Jewish Social Services of Madison empowers families and individuals across generations and cultures to build community and self-sufficiency, with a strong commitment to the Jewish community and inspired by Jewish values. We serve people of all ages and backgrounds.
Our agency provides a wide range of services to support seniors, individuals, and families in need. For seniors, we offer short and long-term case management, assist with navigating transitions related to changing health, and help address loneliness and isolation. We also provide guardianship, a Memory Café, meal sites, and various events. For individuals and families, we offer similar case management services, along with support for housing insecurity, employment, and career development.
Our Jewish Spiritual Care Program is unique in that it caters to the needs of Jews who are not affiliated with any synagogue. We also offer holiday programs, life cycle events, and rabbinical chaplaincy. Additionally, our Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Program assists new immigrants with employment, housing security, cultural orientation, and community building, ensuring a smooth and welcoming transition into their new lives.
Please Join Us In Making Every Challenge An Opportunity
In January, refugee resettlement agencies across the country, including JSS, received sudden stop-work orders from the U.S. government, halting critical funding for programs that help newly arrived refugees build safe and stable lives. This includes the JSS Reception and Placement Program, which provides essential support during a refugee’s first 90 days in the United States.
Right now, JSS is serving dozens of refugee families who arrived in the past three months—individuals and families who came here seeking safety and a new beginning. We refuse to abandon them. Even without federal reimbursement, we remain committed to covering their security deposits, rent, phone services, and other essential living expenses.
But we can’t do it alone. This abrupt funding loss has created a a significant budget shortfall, and we urgently need your help to continue providing for these vulnerable new arrivals. Your donation today will ensure that refugees in our community have a place to live, food on the table, and the support they need to rebuild their lives.
Please stand with us in this time of crisis. Donate now to help JSS keep our promise to those seeking safety and hope.
Update: On February 25, 2025, a federal judge in Seattle blocked the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), ruling that the administration cannot override a program established by Congress. While this decision is an important affirmation of the rule of law, it does not resolve the immediate financial crisis facing JSS and other refugee resettlement agencies. This decision shows effort and desire to store funding, but we are several steps away.
The Justice Department has already moved to put the ruling on hold and is expected to appeal. Even if the suspension of USRAP is ultimately overturned, refugee resettlement cannot simply resume overnight. The infrastructure—both in the U.S. and abroad—has been severely disrupted, and rebuilding will take time and significant financial investment.
Celebrate Shabbat with Rabbi Renee Bauer!
Please join your neighbors, volunteers and Jewish Social Services staff for candle lighting, challah, wine, songs and discussion to usher in Shabbat, along with the opportunity to recite Kaddish. We look forward to spending this special time together with you!
Every first Friday at Capitol Lakes Retirement Community
333 West Main Street, in the Grand Hall.
3:00-4:00 p.m.
Every third Friday at Oakwood Village University Woods
6225 Mineral Point Road at the Nakoma room in the Heritage Building.
3:00-4:00 p.m.