Nonprofits form partnership

Fighting Back, Inc. and Jewish Family Services of Milwaukee announced that, beginning Jan. 1, 2010, they will combine the strengths of the two organizations, both of which fund social service and education programs for low-income or at-risk individuals and families in the greater Milwaukee community.
“This is a great opportunity for both Fighting Back and Jewish Family Services,” said Tasha Jenkins, executive director of Fighting Back, Inc. “Our new partnership will enable both organizations to provide a broader scope of services to the individuals and organizations we serve.”
The two organizations have developed a close relationship over the past several years, and will now work together to reduce overhead costs.
According to Jenkins, the merger will provide Fighting Back with access to a broader range of services and significant cost savings by sharing space and administrative resources with Jewish Family Services. Additionally, Jewish Family Services will be adding a program to complement its existing services and expand its reach to include more youth.
“Both organizations are committed to ensuring the merger process is seamless for all those we serve,” said Sylvan Leabman, president/CEO of Jewish Family Services. “We are both excited about better coordinating our services to the Greater Milwaukee Community. It’s a great fit for both agencies.”
Fighting Back will operate as a program of Jewish Family Services, but it will retain its mission, name, services and staff.
In September, two members of Fighting Back’s board of directors, Erica Johnson and Tom Brophy, were elected to join the Jewish Family Services board to ensure the program’s mission is continued after the merger is fully implemented.