Infertility is something that can be hard to talk about, and harder to know who to turn to for help, according to Molly Hess, Jewish Family Services (JFS) Priya program director.
“We have many local couples who can’t wait to become parents who turn to JFS when they find the path to parenthood is more difficult than they hoped for,” Hess said “It can be devastating, and our goal is to be there for them as they find alternative ways to move forward.”
Priya provides emotional support, resource connection, spiritual guidance, and financial assistance with fertility treatments and/or adoption to local Jewish individuals looking to grow their family. For one local couple who experienced a pregnancy loss, connecting with JFS and Hess meant they had a listening ear, emotional support, and resources they couldn’t find on their own.
“It feels like you’re not supposed to talk about infertility openly,” Hess said. “Knowing that there are resources like JFS and Priya that can offer you support and connections — just learning about them can be rewarding and uplifting. It makes such a big difference to know you’re not alone.”
Through Priya, the couple received financial support for donated embryos, and they are ready to try again.
JFS programs and services including Priya, mental health counseling and support, providing food and household items through its food pantry, older adult services, spiritual services through the chaplaincy program or family life education efforts, are possible due to donors. Now celebrating its 120th anniversary, JFS serves more than 10,000 people annually in meeting life’s challenges.
Donations to JFS can be made online at jfskc.org/donate or by mailing a check to JFS, 5801 W. 115th St., Suite 103, Overland Park, KS 66211.
“We thank you for your continued trust in JFS, and for being part of our community working to repair our world, one person, one family at a time,” said JFS CEO & Executive Director Don Goldman.
For more information about the impact of support to JFS, those interested can contact the JFS Development Department at or call (913) 730-1429.
