Collat Jewish Family Services began as a committee of the Birmingham Jewish Federation with its primary purpose being to respond to the financial and social service needs of the Jewish community. In January 1990, CJFS was incorporated as a separate 501(C) (3) not-for-profit organization.

Today, CFJS serves the needs of older adults and people of all ages, the financially disadvantaged, and the mentally and emotionally distressed. CJFS provides comprehensive social services and outreach and eduation programs to both the Jewish and general community. CJFS currently receives support from the Birmingham Jewish Federation, the Birmingham Jewish Foundation, United Way of Central Alabama, charitable foundations, and generous grantors and individual contributors.