Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA)

A nonsectarian provider helping children, adults and seniors meet emotional, social and physical challenges for over 115 years; offering counseling, vocational, educational, in-home support, home healthcare, hospice and social services.

How do you help people in my community?

JSSA is a local agency that serves residents of the Washington metropolitan area. We have offices in Rockville, Gaithersburg, D.C., Annandale and Herndon, with Newcomer Resettlement offices in Rockville. Because of financial support from the community, we can offer services to individuals and families regardless of their income.

Why do you need my support?

Your support helps subsidize the most critical mental health, home care and social for the individuals and families in greatest need. Even small gifts, combined with other contributions, make an important difference in the lives of those who seek our assistance. They create a safety net of services for our community. JSSA is one of only a few agencies providing high-quality services on a sliding scale.

And as public funding dwindles, community contributions play an even greater role. Doesn't every troubled child deserve the best mental health services, regardless of his parents' income? What about the frail elder on a limited income who can avoid having to move to a nursing home if only she could receive personal care at home? Or the teenager, deaf since birth, who desperately needs a therapist who can communicate in sign language to help him get through adolescence?

Your support buys bereavement counseling for a child who has just lost his mother; physical and other therapies for individuals with disabilities whose insurance is inadequate; in-home support services for elders living independently; mental health and other services for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

Washingtonian Magazine wrote of JSSA, and 9 other agencies: -- "when you give to these local charities, your donation will be money well spent." The magazine characterized these charities as "outstanding local organizations that address our community's most pressing needs." What criteria did the magazine examine? "...a clear mission, good management, visionary leaders, and a track record of first-rate services." The magazine singled out JSSA as "widely admired for the professionalism of its nonsectarian services."

Can I Volunteer? How?

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Marlyn Polon at 301-881-3700