The Joy Project

Thank you to those who supported this year’s Joy Project!
By honoring the special women in your life for Mother's Day, YOU helped thousands of women and children in our community receive critical services from Jewish Family Service.
2023 Joy Project Summary:
$46,809 was raised
267 donors sent 1,714 cards
182 women served by JFS received a Mother’s Day gift
donated by Tapper’s Jewelry.
Started in 2009 by Elanah Nachman Hunger in honor of her mother Joy Nachman,
the program has raised over $500,000 since its inception.
If you still would like to support The Joy Project please click below.


297 women and 251 children and teens received much needed counseling services

404 women received assistance to keep food on the table

67% of those who utilized JFS transportation services to get to critical appointments were women

264 women received Geriatric Care Management Services to help them age in place

66% of those who received legal assistance through our Legal Referral Service program were women

22% of services provided were to women involved in domestic abuse situations

Hannah isn’t always able to afford the medications she takes for her migraines, which often cause her to call in sick to work. Your donation of a prescription can alleviate both her budget and her pain.
$18 = 1 card
At 84-years-old, Mrs. Goodstein is frail and can’t shower or dress on her own. She’s not stable enough on her feet to prepare meals. Your donation of a home care visit can ensure that her daily needs are being met.
$36 = 2 cards
Mrs. Miller had a fulfilling career as a music teacher but her monthly benefits don’t cover all of her basic needs. Your donation of a food voucher can ensure that she will have enough to eat this month.
$54 = 3 cards
Krystal is recently divorced and just re-entering the job market while raising her two kids. It’s a challenge to say the least. Your donation of one hour with a social worker can help her get her life back on track.
$72 = 4 cards
Ginny has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s treatable, with chemotherapy, however, she’s new to the area and doesn’t have family or friends who can take her for treatment. Your donation of transportation services can ensure she gets the treatment she needs.
$90 = 5 cards
Fifteen-year-old Molly has been struggling with depression and anxiety. Her grades are suffering and she barely leaves her bedroom. Your donation of one counseling session can help her develop coping skills and get her back to feeling more like herself.
$105 = 6 cards
Quinn is finally divorcing her husband after years of his infidelity. She’s struggling to support her three kids on a single income and her legal expense are already impacting her limited budget. Your donation can help cover a portion of the court costs.
$120 = 7 cards
Mrs. Levine is a Holocaust survivor who lives on her own. She’s on a fixed income. Unexpected repairs to her roof means she is behind in her bills. Your donation can help keep her lights on.
$135 = 8 cards
After years in an abusive marriage, Bree packed up her three kids and left her husband. But she needs a safe place to stay. Your donation can provide emergency shelter for one night.
$150 = 9 cards
Mrs. Grove is 82-years-old and lives on her own at home. Her children are concerned about her safety. Your donation of home modififications can help her to continue to age in place, safely, and avoid moving into a senior living facility.
$165 = 10 cards
Circle of Joy
Join this special group of donors dedicated to addressing the most pressing needs of women and children in our community with counseling, basic needs assistance, transportation and other critical services.
Elanah Nachman Hunger founded The Joy Project in 2009 as a way to honor the woman who inspired her most—her mother, Joy Nachman.
I wanted to give my mother, Joy Nachman, something that would represent the extraordinary woman she is, but every gift paled in comparison to her. There was still more I wanted to do to recognize my wonderful mother. I wanted her to know that her children are caring and charitable individuals because of her. Out of gratitude for my mother, I wanted to recognize and appreciate other mothers who may be less fortunate. With an ambitious dream to pursue and a few phone calls, we were given the privilege to partner with Jewish Family Service and in 2009, The Joy Project was born. Since then, it has provided services to thousands of women and children in our community.
For questions or more information about making a donation, contact 248.970.2655 or joyproject@jfsdetroit.org