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Buffalo & Erie County Jewish Family Service receives international recognition

Jewish Family Service of Buffalo & Erie County

The Western New York Center for Survivors of Torture are now members of the International Rehabilitation Council for Tortured Victims.

The Jewish Family Service of Buffalo and Erie County have helped resettle refugees since the 1970’s when they provided support to Russian Jews. In 2013 they started the Western New York Center for Survivors of Torture.

Now, that program is joining 17 other organizations in the US and 150 worldwide as they’re recognized for their committed work to their community.

JFS President Marlene Schillinger said with credibility comes better chances to raise funds and grow their staff.

“Right now are funding is somewhat limited,” said Schillinger. “We have a small staff, so we’re hoping to build it. I mean, we’re the largest one outside of Bellevue in New York City. We have resettled more people, we the collaborative of the other resettlement agencies, more immigrants and refugees in upstate New York than any place else in New York State.”

Schillinger said the organization has come a long way.  

“It means that we are following a certain standard,” said Schillinger. “An expectation while we work with people who have been victims of torture. It also includes children who have been victims of torture. I want to make that clear because it’s not just adults we’ve been working with.”

The IRCT is headquartered in Copenhagen and is comprised of centers in 70 countries.

Schillinger said they receive a lot of help with integrated services from Journey’s End, UB Family Medicine, and the Holocaust Resource Center.

“I think all of us in this collaborative are doing really important work,” said Schillinger. “One of the Jewish values is if we save one life, it’s as if we save the world. And I believe that.”

The WNYCST is currently supported through the Office of Refugee Resettlement and private donations.

Nick Lippa leads our Arts & Culture Coverage, and is also the lead reporter for the station's Mental Health Initiative, profiling the struggles and triumphs of those who battle mental health issues and the related stigma that can come from it.
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