JFS Has Resettled More Than 300 Refugees
Since 1980, Jewish Family Service has resettled more than 300 refugees from the former Soviet Union into the Greater Bridgeport area. Working closely with the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, JFS is the official resettlement agency for the Jewish Community of Eastern Fairfield County.

Once refugees are accepted into our community to be reunited with their families, and a date of arrival is set, JFS and the family begin the process of finding and furnishing an apartment. Presently, half of our resettled families live in Bridgeport, with the other half living in the suburbs. Clothing is available to those in need.

Immediately upon arrival, all employable aged adults are worked with to find suitable employment. Most families receive a donated car, which has become a necessity to find and keep employment. Some money is also available to provide training for the new arrivals.

Children are enrolled in local schools and seniors have been successful in finding Section 8 housing.

Another priority is English language training. In addition to area adult education and university ESL classes, JFS also offers volunteer led English classes and provides English tutors to work one on one with each family.

Acculturation to the general community and to the Jewish heritage are also priorities. Volunteers are recruited to help families become acquainted with life in a strange new land. The Jewish community also offers free programming and enrollment scholarships to help the new arrivals get back in touch with their Jewish roots.