For several weeks, our lives have been upended and overwhelmed by the global health crisis. Yet, despite the many uncertainties, one thing has become clear – there are moments of hope and humanity to be found in these most challenging times. JFCS is grateful to this community for the demonstrations of generosity and selflessness we have witnessed. For this week's message, we wish to express our gratitude...
What are we grateful for?
We appreciate the selflessness of a community member who reached out wanting to make a donation to our food programs with a portion of the stimulus money she received.
- Donations for food programs such as the Kosher Cafe, which continues to serve clients four times a week. Ahead of the holiday closures, we worked with our partner, Greenwood House, and used our pantry resources to ensure we were still providing the same number of weekly meals to our Kosher Cafe clients.
We are grateful to the many individual donors, corporate and grant partners who have contributed in this time of crisis with support for JFCS programs.
It is through this increased support that we can offer much needed, expanded mental health support for our community including webinars and Drop-In Hours:
- Join us for the next Community Webinar Thursday, April 23 at 3:00 PM "FOR TEENS: Dealing with Loss and Missed Experiences" Julie Bond, LAMFT, Julie Bond, LAMFT will lead a discussion for teens who are experiencing feelings of loss over missed experiences – from prom, to graduation ceremonies and gatherings, to sporting events and concerts. Julie will discuss how to understand and cope with these emotions. Join by following the link or call in at 1-312-626-6799 and enter Webinar ID: 977 2507 2175.
- The JFCS counseling team remains available to the community through "Drop-in" Hours where you can connect one-on-one with a counselor who can provide personalized tips and support. Drop-In hours will be Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 10 AM - 12 PM, Tuesday & Thursdays 5 - 7 PM. Call us at 609-987-8100 and Dial 0.
We are thankful to the efforts of our volunteers...volunteers who have stepped up to shop for and deliver groceries to our senior clients who expressed a need; volunteers who are making friendly phone calls to isolated seniors; and families who have helped pack bags of groceries for food pantry clients.
- We match volunteers to shop for and deliver groceries to senior clients who express a need for this service if they have been unable to go to store on their own or find available delivery options. Volunteers coordinate directly with the client for their needs and schedule.
- We thank the families who came to our offices to pre-pack hundreds of bags of groceries to distribute to our clients.
What is in the works?
- We are looking to provide more Kosher Meals on Wheels and Kosher Cafe meals as demand has increased among all seniors in our community.
What can you do?
- Remember, if you are seeking help, our Resource Page is a wealth of knowledge blog posts from our team and new links to resources.
- If you wish to express gratitude to a volunteer who has helped you during this difficult time; if you want to let a friend or family member know you are thinking of them; if you want to recognize a special occasion that you cannot share in person - consider a Virtual Tribute card sent with a donation to JFCS. See our tribute options online.
