FamilyFund

Filling the gaps, providing support   

The FAMILY Fund (Friends and Advocates Making Investments in Local Youth) helps Hamilton County Job and Family Services cover expenses that go beyond what the agency is allowed to fund or for which it has very limited funds.

What It Covers

For example, the agency might not have funds to cover a foster child’s expenses to participate in an after-school sport, wear a cap and gown to graduation or take a trip to visit a college. If that child graduates and finds a good job, that agency cannot help pay for a car, repairs or insurance to see that he or she makes it to that job.

Now, the FAMILY Fund gives local residents a way to make tax-free donations to assist in paying for these types of expenses.

These expenses are important and integral to any child having a normal experience in life. Children in care come from tough situations; we want to make their lives easier, not harder. We have found a way to help without adding to the taxpayer burden.

JFS had traditionally declined monetary donations because it is a government agency, but has informally accepted other types of donations, such as toys at the holidays or gift cards for foster children who graduate. The FAMILY Fund allows the agency to accept cash donations.

A board of community members oversees the fund, following bylaws that have been established to comply with state law.

To make a donation today, click the button below or send to FAMILY Fund, c/o Gaja Karyala, 222 E. Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.

JFS provides many services to the community outside of the Family Fund’s scope. Learn more below.