Spring 2020
Someone To Lean On
It's been a trying time for every single one of us. We have all had to hit "pause" in one way or another because of the COVID-19 pandemic. From losing jobs, to fighting the virus, isolating from loved ones, canceling trips or simchas; it’s been a tough time. And no one is untouched by what’s going on right now. But, something good often comes out of something bad and there is some comfort in knowing we are in this all together.

Which is why it's so important to be someone to lean on for those we care for or love. To stay connected and find ways to help.

We probably all know someone who has lost their job - maybe you can help them network to find new employment; someone who is lonely - maybe reach out to a senior friend or family member today who is feeling isolated. A small act of kindness will go a long way to provide hope and help where needed. And we can all use a little of both right now.

JFS Dallas is here to help. Know someone who has never gone hungry before now? Encourage them to come to our weekly drive-thru food distribution. We have already served more than 2,200 individuals in the past three weeks alone. Someone feeling anxious, depressed or struggling in general? Let them know our counselors are here for them, offering tele-health therapy and crisis support. Someone who can’t pay their bills? We can help with rent, mortgage, and utilities (eligibility requirements below), basic needs assistance specifically for Restaurant Workers (information below). AND, our Community Chaplain, Rabbi Howard Wolk, is here for anyone just needing to talk.

Remind your loved ones that there are brighter days ahead and they have a community here for them to lean on in their time of greatest need. I know our team of dedicated staff are proud to be able to serve our clients in such important ways, even more so through these uneasy times.

I'll close by saying thank you to all who support JFS Dallas. Even agencies like ours rely on our friends and supporters to overcome our biggest obstacles. We can't do it alone. We all need someone to lean on.

Stay safe and healthy,






Cathy Barker
Chief Executive Officer
In partnership with Dallas County, Jewish Family Service is providing housing assistance for those individuals affected by the COVID-19 crisis who live outside the city of Dallas, but within Dallas County. Click Here to view eligibility information and frequently asked questions.

We have also set up a dedicated phone line for this program where you can get more information: (214) 390-4795.
Thousands of hourly employees in the restaurant business have been abruptly laid off and are struggling. Jewish Family Service partnered with Janet and Jack Baum and other generous donors to establish the S.H.E.F. Emergency Assistance Fund. The S.H.E.F. Fund is an effort to provide “bridge” support to as many restaurant hourly workers as possible throughout Dallas. In addition to this financial support, JFS is providing case management assistance and connecting workers to eligible benefits, employment opportunities, counseling and other resources as they navigate this ongoing crisis. Applicants will be provided between $500 and $1,000 depending on their circumstance. Funding is available until it runs out.
JFS in the News: FOX 4 features our Drive-thru Food Distribution  
For more News & Media about JFS Dallas Click Here
Show your support this May for
Mental Health Awareness Month
Nearly 450 million people worldwide are currently living with a mental illness, yet nearly two thirds of people with a known mental illness never seek treatment. JFS Dallas is dedicated to helping those with anxiety, depression, and co-occurring disorders and their loved ones find treatment, support, and resources in our area. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we encourage you to help #breakthestigma associated with mental health disorders by sharing that you are someone to lean on for emotional support or by  sharing your personal story to inspire those facing similar challenges. You can also support our work by creating a Facebook Fundraise r when you share. Thank you for being #someonetoleanon and helping to #breakthestigma.
Donation Pick-up Update
We know Spring cleaning is in full swing, especially with stay-at-home orders due to COVID-19. 

Please hold on to your donations until we are able to collect them safely. Scheduling for furniture and large donation pick-ups will resume beginning June 1. At this time, we are still unable to accept drop-off donations at JFS or The Resale Shop. We will send a notice with more information about reopening as it becomes available. Thank you for your continued support!
Partnership with SWJC & The Network
Southwest Jewish Congress  (SWJC) partnered with  Network of Community Ministries  and Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas to bring their program “Building Bridges – Feeding Heroes and Neighbors” to Richardson to feed Network’s volunteers, staff and clients. On Thursday, May 7, 60 meals were delivered to Network volunteers and staff as a part of the feeding heroes program.

In March, Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas had to temporarily close our doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but with this partnership, we referred clients to our friends at the Network for food and other emergency services.

This special event was sponsored by JFS in appreciation of Network’s commitment to help their fellow non-profit’s clients during this difficult time. In addition, 100 meals were delivered to Network’s Clients as a part of SWJC Building Bridges – Feeding Neighbors program.

Delicious chef-inspired meals were prepared and delivered by Kim Whiting with Havin’ A Ball Catering and Food Truck.

To date, our friends at SWJC have served 1000 first responders and neighbors since this program began on April 9.
New 2020 Agency Home Video Feature
Reminder: JFS Holiday Closings
Due to COVID-19 we have been working remotely while our physical office is closed. However, our staff and phone lines will be unavailable on the following dates in observance of holidays:

Monday, May 25, 2020 - Memorial Day
Friday, May 29, 2020 - Shavuot
Friday, July 3, 2020 - Independence Day
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