E-Connect
November 5, 2021--Shabbat Shalom!
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Afghan Refugee Resettlement Update
By Becca Schwartz, JSS Resettlement Director
When I think back to two months ago, it's difficult to even remember the relative calm we were experiencing. JSS was preparing for an influx of Afghan SIVs due to the US military imminently pulling out of Afghanistan. In the following weeks, the situation escalated beyond what we ever could have guessed. With the fall of Kabul on August 15th, hundreds of thousands of Afghans were unsafe and looking for a way to leave the country. Many thousands of people were able to make it to safety in the United States with over 13,000 coming to Ft. McCoy in Wisconsin for processing. While some of these Afghan evacuees are eligible for Special Immigrant Visas if they worked for the US in certain capacities, others are coming into the US with an immigration status of Humanitarian Parole.
The US State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration has now established a program that will allow us to resettle Afghan evacuees. Initially, people with Humanitarian Parole status were not eligible for any of the benefits that help newcomers get on their feet such as food stamps, Medicaid and cash assistance. Thankfully, the US government has now made it possible for Afghan evacuees to receive all of these benefits.
What does all of this mean for JSS and our community partners working to resettle families and individuals in the Madison area?
At this point it means that in addition to the 50 Refugees/SIVs we had initially agreed to resettle in the coming year, we will be resettling 75 more Afghan evacuees.
JSS, with the help of community partners such as Open Doors for Refugees, has already started welcoming these Afghan newcomers and we are expecting to continue through September, 2022. As of November 2021, JSS is working to resettle 35 clients who have recently evacuated Afghanistan.
I wanted to be sure to share an easy way that anyone can help those currently staying at Ft. McCoy: Team Rubicon, a veteran-run emergency-response nonprofit, has Amazon wishlists set up for several of the processing centers, including Ft. McCoy. This helps them provide exactly what is needed for Afghan guests while they are there. They are still in need of warm winter gear as the weather starts to get much colder. Please consider sharing the link and purchasing if you are able. And if you want to help those who are now in Madison, please consider donating Woodman's, Burlington Coat Factory, or Amazon gift cards to JSS. We provide these to our clients so that they can purchase appropriate food and clothing for their families.
Thank you!
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JSS is hiring a new full-time Social Services Case Manager
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE'S LIVES!
Social Services Case Manager
See the full job posting here
Job Title: Social Services Case Manager
Reports To: Director of Social Services Case Management
Status: Full time, Non-Exempt
Location: Madison, WI
Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume to the Associate Director Chris Shanahan at shany@jssmadison.org. Please include CM-SS in the subject line. Position open until filled.
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at office@jssmadison.org or you may call us at (608) 442-4081.
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Donations Item Wish List
Our Social Services Case Management Team is looking for the following items for current clients:
Large blanket
Loofa
Hair brush
Towels (kitchen and bath)
Shower curtain with rings
A floor lamp
Please contact Maya Garbuz at maya@jssmadison.org or (608) 442-4085 if you have any of these items. Thank you!
Our Refugee Resettlement Team is looking for the following items for current clients:
Standard monthly calendars to give to newcomers to help with keeping track of appointments. We will accept 2021 and 2022 unused calendars.
If you have a calendar to donate, please contact Becca Schwartz at becca@jssmadison.org or (608) 960-7883. Thank you!
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Have a car you no longer use? Consider donating it to JSS! The proceeds go directly to our programs.
Donating a car to JSS could mean hundreds or sometimes thousands of dollars in support of our programs. Our vehicle donation program provides free pick-up and supports you through the entire donation process.
To learn more or to get started, call CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) at 877-537-5277 or simply submit a secure online donation form. The CARS Vehicle Donation Support team is available seven days a week.
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We are running low on funds for this NECESSARY program.
Watch for our next E-Connect to hear more about some of the people that YOUR gifts have helped.
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Join us for Shabbat – All are welcome!
Capitol Lakes in the Grand Hall
333 West Main St (first Fridays)
Friday, November 5: 3 – 4 pm
Oakwood Village West in the Chapel Annex
(third Fridays) 6205 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI 53705
Friday, November 19: 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Masks are required for all attendees, regardless of vaccination status. Thank you for keeping our community safe!
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TO JOIN ZOOM PROGRAMS: Watch out for an email, or go to www.jssmadison.org/calendar and choose a program by date. Click on the event title to open up a new window that will have details and a Zoom link for that program. On Monday mornings, we send out an email notice with the link for Yoga From A Chair. If you are not on that email list, but wish to be – please let us know.
Recordings of past Zoom programs are available on JSS’ YouTube channel. There is also a link to the channel on www.jssmadison.org under the Communications menu.
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Yoga update
Yoga Mondays will be on zoom when Lechayim is not in session. This month, Yoga from a Chair will be on zoom on November 8th and 22nd, and at Beth Israel Center in person on November 15th and 29th.
Yoga From A Chair at 11:30am
With Betsy Haimson (Via Zoom November 8th and 22nd)
Meeting ID: 406 575 567
Join by phone: (312) 626-6799, 406 575 567#
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Harry J. and Belle Goodman Lechayim Lunchtime Plus
Find changes, updates and new information about JSS programs on our website, www.jssmadison.org.
Join us for great food, friends, fun and interesting programs at Lechayim Lunchtime Plus. Meeting at Beth Israel Center, 1406 Mound Street, located on the corner of Mound Street and Randall Avenue.
Sorry that we are not able to eat together at this time. We will offer a take home meal. If you would like a meal, contact Jewish Social Services at (608) 442-4083 or email paul@jssmadison.org on the Monday preceding the meal. If you are 60 years or older, a minimum donation of $4.00 is suggested, but please only pay what is comfortable for you. The cost of the meal is $9.07 for those younger than 60 years old.
