Krasoff Jewish Family Service Building Ribbon Cutting ceremony. Front to back, left to right: Molly Krasoff, Steve Krasoff, Amanda Krasoff, Rabbi Amy B. Cohen, Janet S. Elam, Heather Krol, Ari Franklin, Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus, Steve McDaniel, Nancy Shapiro, Beth McDaniel, Guy Matthews, Rabbi Eleanor Steinman, Keith Zimmerman, Lawrence Maze, Kim Schocket, Stephen Breslauer, Ian Spechler, Lee Pelfrey, Rabbi Alan Freedman. Credit: Jon Kniss  

On Sunday, November 17, Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service ceremoniously opened its doors to the new Krasoff Jewish Family Service Building. Staff and lay leaders welcomed community members, supporters, partner organizations and clients for a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening celebration.   

The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony featured local community leaders including Shalom Austin CEO Rabbi Daniel A. Septimus, Shalom Austin Chief Social Services Officer and JFS Executive Director Rabbi Amy B. Cohen, community leader and contributor Steve Krasoff, JFS Chair Ari Franklin, JFS Past Chair Heather Krol and Generations Campaign Chair Keith Zimmerman.  

Since 1995, Jewish Family Service, a branch of Shalom Austin, has operated out of their office on Jollyville Road, generously subsidized by community leaders Lily and Yigal Saad. This exciting addition of a second location on the Dell Jewish Community Campus marks a significant milestone in the JFS mission to enhance community mental health and wellness across the lifespan.   

JFS’s new 4,077 square-foot building is donated by and named after community leader Steve Krasoff and his family. The grand opening event provided opportunities for guests to tour the building and learn about JFS’s growing programs and services. The building currently houses over 20 professional staff members including a robust training program for clinicians, Americorp members assisting the case management department and JFS’s administrative team. JFS case managers, clinicians and program directors were on hand to answer questions about their growing programs and to showcase their new facility.   

This second location allows clients who feel comfortable seeing their case manager or clinician on campus to do so, while providing accessibility to additional programs and services throughout Shalom Austin. The new JFS conference rooms are already being utilized for multiple caregiver support groups, a weekly meditation session, grief support programs and more.   

Rabbi Cohen spoke about JFS’s efforts to de-stigmatize mental illness in the Greater Austin community as well as to support those who struggle to participate in Jewish life due to financial constraints.  

“JFS aims to be a light in the lives of those who are struggling in the darkness of grief, loss and tragedy. And to work with our clients as they identify solutions to their struggles. JFS professionals work collaboratively, providing holistic services to every client who walks through our doors,” said Rabbi Cohen.  

The JFS food pantry’s new location on the Dell Jewish Community Campus allows volunteers who live in Northwest Hills easy access to assist in packing bags and food delivery. JFS’s Jollyville location remains open for clients who live north of the Dell Jewish Community Campus and those who prefer more privacy when visiting their therapist.  

JFS prides itself on providing accessible and community-based social services otherwise difficult to access for many of their clients. During the grand opening, clients had an opportunity to learn about JFS’s ethical and compassionate billing practices, as JFS remains one of the few community agencies that accepts all major insurance carriers and maintains a sliding scale for clients who do not have health insurance.  

“My family and I are very excited about the opening of the Krasoff Jewish Family Service Building. Most importantly, it warms our hearts that the JFS has expanded their reach so as to provide services for those with disabilities and inclusion needs. I believe that this facility will be a beacon of hope for individuals and families, offering them tools and resources they need to build a better future. It’s an honor to be part of something that will make such a lasting impact,” said Steve Krasoff.   

“The opening of the Krasoff Jewish Family Service Building represents a significant step forward in our commitment to serving our community. This facility will allow us to expand our reach and offer even more comprehensive care and support to those in need. We are deeply grateful to our donors, partners, committee members and everyone who has worked hard to make this vision a reality,” said Rabbi Cohen.