The Brief
• Jewish Social Services of Madison has served people of all faiths for nearly 50 years, providing elder care and family support services
• The nonprofit faced significant challenges last year due to federal cuts to refugee resettlement programs
• Community support helped fill funding gaps as the organization continues serving vulnerable populations
MADISON, Wis. — Jewish Social Services of Madison has weathered nearly five decades of community service, but recent federal funding cuts to refugee resettlement programs tested the nonprofit’s resilience and ability to continue its mission.
The organization, which has been helping people of all different faiths for nearly 50 years, provides services ranging from elder care within the community to welcoming new families to the area. However, last year brought unexpected challenges when JSS felt the impact of federal cuts to programs responsible for resettling and supporting refugees in the United States.
The nonprofit’s newest leader, who has been on the job for just one week, acknowledged the difficult circumstances facing the organization while emphasizing the community’s response to fill critical gaps in services.
“It is a tumultuous time for our organization and for our nation around resettlement and supporting immigrants,” the new leader said. “We see our role in the community as being one of solidarity and really of standing shoulder to shoulder with people that are most vulnerable and most in need of our care.”
Despite the federal funding reductions, the community stepped up to support JSS’s continued operations, allowing the organization to maintain its essential services for vulnerable populations.
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