Many thanks to UW Hillel Adamah Catering for providing our delicious kosher meals
Monday, November 15
11:00 am-11:30 am: Yoga from a chair
11:30 pm-12:00 noon: Welcome and time to reunite with friends
12:00 noon -12:30 pm: Pick up for pre-ordered boxed meal. Please order by Monday, November 8.
Chicken Schnitzel, (Vegetarian entrée option: Eggplant Schnitzel), Ptitim (Israeli Couscous), Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables
Monday, November 29
11:00 am-11:30 am: Yoga from a chair
11:30 pm-12:30 pm: Happy Hanukkah! Klezmer music by Yid Vicious
12:30 pm: Pick up for pre-ordered boxed meal. Menu will be available with next announcement
If you would like further information about the meal, programs, transportation, or to check on any cancellations, contact Paul Borowsky at (608) 442-4083, paul@jssmadison.org.
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Upcoming Jewish Federation of Madison Events
Cafe Ivrit: Adult Hebrew Conversation Group
Tuesday, Starting October 12, 7:00pm (register for location)
Join Hanna and Oz, our Community Shlichim, for a drink and Hebrew conversation at this fun and interactive group for adults in their 20s, 30s, and 40s taking place every other week.
See information and registration details here
Sunday, November 7th, 4:00pm-5:30pm
Goodman Jewish Community Campus, 7762 County Road PD, Verona, WI 53593
See information and registration details here
Community Forum with Professor Jeremi Suri
Wednesday, November 17th, 7:00pm-8:00pm
Via Zoom
See information and registration details here
8 Candles: A Hannukah Celebration
Sunday, December 5th, 3:00pm-5:00pm
Goodman Jewish Community Campus, 7762 County Road PD, Verona, WI 53593
See information and registration details here
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As more of us are vaccinated and COVID restrictions ease and protocols evolve, we want to thank our volunteers that could do so for staying active, often via telephone, internet and expanded holiday gift giving and deliveries.
Now that there are expanded ways to safely interact, requests for volunteers as friendly visitors, shopping partners, and other tasks are coming in quickly. We will be having volunteers help with Shabbats and hopefully more in-person events beginning this summer. Also, we are receiving more families for refugee resettlement. JSS has a van that can be used for larger families. If you are comfortable picking up and driving the van or have a larger vehicle yourself, we are always looking to have a good size pool of drivers. Some of you are already engaged in some of these roles – thank you again.
For those of you who would like get more specifics about these and other emerging volunteer opportunities, or know someone who may be a good fit for our programs – please contact me via email or phone number below.
We understand that as we move forward volunteers and those we help will have varying degrees of comfort level and needs regarding any in-person visiting or transportation help. We will work together with you and clients to respect that and keep us all safe. Look forward to hearing from you.
For further information on programs or volunteering contact me anytime: Paul Borowsky, paul@jssmadison.org, 608-442-4083
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Volunteers needed to help newcomers ride the bus
JSS is seeking volunteers to help newcomers learn to ride the bus. Newcomers are very much dependent on public transportation when they first arrive, to go to appointments and get to work. If you’re willing to ride the bus and know how to use the maps function on your smart phone, you will be able to help us teach our new neighbors how to navigate their new home.
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Volunteers needed to deliver menorahs to seniors
Celebrate the Festival of Lights by bringing some light to seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Volunteers deliver electric menorahs before the 1st night and pick up the menorah at the end of the holiday. The first candle is November 28th. Contact Paul Borowsky at 608-442-4083 or paul@jssmadison.org. Consider bringing some cheer to an older adult.
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Adult learners need your help with English language and literacy
Thanks to Jewish Federation of Madison through the Cheryl Rosen Weston Fund – Jewish Social Services is partnering with the Literacy Network to offer training and volunteer opportunities this fall working with adult learners in English as a Second Language, GED preparation and/or general literacy skills.
It will involve an initial training session, gaining familiarity with lesson plans and materials prepared by Literacy Network staff, and weekly meetings with an adult learner. The fall session begins in September and runs through mid-December. Until further notice, all meetings will continue to be online.
Thanks for those of you who responded already – we still are recruiting. To get further info about this opportunity, please contact JSS volunteer coordinator, Paul Borowsky, 608-442-4083 or paul@jssmadison.org. Check for further descriptions, specific training dates, applications, and other details on the Literacy Network website: https://www.litnetwork.org/
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PROGRAM EXTENDED!!! Thank You Bader Philanthropies.
Transportation Program for Older Adults:
Significantly subsidized private rides
JSS is excited to have received a grant from Bader Philanthropies of Milwaukee to allow JSS to provide additional transportation support to ALL older adults throughout Dane County, specifically focusing on those with fewer resources. When JSS cannot find a volunteer driver, trips to and from medical appointments, grocery stores, and similar necessities will be made available for a maximum of $8.00, round trip, with fee waivers available.
If you know anyone who may benefit from this program, please let us know. We have it for our community. For transportation assistance, please contact us at (608) 442-4081 or office@jssmadison.org. We will connect you with one of our social workers who will be happy to help you access this service. We thank Bader Philanthropies for their interest in our community.
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Download or read online our paper Connections newsletter. It has different stories and photos than you see in our electronic newsletter.
To reach our office, call (608) 442-4081*
*Please leave a message. We check the voicemail frequently, even when the building is closed.
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A tribute gift is a meaningful way to convey sympathy to the bereaved, memorialize a loved one, commemorate a special occasion or honor a person’s life and accomplishments.
Your gift to Jewish Social Services made in honor or memory of this special person ensures a legacy that extends far into the future.
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Recordings of our Zoom presentations and programs are available to view on JSS' YouTube channel.
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JSS is proud to be a beneficiary agency of: |
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