E-Connect
November 19, 2021--Shabbat Shalom!
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Afghan Resettlement: Call For Housing Leads
Currently, JSS has 36 clients who have recently fled Afghanistan. The Resettlement Team has been working hard to ensure that they have access to independent, stable, and comfortable housing in Dane County.
Just this past week, the Team was able to secure permanent housing for a family of 7 and a family of 3. We are still in search of permanent housing for 2 individuals, each seeking efficiency units. In addition, we expect to welcome at least 7 more families to the Dane County Area in the coming weeks. This is all taking place while the Resettlement Team continues to serve populations who come from countries other than Afghanistan.
If anyone has leads on 1 bedroom efficiency units, contact Lauren Bates at lauren@jssmadison.org. If you have leads on any 2 or 3 bedroom apartments, please contact resettlement director Becca Schwartz at becca@jssmadison.org.
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JSS is hiring for 5 NEW POSITIONS!
Social Services Case Manager
See the full job posting here
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.
Managing Attorney of Immigration Legal Services, Jewish Social Services of Madison
See the full job posting here
Please submit a cover letter and resume to the Associate Director Chris Shanahan at shany@jssmadison.org. Please include ILS Managing Attorney in the subject line. Interviews will begin on 11/29. This position will be posted until it is filled but priority will be given to applicants who submit early, so don’t wait. Apply today!
Resettlement Case Aide
See the full job posting here
Interested individuals should send a cover letter and resume to Jewish Social Services at HR@jssmadison.org. Please include “Resettlement Case Aide” in the subject line.
Resettlement Case Manager, ICM
See the full job posting here
Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume to hr@jssmadison.org. Include RR-ICM Case Manager in the subject line. This position will be posted until it is filled but priority will be given to applicants who submit early, so don’t wait. Apply today!
Job Developer Case Manager
See the full job posting here
Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume to hr@jssmadison.org. Include RR-Job Case Manager in the subject line. This position will be posted until it is filled but priority will be given to applicants who submit early, so don’t wait. Apply today!
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
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:
One new space heater
Please call Becca Schwartz at (608) 960-7883 before buying, because we only need one.
Thank you!
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Advocacy Ask from HIAS
Following the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan in August, tens of thousands of U.S.-affiliated and other at-risk Afghans were evacuated to the United States and were granted temporary humanitarian parole. Now, we need to make sure they have the opportunity to rebuild their lives in safety, knowing their immigration status is secure.
By passing the Afghan Adjustment Act, Afghans who arrived in the U.S. with humanitarian parole will be able to apply for legal permanent residence, the same legal status they would have received had they been admitted as refugees. They will be able to more easily reunite with their children, spouses, and parents. And they will avoid lengthy proceedings that would unnecessarily burden the already stressed asylum system and create needless uncertainty for people who are beginning to rebuild their lives.
We want the Afghans we welcomed to be able to stay in this country legally and safely.
-Elizabeth Mandelman
Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy, HIAS
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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!
Oakwood Village West in the Chapel Annex
(third Fridays) 6205 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI 53705
Friday, November 19: 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Capitol Lakes in the Grand Hall
333 West Main St (first Fridays)
Friday, December 3rd (with Hanukkah celebration): 3:00-4:00 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 22nd, and at Beth Israel Center in person on 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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Hanukkah Celebration at Beth Israel Center
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: Socialize and Hanukkah treats in honor of Mike Pressman’s father, Nat Pressman (pictured to the left).
Mike describes his father as a kind and generous man to all. He impressed Mike with his dedication to working hard to ensure that Mike and his family would all have a good life. And, Mike credits his father in leading him to his enjoyment in playing and following the game of basketball. Mike carries on the tradition for all of us with his generous support towards all of us and our community.
While we are unable to provide a full lunch, there will be Hanukkah treats. Thank you for understanding and we apologize for any inconvenience!
If you would like further information about programs and transportation, contact Paul Borowsky at (608) 442-4083, paul@jssmadison.org.
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Upcoming Jewish Federation of Madison Events
Shine A Light on Antisemitism Songwriting Workshop
Monday, November 29 at 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm on Zoom
Shine A Light on Antisemitism is a national initiative during Chanukah that harnesses a communal expression of solidarity to call out and combat antisemitism. We're bringing our local community together in a show of unity and strength with a multi-part project that seeks to raise awareness and combat antisemitism through a song – written and performed by our Jewish Madison community - that tells our local story. Step one is a songwriting workshop with Distant Cousins, an indie/folk band. Participants will learn from the band's experience in writing and producing music for film and television as we collaborate together and tap into our creativity. In the weeks following, participants will have the opportunity to record themselves to be part of an edited music video of community members singing the song together that will be shared widely along with resource materials for educating and combating antisemitism. No musical ability is needed. We hope you'll join us!
See information and registration details here
Jewish Federation of Madison Annual Meeting
Tuesday, December 30th 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
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 until December 21st.
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 questions about volunteering, please Contact Paul Borowsky at 608-442-4083 or paul@jssmadison.org.
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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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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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