A Letter to the Community |
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Dear Friends, Since March, we have been living through very unusual times where many of our traditions and life as we have known it has been upended. Schoke Jewish Family Service, however, has and continues to be a constant in our lives and has adapted to assist those who are challenged by the circumstances of dealing with the effects of COVID-19. Here is what we have been doing: Under the category of what is “routine”, Schoke JFS elected its new Board of Directors in July. We are grateful to Jeri Appel, David Brand, Shushannah Walshe and Mia Weinstein for joining the leadership of the agency for the first time. Of course, many, many thanks to Sally Kleinman and Laurence Sheinman for re-joining the Board to continue their dedication to our mission. I am pleased to welcome Paul Gordon as President of the Board. We are looking forward to exciting initiatives and stewardship by these and all of the talented members of our board in the coming year! During the summer, Schoke JFS spends the hot, hazy days working on the planning for our annual November event - the Saul Cohen-Schoke JFS Lecture and the VIP/Patrons’ Reception. The steering committee is beginning to explore the possibilities, under these extenuating circumstances, for these programs during COVID-19. We will keep you up-to-date. Most importantly, the impact of the Coronavirus epidemic has forced Schoke JFS to move many of its essential services online but we never closed our office. From day one, we continued to provide the critically needed food and other services to members of the community in need. Volunteers along with our staff were indispensable to this end. - Our Coronavirus Emergency Fund helped clients who needed rent payments, a new job, a new place to live or even money for groceries or gas.
- The Freedberg Family Kosher Food Pantry experienced a 500% increase in the number of clients served and received help through generous donations of food and money. All of our friends and neighbors in need received food even if they were homebound.
- The Anachnu Holocaust Survivor program geared up quickly and presented interesting speakers and musical concerts and other programs through the Zoom expertise of our capable staff. Through the generosity of anonymous donors, the survivors are receiving weekly Shabbat meals throughout the summer.
- Our senior population, despite the pandemic, still required care and Schoke JFS was able to provide safe and dedicated Home Companions through our Home Companion Program.
- Our Brain Fitness Program continues to stimulate and exercise the brain via online zoom activities. More clients attend our weekly online sessions now than ever before!
- Anxious or stressed individuals who needed help sustained their counseling sessions privately through telemedicine or with our clinicians in online support groups.
Perhaps you did not see us working behind the scenes but you can be sure Schoke JFS has been and will be there to help in creative and usual ways.  Matt Greenberg, CEO |
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