The year 2020 has presented many challenges for our agencies, their staff and the communities they serve.

 AND, the Network's 19 affinity groups have been audaciously led by dedicated chairs who have made these professional gatherings not only a priority but a foundation of comfort and support.

On behalf of the NJHSA Staff and affinity group members, we

Thank you for helping to select appropriate topics, engage experts, communicate with members, facilitate the zoom calls, share resources, and connect on Facebook.

Nonprofit Technology Readiness (NTR) is a six-month cohort program from NTEN, a nonprofit focused on the strategic and racially equitable use of technology made available to member agencies at no charge.

2021 Leading Edge Employee Experience Survey 

NJHSA is excited to invite North American agencies to participate in the 2021 Leading Edge Employee Experience Survey, which will be offered at the end of April 2021.

As we gear up for 2021, we will continue efforts to ensure that our Network receives the support needed to thrive, as we all continue to navigate the implications of the pandemic. We welcome your thoughts, your engagement and your input throughout. This Network is your Network and the initiatives that are developed are in direct response to your organizational and community needs.   

Take action to put the needs and rights of people with disabilities squarely on the policy agenda of our leaders. Join us this February for Jewish Disability Advocacy Month, a virtual experience to fight the stigma against people with disabilities. JOIN US: #JDAM #JewishTogether

REGISTER - feds.org/VirtualMissionDC

Last month, Congress passed comprehensive year-end legislation that included targeted, short-term COVID-19 relief, full-year appropriations to fund the Federal Government through September 31, 2021, and a series of tax and healthcare provisions. Many of the items are relevant to our Network, including:

JFNA’s full analysis of the legislation can be found here.

The Secure Community Network (SCN), in partnership with The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, will be hosting a series of webinars to provide an update on the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), to include: its status, a review of recent application guidance, and considerations for planning efforts that can be undertaken now, in advance of any grant announcement. Learn more and register here.

On Monday, January 18th, the Presidential Inaugural Committee will host a National Day of Service for the Inauguration of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, partnering with organizations across the country to host service events that focus on COVID-19 relief and address challenges that have been exacerbated by the pandemic, such as poverty, hunger, racial injustice, homelessness, mental health, and educational disparities. Sign up as a Day of Service partner organization here.

EFSP Phase 38 award notifications totaling $125 million were sent to Local Boards on Tuesday, December 22nd. The 10-day window for Local Boards to accept applications begins once each Local Board advertises the funding opportunity. Interested agencies should reach out to their Local Boards to find out the timing and status of the Phase 38 funding opportunity for their community. If an agency requires assistance in locating their Local Board point of contact they may search for it here or contact the national program staff at 703-706-9660. As time is of the essence, interested agencies should not delay in following up.

#ShifraShabbat is a national campaign to raise awareness about unplanned pregnancy crises in the Jewish community. The campaign coincides with reading Parshat Shemot, the first weekly Torah portion in the book of Exodus, on Saturday, Jan. 9th. This parsha introduces Shifra, the namesake of In Shifra’s Arms. Learn more and participate here.

During the economic and emotional stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is now more important than ever for the Jewish community to support women and families struggling with unplanned pregnancy crises.

The Jewish Funders Network has released an important new report documenting JFN members’ generous philanthropy during the first six months of the Covid pandemic.

The study finds that faced with unprecedented needs, Jewish philanthropists and foundations significantly increased their giving, broadened their giving to include more grantees in areas they had not previously funded, and loosened their reporting and application requirements. Learn more here.

At the end of 2020 the Council on Accreditation (COA) and the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities (Alliance) merged. The vote capped a year-long exploration and four-month due diligence process overseen by both organizations. More information will be coming soon about the offerings and pathways to engagement the new organization will provide for human and social service organizations, foundations, state associations, government entities, and all of those who make up the human and social service field and sector. Learn more here.

In response to Covid fatigue, JFNA has organized some tips and strategies to help leaders and supervisors better understand, support and recognize their staff during the next period of this pandemic. JFNA staff is also available to work with leaders to help customize any of these ideas as well as other professional development offerings that you would like to provide for your staff. Learn more here.

This is the second in a new National Affinity Group on Jewish Poverty webinar series, "Key Success Factors in Addressing Jewish Poverty" in which we will highlight specific case studies and bright spots from throughout North America, with a particular focus on meeting the enormous challenges posed by the Covid pandemic and its economic effects. Learn more about future sessions here.

Shelter for older adults who experience abuse at home is a missing link in a coordinated community response to elder abuse. Discuss how to create shelters, the various models of shelters, the benefits to creating a shelter and how to become part of a diverse community of shelter services across the country. REGISTER