Jewish Family Services of Greater Charleston Inc

Emergency Financial Assistance Emergency Financial Services offers financial assistance to individuals and families in greater Charleston. Jewish history and values guide our work; therefore, we have a responsibility to meet the particular needs of the Jewish community while also providing services to people of all backgrounds. We assist people in the Jewish and broader communities to achieve stability and well-being by providing food, financial assistance and social support services. Kosher Food Pantry Since its creation, the Kosher Food Pantry (KFP) has contributed to the response to hunger in the greater Charleston community. The KFP reflects our commitment to the Jewish values of tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repair of the world) and to serving community members in need with kavod (respect). Jewish Education Loan Fund JELF funded 396 Jewish students at over 100 different college and universities with a total of $1,933,235 in interest-free loans. In 2025, students from the Charleston area and received $2,000. JELF is proud that it's 100% interest-free loans for higher education (college, graduate school and vocational programs) helped more Jewish students with more loans and larger average loans than ever before. To qualify for a JELF loan, a student applicant must be: A permanent resident of FL, GA, SC, NC, and VA (excluding the greater DC area) - but can go to any U.S. accredited school Enrolled full time in a program leading to a degree or certificate and in good academic standing A U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status Able to provide a designated co-signer Able to demonstrate financial need (FAFSA application required) The need for student loans is more important now than ever before. New statistics report that since 1980, the cost of college tuition has gone up 260% for both public and private four-year colleges. By contrast, inflation rates have only risen by 2.7%. This is why approximately 43 million Americans collectively owe $1.5 trillion in federal student loan debt, plus an estimated $119 billion in private student loans. JELF's loans go beyond paying for rising tuition cost. They also help cover the educational and living expenses that other financial aid doesn't offer, such as travel, rent, food and books. As a result, JELF's no-interest loans help borrowers save thousands of dollars in high-interest bearing debt. As one recent "JELFie" put it, "JELF's gift is truly in the savings." While there are many organizations that provide interest-free loans, JELF is distinct in that it is the only Jewish organization in the U.S. focused exclusively on higher education. Students and their families can apply online at JELF.org starting March 1. The application will then be open until April 30th with supporting documents being due a week later. "My college journey was made possible by JELF," says Joshua Klafter, a recent JELF loan recipient. "I can't express how appreciative I am for its existence." In addition to being funded by support from individual donors and family foundations, JELF is proud to boast a 99% repayment rate. It's a sign that the community strongly believes that money should not stand between a student and the education that he or she needs to excel in life. Since 1961, JELF has provided more than $12.5 million in the form of over 4,500 loans. Jewish Free Loans To provide members of our Jewish community financial loans to help them meet unexpected financial challenges, or assistance with the cost to engage in Jewish life. Jewish or "Hebrew" Free Loan Associations have been providing interest-free loans to individuals across North America for over a century. There is a recognition that sometimes life throws a wrench in one's plans, and that the support of the community can make the difference in how one is able to meet that challenge. Jewish Family Services (JFS) is excited to embark on a new initiative for helping individuals and families in the Charleston community-Jewish Free Loans of Charleston. Supporting one another through "life's ups and downs," we ensure the strength and vitality of our community now and into the future. Eligibility Applicants must: Identify as being Jewish Be 18 years of age or older Demonstrate financial need Have a Co-signer (Two co-signers if the loan is over $2000) Have lived in the Charleston or Greater Charleston area for at least one Year