Dec 14, 2016

Federation-Funded JAFCO Helping Jewish Children in Need

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

Thanks to your support of the Annual Federation/UJA Campaign, abused and neglected Jewish children and those with developmental disabilities across South Florida have a safety net through Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options (JAFCO), a Jewish-based child welfare agency.

Founded in 1992, JAFCO was conceived by its President, Dr. Ronald Simon, and Sarah Franco, who has served as Executive Director since its inception. “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.

JAFCO provides comprehensive, high-quality services for children, including foster care, adoption, family preservation, mentoring, independent living and developmental disability programs. The JAFCO Children’s Village, consisting of an Emergency Shelter and six Group Homes, serves as a model for others across the nation.

With an emphasis on all things Jewish, JAFCO provides only kosher meals, 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.

The JAFCO Children’s Ability Center supports families raising children with developmental disabilities by providing family enrichment, resources, and respite care all within one state-of-the-art center. Today, the 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.

Franco vows that JAFCO will never turn away any child in need. JAFCO’s partnership with Federation plays an important role in that mission.