Support That Saves: Why JFCS Needs You Now
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When you give to Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), you’re directly impacting the lives of children, teens, adults and families in Maricopa County who are struggling with trauma, poverty and mental health challenges. Your support helps keep essential services accessible to thousands of neighbors in crisis. Whether someone needs counseling, support or a safe place to heal, your gift ensures they don’t face it alone.
“Giving locally is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting change in your own community,” said Tina Lopez, CFRE, vice president of philanthropic services at JFCS. “When you give to JFCS, you’re not just making a donation—you’re becoming part of a safety net for your neighbors right here in Maricopa County.”
That safety net is more critical now than ever before. In October 2024, changes implemented by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) significantly impacted JFCS and other service providers statewide. Reimbursement rates have not increased in more than 15 years, even as the cost of care continues to climb. In addition, recent federal legislation could lead to further reductions in Medicaid funding.
“These changes have placed an incredible strain on our ability to meet the growing demand for services,” Lopez said. “Private support from donors helps us close the gap and ensure that people in crisis don’t fall through the cracks.”
A gift to JFCS supports a wide range of trauma-informed, wraparound services designed to help people at every stage of life. These include mental health counseling, integrated primary care, emergency financial assistance, domestic violence victim support, older adult services and youth development programs for teens and young adults. The organization also offers Jewish Community Services, providing culturally sensitive care and community engagement tailored to Jewish individuals and families.
“Whether you’re supporting a child who needs counseling, a domestic violence survivor who needs emergency shelter or an older adult facing isolation, your gift helps someone take the next step toward stability and healing,” Lopez said.
Donors are welcome to designate their gifts to a specific area of interest if they choose. However, Lopez emphasized that the organization’s most urgent need is for unrestricted support.
“If there’s a particular area that aligns with a donor’s values, we’re happy to work with them to ensure their gift makes the impact they envision,” she said. “At the same time, unrestricted support allows us the flexibility to respond where the need is greatest, which is incredibly important right now.”
For those who want to go beyond cash donations, there are several impactful ways to give. Many donors support JFCS through Donor Advised Funds, gifts of appreciated stock or Qualified Charitable Distributions from their IRAs. The organization also welcomes planned gifts through estate planning and bequests.
“We’re grateful for every form of support,” Lopez said. “Planned gifts allow donors to leave a legacy of compassion and care. And for Arizona residents, there’s also the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Program, which offers a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit for donations up to $470 for individuals or $938 for couples filing jointly.”
Lopez emphasized the urgency of the current moment.
“Our community is at a critical tipping point, with demand for services growing rapidly while public funding becomes increasingly unstable,” she said. “Every gift matters. Whether it’s a one-time donation, a monthly commitment or a legacy gift, your support ensures that JFCS can continue to provide life-changing care and hope to those who need it most. Now is the time to act.”