Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Social Services & Community Support in Jacksonville, FL
Founded in 1917, First Coast Adoption Pros (JFCS) has dedicated over a century to strengthening Northeast Florida communities through comprehensive social services. Guided by Jewish values, we provide support for children, adults, seniors, and families facing life challenges, offering programs ranging from adoption assistance and mental health counseling to emergency financial aid and Holocaust survivor support. Our team of experienced professionals holds accreditations from the Council on Accreditation for Children & Family Services, demonstrating our commitment to excellence. With a focus on cultural sensitivity and inclusivity, we serve individuals of all backgrounds, ensuring access to critical resources like food assistance, housing support, and educational initiatives.Through strategic partnerships with United Way, Duval County Public Schools, and local agencies, we deliver targeted interventions that address systemic issues while maintaining strict compliance with federal and state regulations. Our century-long track record of measurable outcomesincluding a 96% improvement in student promotion rates and successful adoption placementspositions us as a trusted leader in community-based social services.
Services
Adoption Services
Counseling
Senior Care
Child Safety
Financial Assistance
Food Pantry
Holocaust Education
Mental Health
Family Advocacy
Community Outreach
Details
- Year established: 1917
Highlights and features
- We have over 100 years of experience in community-based social services
- Our programs combine Jewish values with evidence-based practices
- We offer culturally sensitive care for diverse populations
- Our staff includes clinical social workers with 50+ years combined experience
- We maintain strict accreditation standards through the Council on Accreditation
Associations and certifications
- Council on Accreditation for Children & Family Services
Services
Adoption Services
Our First Coast Adoption Professionals facilitate semi-open adoptions with comprehensive support from initial application through finalization. Licensed in Florida, Connecticut, and New York, we conduct state-regulated home studies and post-placement visits to ensure optimal matches. Our team provides emotional guidance throughout the adoption journey while maintaining strict confidentiality for all parties involved.
Counseling
Clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists with 50+ years combined experience deliver evidence-based counseling services. We address emotional challenges through individual, family, and group therapy sessions while maintaining strict ethical standards. Our programs include specialized support for trauma recovery and behavioral health interventions.
Senior Care
The Aging in Place program provides personalized case management for Jewish seniors in Northeast Florida. Services include comprehensive assessments, emergency financial assistance, meal delivery, and transportation coordination. Our team facilitates critical conversations about housing transitions while connecting seniors with community resources for independent living.
Child Safety
We provide comprehensive child welfare services across six counties, including foster care, adoption programs, and family-centered case management. Our initiatives focus on family reunification, abuse prevention, and independent living preparation for youth aged 13+. Specialized programs address educational support, behavioral interventions, and emergency shelter needs.
Financial Assistance
Federal, state, and private funds support rent, mortgage, and utility assistance programs for qualifying individuals. Through partnerships with United Way (2-1-1 referral system), we help families achieve self-sufficiency while maintaining dignity. Services include budgeting education and access to emergency food distribution networks.
People
Colleen L. Rodriguez
CEO
Colleen L. Rodriguez leads JFCS with over 25 years of nonprofit management experience. She has expanded services to six counties while maintaining fiscal responsibility and programmatic excellence. Under her leadership, JFCS achieved significant facility renovations and secured major grants for community initiatives.
Matthew Birt
AFL Program Director
Matthew Birt directs the Achievers for Life program, improving student outcomes through family engagement. With expertise in educational interventions, he coordinates services across ten Duval County middle schools. His work focuses on reducing absenteeism and improving academic performance through targeted support systems.
Lindsey Hackford
At Hope Program Director
Lindsey Hackford oversees the At Hope Youth & Family Advocacy Program, working with juvenile justice-involved youth. She coordinates mentoring, counseling, and educational support services while maintaining partnerships with local courts and diversion programs to prevent system entry.
Marilyn Darius
Food Pantry Supervisor
Marilyn Darius manages the Max Block Food Pantry operations, ensuring efficient distribution of emergency food assistance. She coordinates volunteer teams and community partnerships to address food insecurity while maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations.
Lauren Lodato
EPIC Program Director
Lauren Lodato directs the EPIC educational support program, integrating classroom interventions for Pre-K through 8th grade students. She specializes in developing individualized education plans and coordinating therapeutic referrals to support academic success and social-emotional development.
Questions
What populations does JFCS serve?
We serve individuals of all ages, races, religions, and backgrounds across Northeast Florida, with specialized programs for Jewish communities, seniors, at-risk youth, and families in crisis.
How can I access emergency financial assistance?
You must first contact United Way at 2-1-1 for a referral. Funding availability varies, and assistance includes rent, utility, and mortgage support through federal, state, and private programs.
Are your counseling services confidential?
Yes, all counseling services maintain strict confidentiality per ethical and legal standards. Our clinical team follows HIPAA-compliant practices for client privacy protection.
What adoption services do you offer?
We provide semi-open adoptions with home studies, post-placement visits, and birth mother support. Licensed in Florida, Connecticut, and New York, we help families navigate the adoption process with professional guidance.
Do you offer Holocaust education programs?
Yes, our Frisch Family Holocaust Memorial Gallery provides educational resources and exhibits. We offer school programs, survivor testimonies, and community outreach initiatives focused on Holocaust remembrance and education.
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