Our Story
Since 1976, JJC Family Services has walked alongside children, teens, families, and caregivers navigating some of the toughest circumstances imaginable.
We were founded on a simple belief:
every young person deserves safety, belonging, and a pathway to a brighter future.
every young person deserves safety, belonging, and a pathway to a brighter future.
Over the past four decades, we’ve served thousands of youth through in-home, community-based, school-based, and foster care services focused on prevention, intervention, permanency, and healing.
Why We Exist
In Philadelphia, too many young people are pushed into systems before they are supported by communities.
Too many families are left to fight overwhelming challenges without access to care, advocacy, or opportunity.
Too many families are left to fight overwhelming challenges without access to care, advocacy, or opportunity.
We work to change that.
Our mission is to prevent youth from entering the child welfare and juvenile justice system, and to support those who already have, by surrounding them with compassionate, consistent, and culturally responsive services—in their homes, neighborhoods, schools, and foster families.
Whether a young person needs stability, permanency, mentorship, or a safe space to learn and grow, our goal is the same:
to help them build resilient lives rooted in hope, confidence, and connection.
to help them build resilient lives rooted in hope, confidence, and connection.
Our Approach
We meet young people and families where they are, with:
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Trauma-informed care
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Positive youth development
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Restorative practices
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Family engagement
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Culturally relevant enrichment
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Community partnerships
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Transitional support toward independence and permanency
Our programs include family support services, community-based stabilization, foster care and permanency services, and youth development spaces like the Community Evening Resource Center (CERC)—where young people can build confidence, learn new skills, and participate in pro-social activities in a safe, supportive environment.
Our work builds safety, resilience, leadership, belonging, and hope.
Our Impact
Each year, youth and families in our programs report:
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Improved school engagement
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Increased coping skills
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Decreased system involvement
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Stronger peer relationships
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Stronger family connections
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Progress toward stability and permanency
We don’t just prevent harm.
We create possibility.
We create possibility.
Who We Serve
JJC supports:
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Children, teens and older youth needing intervention and services
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Parents and caregivers seeking support, guidance, or stabilization
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Youth impacted by trauma, poverty, system involvement, and systemic barriers
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Foster families committed to nurturing growth, connection, and permanency
Every young person who walks through our door is met with dignity, care, empowerment, and belief in their future.
Every caregiver is met with respect, partnership, and support—not judgment.
Our Team
JJC is home to passionate staff, mentors, clinicians, educators, foster care specialists, youth-development leaders, and community advocates who believe in the power of belonging, relationships, and second chances.
We’re not just a program.
We’re a community committed to walking with young people and families for as long as it takes.
We’re a community committed to walking with young people and families for as long as it takes.
Join the Mission
If you believe in second chances, community healing, and youth empowerment, we’d love to connect.
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Volunteer
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Partner
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Work with us
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Support a program
Make a Difference Today
At JJC Family Services, every contribution fuels our mission to uplift youth and families across Philadelphia. From after-school programs and mentorship to community events and essential resources, your support helps us provide a safe space, build brighter futures, and create lasting change.
✨ Your donation isn’t just a gift—it’s an investment in hope, resilience, and opportunity.
Join us in strengthening our community, one child and one family at a time.