'A few words on behalf of my mother, Kay Blacker, and my family on Jewish Family Services’ very special day program for seniors. The program’s care and understanding of seniors’ needs and interests were key to its success, and the staff were extraordinary in their kindness and expertise. Bravo!' --Glenda Blacker

COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES

Creating meaningful opportunities for connection, engagement, and support for individuals and families. Programs strengthen belonging and cultural identity through social and educational activities, wellness and support groups, holiday celebrations, and intergenerational experiences.

JEWISH COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING

 

 

 

Are you a Senior Jewish male looking to meet and socialize in a casual relaxed atmosphere with other Jewish men, have a good nosh and some great conversations?

Our group is comprised of mensches with varied synagogue affiliations, political leanings and recreational interests. Whether we’re agreeing or disagreeing on any topic, we do so with enthusiasm and respect. This group may be for you! Mondays 10 AM -12 noon @JFS (2255 Carling Ave, 3rd floor).

The food and premises are kosher, the bagels are Kettleman’s! The cost is $60 for the summer session. Transportation is available at an additional fee. Limited space is available so registration is required. Contact George at gsladowski@jfsottawa.com; 613-722-2225 ext. 350.

 


Kol B’Yachad is a welcoming and inclusive Jewish seniors’ community choir that brings people together through the joy and power of music. Open to older adults and their care partners, the choir provides an opportunity to connect with others, celebrate Jewish culture and tradition, and experience the many social and emotional benefits of singing in a supportive community.

Led by a talented Musical Director, Leslie Bricker and Accompanist, Aviva Lightstone, each session features beloved Jewish songs, meaningful musical experiences, and opportunities for participants of all abilities to sing, learn, and build lasting friendships. No previous musical experience is required—everyone is welcome.

Registration

A program fee applies to participate in Kol B’Yachad. Subsidies are available to help ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation. We encourage anyone interested in joining to contact JFS to learn more about registration and available financial assistance.

Join us as we raise our voices together, celebrate our shared heritage, and experience the joy of community through music.

For more information, please contact Iris Beer, Clinical Manager at 613‑722‑2225 ext. 314.

 

Our Adult Day Program (ADP) supports Jewish seniors dealing with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. The program provides participants with one-on-one opportunities to work with staff on skill development and social interaction. Our qualified ADP staff take an individualized approach, focusing on the strengths of participants and drawing on their needs, interests, and experiences.

Program takes place at JFS Offices,  2255 Carling Ave, Suite 301

Cost:  starting at $150 per month

Program time:

  • Wednesdays 10:30 am – 3:00 pm, includes Kosher lunch, snacks and refreshments

For more information please contact George Sladowski, glasdowski@jfsottawa.com Program Coordinator at: 613-668-1987.

Brochure available HERE

Groceries to Your Door

JFS is excited to announce a new grocery shopping and delivery program, J-CART. This grocery shopping program is aimed at helping JFS clients get their groceries and other essential items.

JCART a variety of shopping options:

  • pick up and drop off to your preferred grocery store
  • Shopping with assistance
  • Shopping Delivery Service. Please note, delivery service is only available for the store listed below:
  • Loblaws
  • Real Canadian Super Store
  • Your Independent Grocer

J-Cart costs start at $18

For more information please contact our Transportation Coordinator at transpo@jfsottawa.com 613-722-2225 ext.411

Our Kosher Meals on Wheels program offers a wide variety of fresh and frozen Kosher food options.

Some things to know:

  • We deliver meals on Wednesdays and Fridays. Friday meals include soup, challah and dessert.
  • Meals can be tailored to accommodate most special dietary needs: no-salt added, diabetic-friendly, vegetarian, pureed/minced.
  • Ordering can be done weekly or monthly.
  • Meals are available in individual or family size portions.
  • Our food is prepared at Hillel Lodge under the Ottawa Vaad Hakashrut supervision.

More program information is available HERE

Download the current HERE.

Look over the order form HERE and call Gilda to help complete your order.

Prices are subject to change.

