Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit
Dini Peterson has extensive experience in social work and program management, currently serving as the Chief Program Officer for Mental Health & Safety Net Services at Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit since May 2011. Throughout the years at this organization, Dini Peterson has held multiple leadership roles, including Director of Family Support Services and Family Case Management Supervisor. Prior experience includes case management positions at Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works and JVS Detroit, as well as a social work internship at Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit. Dini Peterson holds a Master's degree in Social Work from Wayne State University and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Thomas Edison State University.
Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit
Our Mission Inspired by Jewish values, we improve lives through service. Our History Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit (JFS) came into being as two local relief organizations -- the Hebrew Ladies Sewing Circle and the Self Help Circle -- joined in a commitment to meet the needs of the local Jewish community. JFS incorporated in 1928, with the specific mission of “Finding homes for orphan children and supplying homemakers for families with an ill or absent mother.” Before World War II, JFS helped Jewish families new to the country acculturate to life in Detroit and provided assistance to ensure their safety and well-being. After the Holocaust, JFS’ work changed dramatically, as the agency worked tirelessly to resettle and serve the material and psychological needs of Holocaust Survivors. In subsequent years, JFS joined with local and national partners to resettle thousands of Jewish Refugees from the Former Soviet Union. Over the course of 86 years, JFS has evolved into a comprehensive social service provider, helping individuals and families within the Jewish and broader communities. Most recently, JFS has provided a critical lifeline to Metro Detroit families and individuals affected by the recession, underscoring the importance of the agency's present and future in the community. Our Services JFS currently operates 30 separate programs with a combined budget of more than $10 million, carried out by a staff of more than 100. These programs serve thousands in our community each year, with services uniquely tailored to individuals’ and families’ specific needs. The agency's programming centers on three core areas: safety net services for individuals and families, counseling services, and services for older adults.