Outreach Services
Our Outreach Services started as a grassroots support to the Jewish community and grew to offer support to people of all backgrounds, at no fee. We specialized in tailored services to newcomers and seniors.
Jewish Family Services does not directly provide financial assistance. Please click here to see the list of financial resources available in Edmonton for emergency or ongoing financial support.
Community Support Program
Our Community Support Program supports newcomers in Edmonton, and also helps established individuals facing complex situations. We can help you navigate available social services and address current challenges like employment and language barriers. Our services include:
- Canadian Newcomer Support: Offers settlement information, community referrals, money and stress management, and support in job hunting in Canada.
- Friendly English Classes: Our English conversation classes are for people with intermediate/advanced levels of English. We focus on building relationships and having fun while practicing Canadian English, conversation, and culture. Our classes are free and take place in Zoom during weekdays.
Jewish Community Outreach
We assist community members with friendly calls, referrals, systems navigation, advocacy, and Jewish cultural support that include hosting community events and delivering holiday baskets.
Contact us
For further information about Community and Newcomer Support, Jewish Community Outreach, please call us at 780-454-1194, or email info@jfse.org. We will get back to you within three business days.
Sigma Alpha Mu Scholarships
Sigma Alpha Mu (SAM) was a fraternity that provided fellowship and housing to Jewish students at the University of Alberta Campus from the 1940s till the 1970’s. After the property was sold, SAM trustees used the investment earnings to support Jewish students through scholarships. SAM offers $1,000 to Jewish students attending a full-time (min. 3 full courses or equivalent) degree program at a post-secondary institution in Edmonton. The number of scholarships awarded varies depending on the amount available for distribution (i.e., investment earnings) and the number of awards granted.
Applications for the scholarship are being accepted until May 30, 2025.
Click here for more info about Sigma Alpha Mu Scholarships.
What Our Clients Say
“Thank you again for coaching me one on one “to survive” an interview. I kind of was more confident and I got the position in Spruce Grove with the Parkland School Board.”
– client
“I also built a social network when I took part in different gatherings and workshops. This helped me understand (by allowing me to meet other people in transition) and cope better with the barriers I was identifying in my life. These groups were a significant source of social contact for me.”
-client
“It always make a difference for people like us to know that someone out there is always ready to help when needed”
-client
“I don’t know if I would have “given up” without the program, but my life would have been less rich and more difficult, that’s for sure”.
-client
“I would like to express my comment about this class. It is friendly and feel like learning with friends who come from different background. I like to go there to talk and sharing information with other.”
– client
“from brainstorming about my difficulties to help with the necessary, JFS offered me what I needed when I needed it.”
– client
“They recognized my strengths and expected me to do my own work while they supported, advocated for and informed me. This left me feeling good about myself, our interactions and the organization”
-client