JFS News Archive

If you’ve dropped by the offices of Jewish Family Services, you might have caught a glimpse of Rebekah Foote. With a smile on her face, Rebekah is hard at work, head buried in files or at the computer helping JFS with database clean-up and record reconciliation. Since 2021, Foote has provided back-end office support to complete valuable projects that sometimes get overlooked in the busy ... read more

The Applebaum household is a busy one. Jeremy and Liron Applebaum own and operate a residential real estate and homebuilding company. At the same time, the young couple is raising two active children, Elliana age nine and Ari, who is six. While day-to-day life keeps them scurrying, the Applebaums are committed to giving back to the Jewish community, including Jewish Family Services. The couple ... read more

Nothing tastes more like home than a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Now imagine not having the peanut butter, let alone jelly or bread, on your shelf to make this high protein family favorite. That’s what many who face food insecurity deal with week in and week out. Jewish Family Services is doing its part to help those who are experiencing food insecurity through its two food pantry ... read more

When it comes to volunteering, Judith Evnen grew up with excellent examples. “The value of leadership and community involvement is a legacy from my parents and grandparents,” she said. “My siblings each offer examples of this intention. That is inspiring to me.” Helping others in the spiritual realm drew Judith Evnen to become a Spiritual Care Volunteer (SCV) at Jewish Family Services ... read more

Dr. David S. Jacobs, of blessed memory, was a quiet man. A physician who cared for many people during his outstanding career, Dr. Jacobs also had a passion for helping beyond his medical practice, especially for those who face food insecurity. Now his family is honoring Dr. Jacobs’ memory with a $75,000 gift to Jewish Family Services (JFS) KesherKC Food Pantry to continue battling food ... read more

For the second year, local Shawnee cocktail bar, Drastic Measures becomes Hanukkah themed pop up bar, Drastic Mensches for another Hanukkah season beginning Friday, December 8th. The Hanukkah pop up will donate 100% of all sales to Jewish Family Services on the following dates: Friday, December 8th from 4pm-1:30am Saturday, December 9th from 4pm-1:30am Tuesday, December 12th from ... read more

Jewish Family Services (JFS) recently welcomed new board president Jeff Stolper and eight dedicated volunteers to the board of directors. New JFS board members are Brenda Althouse, Janice Benjamin, Jamie Copaken, Crystal Johnson, Mary McLean, Rabbi Rachel Rothstein, Erika Saleski and Julia Vargas. JFS recently welcomed Kelly Davydov as its new CEO and executive director, and Stolper is ... read more

As our community responds and mourns the loss of life in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, we are creating additional resources for those at home who seek support and community. ... read more

JFS has served our greater Kansas City community for 120 years, but we haven't done it alone! We are excited to celebrate on August 24th with so many of our friends and family who have made JFS the life-changing human service agency it is today. We are also honored to recognize two individuals at our 120th Anniversary Celebration who exemplify the mission of tikkun olam - repairing our world. ... read more

Dear Friend, These are difficult times for our community. Every day we hear of more atrocities and pain in a region that so many of us love. To those with friends and family in Israel and Gaza – we hold you in our hearts and wish you peace and comfort. To our Kansas City Jewish community – we’re 'Here For You' as you grieve and try to make sense of the violence in the region. Thank you to ... read more