Jewish Family & Child Service - Portland, Oregon

11/14/2025

The JFGP is offering another season of Gather Grants—a program where you can apply to receive funding for your Jewish gathering. It’s a great way to create meaningful community connections, so apply today, space is limited!

NOW OPEN-WINTER 25/26 GATHER GRANTS!!!

Build YOUR community.
Strengthen YOUR Jewish connections
Do Judaism YOUR way!

Winter is coming and with it cozy indoor get togethers and celebrations for Chanukah and Tu B'Shevat and Shabbats and other things in between. It's a great time to gather with others in the community.

We want to help you make those gatherings as meaningful and affordable as possible with the Gather Grant program. Gather Grants subsidize your get together with Jewish friends, family or neighbors. With a Gather Grant, it is easier than ever for you to connect meaningfully with Jewish friends and neighbors on YOUR terms.

Any Jewish-identifying individual, family, couple or friend group can apply. ALL AGES program!

Jewish Federation is excited to help facilitate and support these gatherings.

Be reimbursed up to $120 for hosting an event that you plan, at the place and with the people you choose! FOR LARGER GATHERINGS: If you are hosting 10+ people outside your household, Gather Grants will reimburse you up to $180!

The Gather Grant Application is now open for events hosted December 1, 2025-February 28, 2026. Think of all the fun holiday-related opportunities--Chanukah Parties, Winter Shabbat meals, Tu B'Shevat Seders and more. Here are resources to support your planning.

NOTE: Grants are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, closing December 31 at the latest. Funding is open on a quarterly basis.

To get all the details and apply, visit our webpage:
https://jewishportland.org/ourcommunity/gathergrants

11/11/2025

Observed nationwide every year, Veterans Day honors everyone who has served in the United States Armed Forces. JFCS salutes and thanks you for your service and sacrifice.

11/10/2025

Last Chance to Sign Up!

Community members 60+: Join us on November 12th at 4pm at EJC for “Game On!”, JFCS’ upcoming Senior Social Hour – an afternoon of play, laughter, and connection! Whether you’re a fan of Mahjongg, Rummikub, cards, or scrabble—or just curious to try something new—there’s a seat at the table for you. (Bonus: a Mahjongg teacher will be on hand to guide beginners and share tips with seasoned players.) Come for the games, stay for the friends! And feel free to bring along your favorite game to share.

There is no cost to attend but registration is required.For more information and to RSVP, visit https://www.jfcs-portland.org/senior-social-hour/

11/06/2025

NEXT GROUP: NOVEMBER 11

Being q***r and Jewish can be powerful—and complex. This JFCS support group offers a safe, affirming space for young people (ages 15-21) to explore the intersections of identity, community, and lived experience. Whether you’re navigating life transitions, relationships, gender identity, sexuality, or the stress of current events, you’re not alone. Together, we’ll share stories, build resilience, and reduce isolation through connection, reflection, and resource-sharing.

The group – the second Tuesday of every month from 6-7pm at EJC – is drop-in, no cost, and no registration necessary. If you or someone you care about could benefit from this support group, please help spread the word!

***r

11/05/2025

Community members 60+: Join us on November 12th at 4pm at EJC for “Game On!”, JFCS’ upcoming Senior Social Hour – an afternoon of play, laughter, and connection! Whether you’re a fan of Mahjongg, Rummikub, cards, or scrabble—or just curious to try something new—there’s a seat at the table for you. (Bonus: a Mahjongg teacher will be on hand to guide beginners and share tips with seasoned players.) Come for the games, stay for the friends! And feel free to bring along your favorite game to share.

There is no cost to attend but registration is required. For more information and to RSVP, visit https://www.jfcs-portland.org/senior-social-hour/

11/04/2025

Need food assistance or want to help? JFCS's resource guide offers a list of local food banks, pantries, and programs available right now. If you are struggling, please know our community is here to help.

View and share the list here: https://www.jfcs-portland.org/food/

11/01/2025

Día de los Mu***os is a multi-day holiday focused on family and friends gathering to pay respects to loved ones who have died. More festive than somber, Día de Los Mu***os is primarily celebrated in Mexico and around the world where Mexican traditions are followed and -- in this case -- heartily enjoyed.

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween from Jewish Family & Child Service! We hope you have a lovely day filled with sweet fun!

10/31/2025

https://www.koin.com/news/portland/map-here-are-all-the-places-to-get-food-assistance-in-the-portland-area/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNyJ9VleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFDRkl0c1JNcW9MSHl0ZllrAR6OMvRX71-KJi85TVdaeULNeaG6SHZQTz0wxSQrJ1cpvV8ztEbRMDXJjyBxpA_aem_n4AYK5G1vnqMumGq2KOpHA

10/30/2025

GiGi's Playhouse Portland is officially one year old! Celebrate this anniversary AND Halloween at our "birthday party," including allergy-safe trick-or-treating! This event is free, and registration is open on our calendar. Can't wait to party with you! Register: https://ow.ly/QTJo50XfKFG

10/29/2025

Join us for a crafty afternoon for a cause! Help make Thanksgiving cards for community members who need some extra joy this season. Your completed cards will go into the Thanksgiving Meal Boxes that get delivered to those in the Greater Portland area who are need of a holiday meal. Card making materials will be provided, but feel free to bring any additional items you like to work with.

Please RSVP here: https://www.jfcs-portland.org/card-making/

10/28/2025

It’s turkey time at JFCS again! You can help more than 800 community members secure a hearty and nourishing Thanksgiving meal, a great lead-in to a special holiday season -- for them, for you. Your generous donation goes toward the following in support of both JFCS' Thanksgiving Food Box and Family-to-Family programs:
- Food box fixings, such as a turkey, potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.
- Gift cards to supplement holiday food boxes with clients' personal favorites.
- Gift cards for JFCS' Family-to-Family program that launches just prior to Hanukkah

Visit the link to learn more and make your secure donation. Thank you for making our 25th year of this program the best one yet!
https://www.jfcs-portland.org/holiday-giving/