The Jewish Social Services Agency (JSSA) empowers individuals to enhance their well-being regardless of ability, age, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.

As a community health and social wellness agency, JSSA’s mission is to care for our neighbors across the National Capital Region. Neighbors like Evelyn*, who felt stuck.

For five years, she had worked at the same low-paying security guard job, far from where she lived with her cousin in Gaithersburg. Evelyn has a learning difference, a history of anxiety and depression, and she grew up in foster care. Would her circumstances ever change?

In April 2024, 26-year-old Evelyn discovered JSSA’s Employment Services. Evelyn’s employment specialist, Cherline, immediately helped revamp Evelyn’s resumé and enroll in training programs. With so much experience, Evelyn was qualified for a supervisor’s position — and JSSA encouraged her to go for it.

As Cherline put it: “We have employment specialists who live in the community, who know the community, and have relationships with businesses in the region.”

Within a few months, Evelyn landed a new supervisory role. She’s commuting less, earning more with health insurance benefits, and no longer lives paycheck topaycheck. She’s in a much better place, financially and emotionally, and hopes to own her first home soon, thanks to JSSA’s referral to the County’s first-time homebuyer program.

JSSA’s work across the community is based on core values like inclusivity, hope, and dignity. Whether helping neighbors like Evelyn find a meaningful job, providing inclusive programming and in-home support so older adults can age-in-place, or supporting the mental health and well-being of individuals and families, JSSA is here to help during life’s most vulnerable moments. When individuals feel a sense of belonging and independence, it strengthens our entire community.