Jewish Family and Children s Services is here to help, as it has been since 1850. Helping members of our community with basic survival during times of crisis is our highest priority. Our goal is to help people regain and maintain their self-sufficiency and independence.

Today's economic situation has affected almost everyone. Worries about job security, housing, health care, and retirement nest eggs abound. Those who live on the margins are already devastated. As a result, we have seen a huge increase in demands for emergency assistance--food, shelter, medicine, and other life-sustaining essentials. At the same time, the state government has cut funding that helps frail elderly, people with disabilities, émigrés, and low-income families with children.

Addressing the Need

With support from the community, JFCS last year provided short-term emergency grants to more than 3,500 individuals and families. These grants are offered as part of a total plan to address immediate and long-term needs so recipients become self-sufficient. The assistance may be for:

• Families who may be experiencing layoffs and possible loss of their homes. Neale's Story
• At-risk children and teenagers whose parents are struggling to make ends meet and provide a stable home. Dana's Story
• Older adults and Holocaust survivors who need home care, bill management, and many other services to remain living safely at home. Jack's Story

In addition, JFCS offers free workshops in all of our regions as part of the Jewish Emergency Assistance Network. We have established an Emergency Family Assistance Fund to help us support these efforts.

If you or anyone you know needs help, please contact us. We're here to help.

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