Dec 14, 2016

Federation-Funded JAFCO Helping Jewish Children in Need

Thanks to your support of the Annual Federation/UJA Campaign, children and families in need across South Florida have a life-saving safety net – Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options (JAFCO), a Jewish-based group home and social-service resource for children (newborns to age 22) awaiting adoption and foster care.

The agency also runs the Children’s Ability Center, which offers afterschool recreational programs; social and life skills training for children with special needs; family enrichment and counseling services to ease the stress typically faced by parents and siblings; and a family preservation program for children with developmental disabilities and their families. All of this reflects JAFCO’s mission of caring for youngsters and families facing a broad range of challenging circumstances. The Children’s Ability Center staff includes a behaviorist, a nurse and a psychologist, all of whom are available to give counseling and comfort to participating families.

Founded in 1992, JAFCO was conceived by its President, Dr. Ronald Simon, and Sarah Franco. “We wanted to create a place for these children that had never been tried before, an agency under Jewish auspices that answered their needs with a stable, welcoming environment,” Franco explained. All meals at JAFCO are kosher, and children celebrate Shabbat and Jewish holidays. Many of the youngsters also attend local religious school programs, observe their Bar and Bat Mitzvot, and participate in prominent Jewish heritage programs, including March of the Living and Taglit-Birthright Israel.

Executive Director Sarah Franco vows that JAFCO will never turn away any children in need, including those escaping abusive family situations. JAFCO’s partnership with Federation plays an important role in that mission.

Today, the JAFCO Children’s Ability Center has become a home away from home, and a critical source of comfort and fulfillment for the 300 special needs children and their families whose lives are enriched by its services.

Executive Director Sarah Franco stands before the colorful ark in the JAFCO Children’s Village recreation room.

Exterior of the JAFCO Children’s Ability Center.

Shelter Manager Vikki Reinitz cares for an infant in the JAFCO nursery.