John and Mary, a Jewish couple in their mid-50s, recently moved to Kansas City. John has extreme back pain and can barely walk. While he’s in the process of applying for disability, he’s been told it takes a very long time to receive benefits — up to 18 months. They live in a very bad neighborhood with his wife managing the property in exchange for rent. As manager, she has to be there all the time and can’t leave to look for another job. John is unable to work due to his condition, leaving the couple without any income. However, thanks to the Chesed Fund of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, John and Mary are able to maintain their utilities, receive food and get assistance for John’s wheelchair, providing him with some mobility. If it weren’t for the help of the Chesed Fund, John and Mary would be homeless.
John and Mary are among dozens of people in our community who have been helped by this remarkable fund. The Chesed Fund was established by the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City in 2007 due to an increasing need by people who faced chronic financial challenges. The fund helps Jewish residents living in the five counties of Greater Kansas City whose situation is unlikely to change or will not improve with one-time emergency assistance. The Chesed Fund helps senior émigrés living on a fixed income, as well as individuals who have lost their jobs and cannot find another position. It provides assistance for people facing catastrophic medical challenges that prevent them from working and those with mental health challenges who will never be able to hold a permanent job.
The Chesed Fund was established with a $50,000 grant from the Menorah Legacy Foundation, which continues to fund the assistance program. Since that time, the Chesed Fund has received support from funds at the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City, the Jewish Federation, private foundations and individual contributors. The fund is administered by the Jewish Federation, in partnership with Jewish Family Services, which works directly with clients.
Now the Chesed Fund needs YOUR help. Demand for financial assistance is up; in its first year 11 people received assistance totaling just over $7,100. This year, through October, $158,514 was distributed helping 117 individuals/families.
“The Jewish Federation has identified safety net services as its highest priority,” said Shari Stimetz, Jewish Federation assistant executive director. “I can think of no higher purpose we have than to help those in need. By contributing to the Chesed Fund, you are assisting the most vulnerable in our community with dignity.”
To donate directly to the Chesed Fund, contact Stimetz at 913-327-8102, or , or donate online at www.jewishkansascity.org.
