Jewish family programs and newcomer resources in Broward

If you've just moved to Broward County, or you're raising a young family there, theJewish Federation of Broward County is a good first stop. Its office is in Davie, and it describes its work as building Jewish community "across Broward County". Below is what it offers, with links to the Federation's and agencies' own pages.

New to Broward

• Shalom Broward is the Federation's welcome sign-up: "Whether you are new to the community or a long-time resident, we are thrilled that you've decided to join our Federation."Sign up
• Community resource guides — the Federation publishes downloadable lists of Broward's Reform, Conservative and other synagogues, Orthodox synagogues, Chabad centers, Jewish preschools, day schools, day camps and youth organizations, plus resources for seniors.Community resources
• Events — FedFinder can currently read 30 upcoming community events from the Federation's calendar. See what's coming up.

Babies and young children

• Shalom Baby is for "new and expecting parents designed to help families raising Jewish children celebrate the arrival of newborns". It's available to families with children born in or after 2023. A member of the Federation's Family Engagement Team acts as "connector to other families and concierge to the Broward Jewish community".
• PJ Library sends free Jewish children's books to families every month.
• PJ Our Way is for kids 9–12, who choose their own books.

All three are on the Federation's families page. The Federation also lists Jewish early-childhood centers among itspartners and organizations, including the David Posnack JCC's early-childhood centers.

Camp, Israel trips and college

The Federation's financial assistance page lists:

• One Happy Camper grants of up to $1,000 for first-time campers at Jewish overnight camps. Campers must be Broward County residents entering grades 1–12, attending public, non-Jewish private or home school, and going to a US-based camp.
• Need-based help with Jewish summer camp, through a separate application on the same page.
• Israel experience scholarships for high-school students entering grades 10–12 from Broward County Jewish households, "including interfaith families", for recognized teen programs lasting between 3 and 8 weeks.
• No-interest college loans for Jewish students who demonstrate need, through the Jewish Education Loan Fund.

Adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s

Emerging Leaders is "a growing community of adults in their 20s, 30s, and 40s" offering social events, volunteering, leadership development and philanthropy. It includes a Social Club that you can join on WhatsApp, and programs for people in their 30s and 40s. ItsHorizons program is a 10-month leadership course for Emerging Leaders aged 26–36, entered by application.

Volunteering, including with teens

The Federation's volunteer page lists roles at local organizations. You sign up with each organization directly, and some roles set a minimum age. Examples:

• Packing and delivering food from Goodman JFS's Dorit & Ben J. Genet Cupboard
• Calling or visiting an isolated senior each week with Sunshine Circle
• Mentoring neurodiverse students one-on-one in LEV's Sunday school
• Befriending children and teens with special needs through the area's Friendship Circles

If you need help

Goodman Jewish Family Services of Broward County has served people in need in Broward County since 1963. Its services include a food pantry,financial assistance,behavioral health, housing support, older-adult services and Holocaust survivor assistance. The Federation also publishes guides tofood, housing and financial help, fertility, adoption and genetic testing, and resources for people with disabilities.

Sources

• jewishbroward.org — Families
• jewishbroward.org — Financial assistance
• jewishbroward.org — Young adult
• jewishbroward.org — Volunteer
• jewishbroward.org — Community resources
• jewishbroward.org — Shalom Broward sign-up
• jfsbroward.org

All sources checked September 26, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.