Delivery dates are subject to change to accommodate Statutory and Jewish Holidays. Advance notice of these changes is given.

Please contact Gilda Cohen, gcohen@jfsottawa.com Kosher Meals on Wheels Coordinator at 613-608-9891 with any questions, including pricing.

Transportation is available to medical appointments and non-medical appointments such as adult day programs and banking appointments.

JFS has a medical van and a Jewish Community Van. Our Community Van is available to organizations looking to book group visiting or for transporting participants to weekly programs.

Our catchment area is Orleans -Barrhaven-Kanata. Appointments outside of these areas are subject to higher costs and lowered driver availability.

Cost of transportation is based on distance from your home to appointment and back, costs start at $14.

Appointments are booked with our Transportation Coordinator, a week’s notice is preferred to ensure drive is met. Last-minute drives are subject to driver availability.

JFS offers bookings through UBER on behalf of the client. Clients are required to pay the total cost of the UBER. It us strongly advised that clients have a cell phone when accessing our UBER program.

Clients are billed monthly.

A short intake with the Transportation coordinator is necessary to access this service.

Contact: transpo@jfsottawa.com or at: 613-722-2225 ext. 224 for more information.

We gladly support AJA 50+

Jewish Family Services offers a wide variety of virtual programs for Russian-speaking seniors, including

  • English as a Second Language courses
  • Dance, Yoga or Aerobics classes
  • Guest presenters and performers
  • Jewish, Russian and Canadian holidays celebration activities
  • On-line Interactive Magazine “Есть контакт!” (including its hard copy)

For more information, please, contact Inna Kalina at 613-722-2225 ext. 425.


Jewish Family Services предлагает широкий выбор виртуальных программ для русскоговорящих пожилых людей:

  • Уроки английского языка
  • Уроки танцев, йоги или аэробики
  • Презентации приглашенных лекторов и исполнителей
  • Мероприятия по празднованию еврейских, русских и канадских праздников
  • Интерактивный онлайн-журнал “Есть контакт!” (включая eго печатный вариант)

За дополнительной информацией обращайтесь к Инна Калина 613-722-2225 ext. 425.

Our Jewish Community Chaplain, George Sladowski, visits Jewish residents in non-Jewish long-term care and hospice facilities.

Contact George Sladowski, 613-668-1987.

Friends are critical to the maintenance of good health.  They break up isolation, ensure appropriate socialization, and reinforce one’s value.

Jewish Family Services can help arrange for a volunteer to virtually visit you in your home on a regular or occasional basis visits.  Available by phone and by video. 

For more information, contact Brad Chabot at 613-722-2225 ext. 249.

ISRAELI NEWCOMERS

SOCIAL PROGRAMMING FOR SENIORS

 

 

 

Are you a Senior Jewish male looking to meet and socialize in a casual relaxed atmosphere with other Jewish men, have a good nosh and some great conversations?

Our group is comprised of mensches with varied synagogue affiliations, political leanings and recreational interests. Whether we’re agreeing or disagreeing on any topic, we do so with enthusiasm and respect. This group may be for you! Mondays 10 AM -12 noon @JFS (2255 Carling Ave, 3rd floor).

The food and premises are kosher, the bagels are Kettleman’s! The cost is $60 for the summer session. Transportation is available at an additional fee. Limited space is available so registration is required. Contact George at gsladowski@jfsottawa.com; 613-722-2225 ext. 350.

 


Kol B’Yachad is a welcoming and inclusive Jewish seniors’ community choir that brings people together through the joy and power of music. Open to older adults and their care partners, the choir provides an opportunity to connect with others, celebrate Jewish culture and tradition, and experience the many social and emotional benefits of singing in a supportive community.

Led by a talented Musical Director, Leslie Bricker and Accompanist, Aviva Lightstone, each session features beloved Jewish songs, meaningful musical experiences, and opportunities for participants of all abilities to sing, learn, and build lasting friendships. No previous musical experience is required—everyone is welcome.

