JFCS of the Suncoast
A legacy of embracing the community with care
JFCS of the Suncoast serves individuals in need at any
time of life with assistance to increase their ability
to thrive independently and improve the quality of
their lives. Over 30 years, JFCS has grown into an
from 27 community-based locations in six counties
spanning from Manatee to Collier. “We provide
clients with case management and clinical services
for individuals and families throughout the entire
lifecycle,” says CEO Heidi Brown. “Our wraparound
we change lives.”
Services offered help resolve issues of employment,
homelessness and hunger utilizing a multi-generational
54 SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2017
Left to Right: Heidi Brown, CEO, Oncology Yoga
class at HealthFit and Healthy Families, Healthy
Children class
approach, and give at-risk youth the tools to succeed
at school and on their career paths. They also assist
parents with coping skills, care for the caregivers,
and empower seniors to remain independent. JFCS’
Counseling services are open to the entire community
on a sliding-fee basis. “Services are provided
regardless of someone’s ability to pay,” Brown says.
“We want easy access to our services.” In May, JFCS’s
entire organization received a perfect score during an
accreditation review by the Council on Accreditation.
Although the organization got its start more than 30
years ago primarily with support from the local Jewish
community, JFCS continues to help everyone on a nondenominational
basis.
“We embrace the community with care, and when there is a community need,
JFCS fills the gap with the help of community partners.”