Jewish Family Service Celebrates Growth with New Location and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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Ari Franklin, Heather Krol, Rabbi Amy B. Cohen, Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus, Amanda Krasoff, Molly Krasoff, Steve Krasoff, Keith Zimmerman, Janet S. Elam, Guy Matthews
Ari Franklin, Heather Krol, Rabbi Amy B. Cohen, Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus, Amanda Krasoff, Molly Krasoff, Steve Krasoff, Keith Zimmerman, Janet S. Elam, Guy Matthews

Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service, the social service branch of Shalom Austin, announced the opening of its second location in Austin on the Dell Jewish Community Campus with a ribbon cutting ceremony last month.

The new 4,077 square-foot Krasoff Jewish Family Service Building is donated by and named after community leader Steve Krasoff and his family. It will house JFS’s growing staff of over 20 counselors, case managers, the disability and inclusion program team, the Inspired Aging (adults 60+) program team, the food pantry, and administrators. JFS staff will utilize the new building’s conference rooms and private offices to provide counseling sessions, host programs and support groups, and hold meetings.

JFS serves as an accessible and community-based social services provider, supporting individuals and families of all faiths and backgrounds for whom social services, mental healthcare, case management, and community engagement opportunities are otherwise difficult to access.

“My family and I are very excited about the opening of the Krasoff Jewish Family Service Building,” said Steve Krasoff. “Most importantly, it warms our hearts that the JFS has expanded their reach so as to provide services for those with disabilities and inclusion needs. I believe that this facility will be a beacon of hope for individuals and families, offering them tools and resources they need to build a better future. It’s an honor to be part of something that will make such a lasting impact.”

“The opening of the Krasoff Jewish Family Service Building represents a significant step forward in our commitment to serving our community,” said Rabbi Amy B. Cohen, Shalom  Austin chief social services officer and JFS executive director. “This facility will allow us to expand our reach and offer even more comprehensive care and support to those in need. We are deeply grateful to our donors, partners, committee members and everyone who has worked hard to make this vision a reality.’

The ribbon cutting ceremony included Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus, Shalom Austin CEO; Rabbi Amy B. Cohen, Shalom Austin Chief Social Services Officer and JFS Executive Director; Steve Krasoff, local community leader and contributor; Ari Franklin, JFS Chair; Heather Krol, JFS Past Chair; and Keith Zimmerman, local community leader.