Registration

A program fee applies to participate in Kol B’Yachad. Subsidies are available to help ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation. We encourage anyone interested in joining to contact JFS to learn more about registration and available financial assistance.

Join us as we raise our voices together, celebrate our shared heritage, and experience the joy of community through music.

For more information, please contact Iris Beer, Clinical Manager at 613‑722‑2225 ext. 314.

 

ADULT DAY PROGRAM

Our Adult Day Program (ADP) supports Jewish seniors dealing with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. The program provides participants with one-on-one opportunities to work with staff on skill development and social interaction. Our qualified ADP staff take an individualized approach, focusing on the strengths of participants and drawing on their needs, interests, and experiences.

Program takes place at JFS Offices,  2255 Carling Ave, Suite 301

Cost:  starting at $150 per month

Program time:

  • Wednesdays 10:30 am – 3:00 pm, includes Kosher lunch, snacks and refreshments

For more information please contact George Sladowski, glasdowski@jfsottawa.com Program Coordinator at: 613-668-1987.

Brochure available HERE

J-CART

Groceries to Your Door

JFS is excited to announce a new grocery shopping and delivery program, J-CART. This grocery shopping program is aimed at helping JFS clients get their groceries and other essential items.

JCART a variety of shopping options:

  • pick up and drop off to your preferred grocery store
  • Shopping with assistance
  • Shopping Delivery Service. Please note, delivery service is only available for the store listed below:
  • Loblaws
  • Real Canadian Super Store
  • Your Independent Grocer

J-Cart costs start at $18

For more information please contact our Transportation Coordinator at transpo@jfsottawa.com 613-722-2225 ext.411

KOSHER MEALS ON WHEELS

Our Kosher Meals on Wheels program offers a wide variety of fresh and frozen Kosher food options.

Some things to know:

  • We deliver meals on Wednesdays and Fridays. Friday meals include soup, challah and dessert.
  • Meals can be tailored to accommodate most special dietary needs: no-salt added, diabetic-friendly, vegetarian, pureed/minced.
  • Ordering can be done weekly or monthly.
  • Meals are available in individual or family size portions.
  • Our food is prepared at Hillel Lodge under the Ottawa Vaad Hakashrut supervision.

More program information is available HERE

Download the current HERE.

Look over the order form HERE and call Gilda to help complete your order.

Prices are subject to change.

Delivery dates are subject to change to accommodate Statutory and Jewish Holidays. Advance notice of these changes is given.

Please contact Gilda Cohen, gcohen@jfsottawa.com Kosher Meals on Wheels Coordinator at 613-608-9891 with any questions, including pricing.

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Transportation is available to medical appointments and non-medical appointments such as adult day programs and banking appointments.

JFS has a medical van and a Jewish Community Van. Our Community Van is available to organizations looking to book group visiting or for transporting participants to weekly programs.

Our catchment area is Orleans -Barrhaven-Kanata. Appointments outside of these areas are subject to higher costs and lowered driver availability.

Cost of transportation is based on distance from your home to appointment and back, costs start at $14.

Appointments are booked with our Transportation Coordinator, a week’s notice is preferred to ensure drive is met. Last-minute drives are subject to driver availability.

JFS offers bookings through UBER on behalf of the client. Clients are required to pay the total cost of the UBER. It us strongly advised that clients have a cell phone when accessing our UBER program.

Clients are billed monthly.

A short intake with the Transportation coordinator is necessary to access this service.

Contact: transpo@jfsottawa.com or at: 613-722-2225 ext. 224 for more information.

We gladly support AJA 50+

RUSSIAN SPEAKING SENIORS

Jewish Family Services offers a wide variety of virtual programs for Russian-speaking seniors, including

  • English as a Second Language courses
  • Dance, Yoga or Aerobics classes
  • Guest presenters and performers
  • Jewish, Russian and Canadian holidays celebration activities
  • On-line Interactive Magazine “Есть контакт!” (including its hard copy)

For more information, please, contact Inna Kalina at 613-722-2225 ext. 425.


