Connecting You to the Services You Need

Support Begins with JCS Access

JCS Access serves as the primary entry point for social services across Miami-Dade County, connecting residents to a wide range of emotional, social, and economic support programs. Staffed by trained professionals, JCS Access provides comprehensive information and referral services for all JCS programs and, when needed, connects clients with external community resources.

JCS Access supports all Miami-Dade County residents without age or eligibility restrictions, including new community members from Israeli, Russian, Hispanic, Ukrainian, and Haitian backgrounds. Whether seeking help with mental health, case management, or economic assistance, individuals and families can rely on JCS Access as a trusted gateway to vital resources.

Key Services Provided by JCS Access:

  • Centralized information and referral hub for JCS and community services
  • Coordination of monthly In-Service Trainings for mental health counseling and case management staff to ensure ongoing professional development and compliance with funder requirements
  • Management of the South Dade Satellite Kosher Food Bank location, offering monthly food assistance to eligible Jewish clients unable to travel to the North Miami Beach location
  • JELF (Jewish Educational Loan Fund) provides interest-free educational loans for Jewish students facing financial hardship. It assists with higher education which includes undergrad, graduate or technical school.
    Applicants must:

    • Be a resident of FL, GA, SC, NC, or VA (excluding DC).
    • Be enrolled full-time in a degree or certificate program and remain in good academic standing.
    • Fill out FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) and plan to accept federal college loans.
    • Be a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status.
    • Have an eligible cosigner.
    • For more information, please visit: https://jelf.org/.
    • For questions on JELF, please contact Gareth Fink at GFink@jcsfl.org.

By providing easy access to essential programs and expert guidance, JCS Access helps Miami-Dade residents navigate and connect with the support they need to improve their quality of life.

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How to Get Help

As your initial point of contact, JCS Access professionals are available to assist you by calling 305.576.6550 from 8:00 am–5:00 pm, Monday through Friday or filling out the online JCS Access form.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What services does JCS Access provide in Miami-Dade County?

JCS Access offers comprehensive information and referral services for social, emotional, and economic support programs in Miami-Dade County. Serving individuals, families, and the Jewish community at large, JCS Access connects callers to vital resources such as mental health counseling, case management, food assistance, and more, helping them navigate available community services with personalized guidance.

Who can use JCS Access services?

JCS Access is open to all Miami-Dade County residents seeking support and resources, regardless of age, background, or religious affiliation. The program especially serves the Jewish community, but also assists non-Jewish individuals and families with information and referrals to social services, ensuring everyone has access to the help they need.

How can I contact JCS Access for help or referrals?

You can reach JCS Access by calling 305.576.6550 during business hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Fridays, 8:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Trained staff are available to assess your needs and provide personalized referrals to JCS programs and other community resources to support your well-being.

Is there a cost to use JCS Access services?

No, JCS Access services are provided free of charge to all Miami-Dade County residents. The program offers complimentary information and referral assistance to connect individuals and families with the social, emotional, and economic resources they need without any fees, ensuring accessible support for the entire community.

24/7 Helpline

JCS Contact Center

The JCS Contact Center/Helpline Services offers 24/7/365 support through multiple specialty helplines, including 211 Miami and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Operated by JCS, these essential helplines provide free, confidential assistance to residents across Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties in multiple languages.

View our licensing and accreditation.

JCS 211 Miami Community Resources

211 Miami is a free, confidential referral and information service available around the clock, connecting people of all ages and backgrounds to local health, social, and human services. Whether you need help with housing, food assistance, mental health resources, or other community programs, 211 Miami links you to trained specialists ready to assist 24/7.

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211 Miami is funded by The Children’s Trust, DCF/Thriving Mind, and The United Way.

How to Get Help

Please call 211 or 305.631.4211 for immediate assistance.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers providing free, confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress. Operated locally by JCS for Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, this lifeline offers crisis counseling, suicide prevention resources, and support for families and loss survivors. Services are available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole at no cost.

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Sponsored by Jewish Community Services of South Florida, Thriving Mind South Florida, and the State of Florida, Department of Children and Families.

How to Get Help

For immediate help, please dial 988.

View additional JCS community partners and funders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can use the JCS Contact Center & Helpline Services?

All residents of Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties can access these free, confidential, and multilingual helpline services anytime for assistance with crisis intervention, mental health support, and connection to essential community resources.

What types of help can I get by calling 211 Miami?

By calling 211 Miami, you can access free and confidential assistance for a wide range of health and human services in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. Services include referrals for food assistance, housing support, mental health counseling, substance abuse programs, crisis intervention, senior services, disaster and emergency preparedness, family and youth support, and more. Trained specialists are available 24/7 to help you find the right resources tailored to your needs.

How does the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline support people in crisis?

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 emotional support and crisis counseling for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or mental health emergencies. Trained counselors provide confidential help, connect callers to local resources, and offer support to families affected by suicide. This lifeline is available at no cost and serves residents in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties in multiple languages.

Is the help provided by the JCS Contact Center confidential and free?

Yes, all services offered through the JCS Contact Center, including 211 Miami and the 988 Lifeline, are completely free and confidential. Callers can access assistance without any fees, and their privacy is strictly protected. These services aim to provide safe, supportive, and non-judgmental help for all Miami-Dade and Monroe County residents.