The Milwaukee Jewish Federation and its partner agencies have been working remotely throughout the Safer At Home order to provide resources and social services to meet the needs of the Milwaukee Jewish community as it continues to deal with the pandemic and navigate reopening.
One of the resources that the Milwaukee Jewish Federation has put together is a webpage that addresses immediate needs of individuals: food and financial assistance.
The Jewish Community COVID-19 Resource webpage gives readers a variety of resources to get help including mental health and domestic violence assistance for individuals to funding sources for small businesses. Readers can also see a list of how they can help others and stay virtually connected to the community. The Milwaukee Jewish Federation updates this resource webpage as new information and opportunities develop.
How can I get help?
Mental health
Jewish Family Services is open. They are available to meet mental health needs for all ages and stages of life.
- Call JFS at 414-390-5800.
- Visit JFS’s website at JFSMilw.org.
Free loans
Milwaukee Jewish Free Loan Association offers confidential, interest-free loans to people who find themselves in a time of financial need. Loans can be used for any purpose. Learn more at MJFLA.org or by calling 414-961-1500.
Friendly Caller Program
Are you in contact with older adults struggling with fear and isolation related to the COVID-19 pandemic? Many older adults are dealing with loneliness and fear, and many are self-isolating to reduce risk of exposure and illness, causing in- tense feelings of anxiety and depression and ex- acerbating existing loneliness and isolation. Jewish Family Services seeks to help alleviate these feelings with a Friendly Caller Program. Calling hours are Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get in touch with JFS to receive a call or have someone you know receive a call. Contact info: Call 414-225-1374; email Clinic@JfsMilw.org; or text 414-376-0711.
Secure Zoom meeting Recommendations
The Milwaukee Jewish Federation recommends specific Zoom setting methods for securing your online meetings and webinars. Download the PDF Zoom protocol at MilwaukeeJewish.org/Covid19.
Social services, kosher food, etc.
Jewish Family Services can assist with many issues at no charge. Also, funds are available through J-HELP for emergency basic needs like food and fuel. Call 414-390-5800 for JFS. Beyond the Jewish community, the Milwaukee County Impact line can be reached by calling 211 or 414-773-0211.
Jewish Together
The Jewish Federations of North America has created a website, called JewishTogether.org, of curated national and global Jewish resources and experiences. Whether it’s for yourself, your family or as a professional, we hope you’ll find what you’re looking for – from virtual national and global Jewish events and ways to connect, learn, share or help.
Domestic violence assistance
The combination of social isolation and in- creased societal stress caused by the pandemic creates an increased risk for domestic violence for many of our friends and family members. SHOFAR (Safeguarding Healthy Families and Relationships) is an initiative of Jewish Family Services and the Milwaukee Jewish Federation that focuses on meeting the unique needs of Jewish individuals and families who are dealing with domestic violence. If you or someone you know needs help, please get in touch. Contact the 24-hour domestic violence hotline at Sojourner Family Peace Center at 414-933-2722 for Jewishly-sensitive assistance. You can also email the JFS clinic for more information at Clinic@JFSMilw.org. You will receive a reply within 24 hours Monday through Friday. Learn more at MilwaukeeJewish.org/SHOFAR.
How do I stay connected?
Milwaukee Jewish Federation
As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic expands, so do our community’s needs for connection and sup- port. The Federation knows you are deeply concerned and uncertain about the challenges we’re facing. The Federation shares your concerns and is here to help. They want to connect you, your friends and your loved ones with important resources. Visit MilwaukeeJewish. org/Covid19.
- Keep up to date on what’s happening in Jewish Wisconsin at MilwaukeeJewish.org.
- Milwaukee Jewish Federation on Facebook @JewishMilwaukee and on
Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC
The Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC exists wherever the community gathers. In this moment, they are looking forward to inspiring Jewish journeys beyond a building and bringing community into your home. Learn more at JccMilwaukee.org/Programs/Beyond-a-Building
- Watch videos, access resources, engage with friends and professional staff, and explore several activities by area of interest on in the JCC’s Facebook groups: Facebook.com/JCCMilwaukee
- Explore several activities by area of interest on their Facebook groups: Explore sever- al activities by area of interest on their Facebook groups: Facebook.com/JCCMilwaukee
Milwaukee Jewish Community Calendar
The Milwaukee Jewish Community Calendar is a tool for planning events and for keeping a pulse on what’s going on in Jewish Milwaukee. Although the programming has gone virtual, there is still a lot going on in the community. Check out the Community Calendar at MilwaukeeJewish.org/Calendar. Find everything from synagogues services and classes, educational opportunities, virtual meet-ups and virtual local events and activities for all ages.
Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle
The Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle offers breaking news and reporting for the local Jewish community that can’t be found anywhere else. Find ways to help others or ways to connect with assistance for your family. The award-winning newspaper also highlights things to do, including many virtual opportunities. The Chronicle is free in print and online.
- Subscribe to text updates by texting WJC to 51555
- Visit JewishChronicle.org
- Check out Facebook at @WisconsinJewish
How can I do to help?
Donate
As the center for Jewish philanthropy in Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Jewish Federation is leading the community’s response to the coronavirus. The organization has launched a $3 million fundraising campaign called The Fund for Jewish MKE, a centralized source of support to benefit the whole local Jewish community. Your donation to The Fund will offer critical help to our people — from caring for our elders to feeding the hungry. You’ll also give much-needed assistance to Jewish organizations that need our help now, and over the coming months, so our Jewish community comes out of the crisis as strong as ever. Give to The Fund at MilwaukeeJewish.org/TheFund.
Volunteer
Tikkun Ha-Ir tracks volunteer opportunities. Visit Thi-Milwaukee.org. Also, the Jewish Community Pantry needs volunteers. For more information, contact Heidi L. Gould at HGould@JccMilwaukee.org.
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