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Dear JFS Friends, Supporters and Collaborative Partners,
I hope this newsletter finds you and your families in good health. As we watch the War in Israel, we at JFS know that this has touched many in our Jewish and broader communities. Our focus at JFS as a social services organization is to provide support and resources to help.
We are starting to receive inquiries from local families and those in Israel requesting to be sponsored here locally. JFS as a HIAS (HIAS.org) U.S. resettlement agency is committed to ensuring these war evacuees have what they need while they shelter in our communities. JFS is pleased to announce The Shapiro Foundation and Simon B. Gottlieb Charitable Foundation are providing initial seeding for a fund to help arriving families. Please make a donation so that JFS has adequate resources to provide assistance as needed. Donations will be used specifically for:
- Tuition to institutions with Hebrew speaking faculty/child care
- Case management to take care of all basic needs
- Mental health support, treatment referrals and, when needed, subsidies
- Health care support- cash assistance needed for care for those not on local health insurance plans
- Gift cards- grocery cards, cards to clothing stores-Walmart, Target, TJX, and Uber
- Housing support and matching with community home sponsorship
- Return support once the War in Israel is over
For Israelis arriving in our area, the first priority is assistance specific to housing. If you have a separate space with a private bathroom, such as an in-law apartment, vacation home or rental property that can be made available to an incoming family, please click here to complete this form.
As we prepare for the arrival of these families, JFS also is attending to the needs of other individuals and families who have left their home countries to find safe shelter in our welcoming community. Over the last year, JFS has provided resettlement support to 114 new cases (212 individuals):
- Haitians - 60 cases, 108 individuals (this includes walk ins and those at hotel)
- Ukrainians - 49 cases, 95 individuals (plus 2 families - 8 individuals - coming this month)
- Venezuelans - 2 cases, 6 individuals
- Cubans - 2 cases, 3 individuals
Since its inception, JFS has provided resettlement support to war evacuees, refugees and asylum-seekers from over 60 countries across the world and, as global conflict escalates, we will be here to help.
While the war in Israel is foremost in our minds, other work at JFS continues. Scroll down to for links to past events and news announcements - here are a few highlights:
~ JFS, in collaboration with the City of Framingham Office of Community Development and with the Framingham Council on Aging – Callahan Center has launched the Framingham Senior Home-Share pilot program.
Many older Framingham adults and others living on low and/or fixed income are struggling financially and facing housing insecurity and even the threat of first-time homelessness due to soaring housing costs, increasing competition for affordable housing, persistent inflated costs of basic necessities, a post-Covid phenomenon of increasing home sales and, correspondingly, reduced availability of rental units, etc.
At this time, JFS seeks homeowners who live in Framingham who have extra space in their homes that they would like to rent to an older adult who is in need of an affordable place to live. If you are interested in participating in this program, please click here to complete the form or if you have questions and would like to learn more about this program, please contact Diana O’Brien via email dobrien@jfsmw.org or by phone at 508-875-3100 x 700.
~ JFS was honored to take part in the third annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration – a festive occasion that honored the languages, music, historical contributions, and resilience of the Native People. Open to all, the event was sponsored by the Nipmuc Nation, the City of Framingham, Framingham Public Schools, Open Spirit, Temple Beth AM, CJP and the Jewish Teen Initiative, Temple Shir Tikva, Edwards Church UCC, Islamic Center of Boston (ICB Wayland) and the Greater Framingham Community Church. Click here to learn more.
~ We also are pleased to share that JFS has been identified by Charity Navigator as a “Highly rated nonprofit dedicated to supporting the Jewish community and culture, and fighting antisemitism.” Of the 200 thousand organizations that Charity Navigator reviews, the 7 organizations on this short list (of which JFS appears) are located across the country and range from medium to super-sized.
JFS is excited to have earned a 4-star rating (with a 100% PERFECT SCORE!) with Charity Navigator and is honored to have been recognized for supporting the Jewish and broader community and culture, and fighting hate/antisemitism by serving as a convener, bringing organizations together to develop collaborative partnerships and programs that raise awareness, increase skills and empower individuals to respond to incidents of hate as they arise. Click here to learn more.
This tremendous recognition demonstrates the value of the work we do and the difference JFS makes in the community. It is only with the support and involvement of our many donors, volunteers and community partners that JFS is able to jump into action and respond when we are called to help.
Here are a few ways you can become part of the JFS team:
> Volunteer with JFS – Do you work for a community conscious company that wants to give back? Invite your employees to spend a Day of Service with JFS! Learn about recent events with JFS partners Definitive Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Yale Appliance and contact us today to discuss volunteer opportunities for your company.
> JFS is hiring! Our team is expanding and we are looking for caring, dedicated, experienced professionals to support our efforts in the following areas:
Please share the job descriptions with your networks or apply today.
> SAVE the DATE – Join us on Wednesday May 15, 2024 at Seize the Dream where we will celebrate this year’s honoree Marty Cohen and the JFS Max Michelson Humanitarian Award recipients Yale Appliance Company and Yale Appliance Foundation. Complete this form to be notified when sponsorships and tickets go on sale.
> Make a donation – 80% of JFS' total annual revenue is philanthropic dollars, supported by donors like you! Recognized as a top charity by both Charity Navigator and Candid/formerly Guidestar (JFS has consistently earned their Platinum Seal of Transparency since 2018), you can have confidence that your donation will drive change and make a difference.
Scroll down to learn some of the other ways you can get involved –join JFS today and start making a difference in the lives of people who need help the most.
To all who partner with JFS, thank you for your ongoing commitment!
Sincerely,
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