JFS Voices: Shadin

At Jewish Family Services, every person who walks through our doors has a story to tell. JFS Voices is a monthly letter that brings those stories to life—through the words of the people who make our mission possible. From staff and volunteers to newcomers and longtime clients, each edition will highlight the real, personal impact of JFS’s work in our community.
Join us as we share moments of resilience, kindness, and transformation. These are the voices of JFS—stories of hope, dignity, and the power of human connection. Thank you for being part of our journey.

Shadin's Story

I have been involved with Jewish Family Services since 2011—as a volunteer, intern, case manager, programs manager, and programs director. There are many reasons to be proud to be part of an organization with the mission of Creating Solutions, Promoting Dignity, and Inspiring Humanity. I’ll share two reasons why JFS is specifically important to me. 

My father came to the U.S. as an immigrant from Syria at the age of 18. He never forgot the people who helped him get started in a new country. The person who gave him his first job was a Jewish business owner. My father told us this story many times about how this person helped him. People come to JFS from all different backgrounds and the act itself of receiving help from someone of another background can squash negative stereotypes.

I’ve seen clients question what they previously thought about groups of people based on their experiences with their case managers and volunteers who were Jewish, Muslim, Black, Arab, American, etc. Our strength as an agency has been in the diversity that we’ve fostered. Those who wish to work against hate in all its forms—antisemitism, islamophobia, xenophobia, and racism have the opportunity now to ensure that JFS can continue its welcoming work.

In the past 14 years of being involved with JFS, I have also witnessed our commitment to reshape our agency to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our community. When people needed healthy, culturally appropriate meals delivered, we built a kitchen. When Iraqis who helped our armed forces overseas were arriving with professional degrees but working in entry level jobs, we built a recertification program to help them work as engineers, interpreters, and other professional jobs better suited to their skills and the needs of our labor market. When the pandemic forced everyone to stay home, we delivered computers and provided services over Zoom and expanded a small business program to help people earn income from home. When Afghans who supported our armed forces had to evacuate Afghanistan, we built up an infrastructure to do emergency resettlement services and led the state in time between arrival and permanent housing.
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I’ll ask you now to support us as we respond to the current crises in our community. We face a mental health crisis, global refugee crisis, and a housing crisis. I don’t doubt JFS’ commitment and expertise in alleviating suffering for those who come to us for help. Please help us sustain the resources needed to continue serving our mission. 

-- Shadin Atiyeh, Senior Director of Employment & Economic Programs, Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County

To show your support of JFS, please make a donation or volunteer with us. ​