Federation Partner Agencies estimate an increased demand of more than $1 million for services and financial assistance through the end of FY’09. Without additional emergency funding, these agencies will be unable to meet growing needs of our community.

The Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) reports that requests for emergency financial assistance have increased 43 percent from last year to this year. In the first quarter of this year, JSSA has already distributed half of the budgeted funds for the entire year. 

A growing number of requests are from formerly middle income families who are facing a sudden job loss and have exhausted all available resources, including retirement plans. 

JSSA expects that these requests will continue to escalate as more families face unexpected financial hardships.

As a direct result of these challenges, the Jewish Vocational Services (JVC) reports a 300 percent increase in clients requesting subsidized career counseling services.

The needs of other Federation-served populations, including senior citizens, children and the disabled, have markedly increased, while services have been unable to expand sufficiently.

Due to increasing food prices, more seniors are requesting Meals on Wheels. But the fiscal year 2009 budget for Meals on Wheels was cut and 30 seniors are already on a waiting list to receive services. JSSA, which administers the program, expects this list to grow as food prices continue to rise.

Scholarship requests for Jewish day schools and preschools are also skyrocketing, causing additional difficulties for both the schools and the families.

Area Jewish day schools report a 41 percent across the board increase in scholarship requests this year. Schools anticipate that as more families face job losses and financial hardships, they will face additional requests for tuition breaks over the course of the year.  Several schools fear that they will face operating budget deficits as a result of meeting the increased demands.

The JCC preschools have nearly doubled the amount of scholarships offered this year over last year, but still cannot meet demand. Some families have even been forced to leave the preschools due to insufficient financial aid packages.

The Jewish Foundation for Group Homes (JFGH) already has depleted its scholarship fund for this year. It was forced to deny financial assistance to seven developmentally disabled adults in need of its services.

The purpose of the Community Crisis Assistance Fund is to help these and other agencies address these needs and better support the community.

Mike Flyer, Vice President for Community Planning and Allocations, strongly advocated for the Community Crisis Assistance Fund to the Federation Board. "This escalating economic crisis requires a strong and swift response on the part of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. Just like Federation acted decisively in the wake of emergencies in Israel, 9-11 and Katrina, Federation needs to respond to the current crisis," said Flyer.

The Federation Agency Relations Committee, currently chaired by Andy Stern, is tasked with developing the criteria agencies need to meet to qualify for the funding, and later, monitoring its distribution. Working closely with JSSA, this Committee will oversee issues such as eligibility requirements, and what form the financial aid will take. Possible options include direct financial payments, gift cards, tuition assistance, counseling, and accommodations in shelters. Stern's committee will also decide how to cap the aid each family receives.

A "Warm Line," has been set up for our Community. Individuals in distress due to the economic crisis can call 1-866-950-4AID for guidance on which agency can best serve their need.

Federation leaders see this new Community Crisis Assistance Fund as a true embodiment of its mission to care for those in need and develop a strong Jewish community.

"This is what it means to be a community — to take care of each other when true need arises. We need those who can help to reach out to those that are in need. We cannot just turn away because life has gotten tougher. Our job is to turn towards those in need with a hand of compassion," said Misha Galperin, Executive Vice President and CEO of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

Those Who Can…Please Give.

Those In Need…Call (866) 950-4AID (4243).