Elina Zilberberg speaks on the continued impact of USRAP changes and federal funding cuts on Jewish Family Services

           After almost five months after the halting of refugees into the United States of America and the cutting of federal funding to resettlement organizations, which was a decision made by the current Trump Administration, Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County has been one of many in the country that have been left scrambling for answers.      Jewish Family Services is a social service agency that was established in 1994, which provides both refugees and local communities support for businesses, impoverished people and those who seek mental help.

A mural on third floor of the Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County main building, depicting ten

values that the organization supports. Photo taken by Joseph McFarland, April 23rd, 2025

    Jewish Family Services is a social service agency that was established in 1994, which provides both refugees and local communities support for businesses, impoverished people and those who seek mental help.

JFS has also been the main resettlement service for refugees from over forty-five different countries, who are seeking asylum or safe haven from current active war zones. But the indefinite suspension entry has caused a big shift in dynamic for the organization since the 24th of January, according to COO and HR Director Elina Zilberberg.

“There were literally some families left sitting on their suitcases, waiting to board a plane.” Zilberberg said. “But we have an amazing Board of Directors, who have continued supporting those that have already arrived right before the executive order.”

    After a complete freeze of the resettlement program in the organization, Zilberberg says that JFS have been relying on heavy fundraising efforts to make up for the loss of federal funding, which has had a “devastating effect.”

    These losses not only affect the organization’s auxiliary services for refugees already within the country, but to local residents of Washtenaw County who rely on them for self-sufficiency or basic survival.

“That funding affected the food pantry, the ESL programming, transportation…” Zilberberg said. “I believe we have lost 4.7 million dollars as a result of this executive order.”

           The entrance to the Nourish food pantry center, located at the main Jewish Family Services of 

Washtenaw County building. Photo taken by Joseph McFarland, April 23rd, 2025

        The programs that support both Washtenaw County residents and refugees include Nourish Nutrition Services, a community food pantry that are, alongside their partner food donation services such as Food Gatherers, meant to help struggling families.

Thrive is a mental health program that helps those who are suffering from mental illnesses or for couples and families who need counseling. Without federal funding, JFS has had to find other methods of supporting these services under their own obligations.

Nourish Nutritional Services holds a surplus of groceries inside of their community kitchen, 

available for anyone who needs them. Photo taken by Joseph McFarland, April 23rd, 2025

Zilberberg stated that the organization has been fighting hard every day, trying to not only find alternative sources of funding but to be more efficient in their operations.

“We have unfortunately had to let go seventeen staff members as a result of that executive order.” Zilberberg said. “They were great workers, but we just didn’t have enough funding to support their positions.”

Despite dwindling optimism for the next few years concerning whether or not refugees will be able to enter the country again, Zilberberg said that JFS is committed to supporting and giving their services to current refugees and the residents of Washtenaw County.

For more information and to find out how to contribute, visit the Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County, Thrive, and Nourish Nutritional Services websites.  Below is the audio report for this article.