Jewish Family Services предлагает широкий выбор виртуальных программ для русскоговорящих пожилых людей:

  • Уроки английского языка
  • Уроки танцев, йоги или аэробики
  • Презентации приглашенных лекторов и исполнителей
  • Мероприятия по празднованию еврейских, русских и канадских праздников
  • Интерактивный онлайн-журнал “Есть контакт!” (включая eго печатный вариант)

За дополнительной информацией обращайтесь к Инна Калина 613-722-2225 ext. 425.

CHAPLAINCY

Our Jewish Community Chaplain, George Sladowski, visits Jewish residents in non-Jewish long-term care and hospice facilities.

Contact George Sladowski, 613-668-1987.

TELESHALOM/FRIENDLY VISITING

Friends are critical to the maintenance of good health.  They break up isolation, ensure appropriate socialization, and reinforce one’s value.

Jewish Family Services can help arrange for a volunteer to virtually visit you in your home on a regular or occasional basis visits.  Available by phone and by video. 

For more information, contact Brad Chabot at 613-722-2225 ext. 249.

For more information about our full array of programs supporting the Jewish community, please contact Ranit Braun, Manager of Programs at 613‑722‑2225 ext. 412.

CLINICAL SERVICES

Providing culturally responsive, professional support tailored to the unique social, emotional, and practical needs of Jewish individuals and families. Through a compassionate, client‑centered approach, we help people access the guidance, resources, and care they need to navigate life’s challenges while staying connected to their community.

For more information about our clinical services supporting the Jewish community, please contact Iris Beer, Clinical Manager at 613‑722‑2225 ext. 314.

Our team offers comprehensive services to assist Jewish seniors and their families to identify and access needed supports, resources and programs to successfully manage life transitions and changing circumstances. Our professional staff work with you to enhance independent living, safely and meaningfully.

Providing case management and counseling support for low-income Jewish community members, including short-term counseling, advocacy, and referrals to appropriate community resources to help address immediate needs and strengthen stability.

Offering confidential and anonymous support for Jewish women experiencing abuse. Designated counselors provide counseling, safety planning, advocacy, and referrals to help women access the support and resources they need in a safe and culturally sensitive environment.

Supporting eligible Jewish survivors of Nazi persecution, helping them remain in their homes and age with dignity. Funded by the Claims Conference, the Azrieli Foundation, and the German Ministry of Finance, the program provides assistance with compensation applications, case management in English and Russian, home care supports, and help accessing essential goods such as food, dental care, hearing aids, and safety equipment. All services are free, and eligibility criteria apply.

JEWISH SENIORS

Our team offers comprehensive services to assist Jewish seniors and their families to identify and access needed supports, resources and programs to successfully manage life transitions and changing circumstances. Our professional staff work with you to enhance independent living, safely and meaningfully.

TIKVAH

Providing case management and counseling support for low-income Jewish community members, including short-term counseling, advocacy, and referrals to appropriate community resources to help address immediate needs and strengthen stability.

SHALOM BAYIT

Offering confidential and anonymous support for Jewish women experiencing abuse. Designated counselors provide counseling, safety planning, advocacy, and referrals to help women access the support and resources they need in a safe and culturally sensitive environment.

HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS

Supporting eligible Jewish survivors of Nazi persecution, helping them remain in their homes and age with dignity. Funded by the Claims Conference, the Azrieli Foundation, and the German Ministry of Finance, the program provides assistance with compensation applications, case management in English and Russian, home care supports, and help accessing essential goods such as food, dental care, hearing aids, and safety equipment. All services are free, and eligibility criteria apply.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Our student placements offer enriching, supportive learning experiences where students gain practical skills, mentorship, and confidence in a dynamic community‑based setting. We welcome MSW, BSW, and other related students interested in community‑based clinical and social services. In addition to supporting student learning, we are committed to ongoing professional development and expanding training opportunities within our department.

For placement inquiries, please contact Shelley Rivier, Manager of Training and Education, at 613‑722‑2225 ext. 323.