and support have been vital in helping me navigate some very challenging times.” Food Programs Client
“Thanks to Schoke JFS, my family is able to enjoy a better quality of life. The help they provide has been nothing short of transformative.” Case Management Client