According to Jewish Family Services (JFS) Vice President, Development & Communications Sally Lyne, “Between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30, 2011, the J-Help fund provided more than $102,092 in emergency assistance.
“One very significant change between 2010 and 2011 was in the need for food: From July 1–Sept. 30, 2010, emergency assistance funds were used to provide $3,486 worth of food cards, while during that same period in 2011, the number jumped to $9,457.”
On a recent visit to JFS, where the J-Help community emergency fund is administered, we asked Intake Coordinator Beth Shapiro if she had identified even more recent changes in the patterns of inquiries and requests for service since our last visit in October.
“The most significant trend through the fall months has been a threefold increase in new recipients to the program,” Shapiro said. “The number of calls has definitely gone up since the summer, in part due to the increased awareness of J-Help in our community.”
In addition, other trends have emerged over the past weeks, she added:
• Job searches are extended, and for some families, savings are depleted. A frequent issue is a mismatch between an individual’s skills and the job market’s demands.
• JFS is hearing about more individuals and families whose allocations through the Food Share program have been reduced.
• Utility and shelter costs continue to cause financial problems for families, and JFS is seeing foreclosures.
• Many families served are living close to the margins, and then a precipitating event, such as an illness or even needing to buy new tires, puts things over the edge.
• Out of pocket medical expenses are increasing financial stress.
• Single adults trying to enroll in Badger Care now face a waiting list of at least one year, resulting in more demand for help in meeting health care related financial needs.
• Budget counseling is sometimes needed to help a family get back on track.
• Social work case management is sometimes needed, for example to help people understand what resources exist in the community and how they can be obtained.
“Our most important first step, always, is to listen — really listen — to the concerns of the people who call us,” Shapiro continued. “When we ask people to provide documentation, or to attend budget counseling or sign up for case management, we’re really asking people to participate actively in improving their lives and planning for the future. When people do take this kind of ownership, the results are always better.”
“I also want to clear up a few misunderstandings about J-Help,” Shapiro said. “First, J-Help is an emergency program, and covered expenditures include only the very most basic life essentials: food, shelter, health care/medications and clothing.
“Second, we need to make sure we’re the best possible stewards of donor funds, so we have a system that requires documentation and includes multiple sign-offs by JFS management.
“And finally, all beneficiaries must meet specific eligibility criteria.”
“Above all, we understand that we’re here to help the community, and nothing gives me greater pleasure than knowing that J-Help funds have helped a family bridge a difficult patch in their journey and emerge safely on the other side,” Shapiro said.
Since January 2009, more than 160 recipients have been assisted.
J-Help is a Milwaukee Jewish Community Emergency Assistance Fund. J-Help raises funds to assist individuals and families in need in southeastern Wisconsin who are part of the Jewish community or are existing clients of Jewish Family Services.
More information is available at www.milwaukeejewish.org. Individuals in need of help are encouraged to make initial contact by calling 414-390-5800 (J-Help is unable to provide assistance on a walk-in basis).
As we reflect on the special moments shared at Chanukah, it is a good time to assess where we are as it relates to the J-Help Campaign.
To date, we have received more than 500 gifts. Those who have supported the cause are a wonderful mosaic of our local Jewish community. The youngest students in our synagogues and schools have given, along with our most respected elders.
Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and our unaffiliated have joined together. Generous gifts continue to arrive from the North Shore, downtown, and the West Side.
Individuals, families and foundations have played their part in the first community-wide effort in more than 100 years to provide life’s most basic necessities for a growing number of our local Jewish friends and neighbors.
As we begin 2012, we are approximately half way to our $1,500,000 goal. One hundred percent of your donation goes directly to those Milwaukee Jews who need it the most.
This is a very special cause. We need your help. Please join us.
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