About JFS
Jewish Family Services of Ottawa (JFS) is a full service, non-sectarian agency serving residents of the greater Ottawa area – located at 2255 Carling Avenue, Suite 300. We offer more than 65 programs and services to children, youth, adults and seniors, be they individuals, couples, families or groups.
Our Vision
Through Jewish traditions, values and culture, to build a community where people can learn to care for themselves and each other with dignity, respect and compassion.
Our Mission
In the spirit of “Tikkun Olam,” our mission is to strengthen Jewish individual, family and communal life, and to strengthen individual, family and communal life in the greater Ottawa community. The mission is accomplished through direct social service, partnership, and advocacy.
Administrative Team
Director of Counselling and Mental Health
Michael Gershuny, M.Ed, MSW, RSW
613-722-2225 ext. 410
Program Management Team
Clinical Manager, Senior Services & Manager, Services for Holocaust Survivors
Iris Beer
613-722-2255 ext. 311
Manager, Refugee and Vulnerable Newcomers
Carmen G. Urbina, M.Ed, RP
613-722-2225 ext. 245
Board members
President
Aviva Ben-Choreen
Vice President
Matthew Conley
Secretary
Dr. Nili Kaplan-Myrth
Treasurer
Joanne Gorenstein
Past President
Dr. Mark Luden
Board Member
Harland Tanner
Board Member
Shereen Miller
Board Member
Cecile Bensimon
Board Member
Dr. Alan Karovitch
Board Member
Kanika Arora
Board Member
Jeremy Rudin
Board Member
Laila Wex
2022 Member
Nancy Werk
2022 Member
Terry Smutylo
2022 Member
Gary Stein
2022 Member
Sherill Besser
2022 Member
Cecile Bensimon
2022 Member
Stephen Aronson
2022 Member
Jenny Shinder
2022 Member
Esther Rossman
2022 Member
Allan Moscovitch
2022 Member
Wayne Moore
2022 Member
John Lunn
2022 Member
Mitch Charness