Youth & Family Support
Support for Your Family, Every Step of the Way
Whether you’re supporting a child who thinks and experiences the world differently, navigating a rough patch as a family, or just want another caring adult in your child’s corner, JFS has programs built for everyday family life, not just crises.
Expanding Horizons — Programs for Neurodivergent Youth & Their Families
Every kid deserves people who get them. Expanding Horizons offers a warm, understanding community for neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults and the families who love them.
Social Skills Group (Ages 11–17)
A welcoming, 10-week group for teens navigating friendships and social connections, including those on the Autism spectrum or other social communication differences.
Social Club for Young Adults (18+)
A welcoming weekly group (plus a monthly in-person outing) for young adults on the autism spectrum or with developmental disabilities to build friendships, practice social skills, and just have fun.
Sibling Support Group
A space for siblings of kids with special needs to connect with others who just get it — no explaining required.
Parent Support Group (monthly)
Come as you are. Connect with other parents who understand the specific joys and challenges of raising a child with special needs.
Modest fees apply, and scholarships are always available.
Contact Kate Gullo, KateG@JewishFamilySvc.org or 908-725-7799
JFS Special Needs Programs are supported by the Nancy L. and Arthur E. Lee Family Fund for Special Needs.
Family Mentor Program
Every family could use another caring adult in their corner. Our Family Mentor Program matches families with a trained community volunteer who shows up consistently for support, encouragement, and connection, especially for families with kids under 10 and older adults living alone.
This isn’t about fixing what’s “wrong.” It’s about building on what’s already strong in your family. Mentors visit weekly, help however is useful, and stick around for real relationships to grow. Free, confidential, and open to everyone in the community.
The Family Mentor program is free and open to the entire community, regardless of religion, race, or cultural background.
Contact info@JewishFamilySvc.org or 908-725-7799
Funding from the Somerset County Commissioners helps to support this program.
Parenting Support Groups
Parenting doesn’t come with a manual. Our parenting groups give you a space to ask the hard questions, share what’s actually going on at home, and hear from other parents walking a similar road, without judgment.
Therapeutic Groups for Youth
Kids and teens process the world differently than adults do, and sometimes they need their own space to talk, process, and be understood by peers going through similar things. Our therapeutic groups give young people that space, led by trained clinicians.
Holiday Gift Program
Every kid deserves a reason to look forward to the holidays. Each year, JFS connects children and families in our community with gifts during the holiday season — no family should have to sit that out.
To give or receive holiday gifts, contact info@JewishFamilySvc.org or 908-725-7799