We’ve heard so much about the economy it’s easy for many to tune out. But not for the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. In fact, it’s harder now than ever.

The Federation’s Chesed Fund helps Jewish residents living in the five counties of Greater Kansas City address chronic financial challenges. These are situations that typically involve extended job loss and medical issues that can’t be helped with one-time emergency assistance.

The Chesed Fund distributed $82,000 to 81 individuals in all of 2009. Already, in the first five months of this year, the fund has provided slightly more than $81,500 to 71 individuals/families.

"I’m glad we have this fund in place," says Shari Stimetz, assistant executive director of the Federation. "But the amount of money we’re dispersing every month is beyond belief. At this rate, we’re going to need $250,000 to $300,000 for assistance by the end of the year."

But why? Isn’t the economy improving?

Not for the couple whose child has health issues and house is being foreclosed on after losing the family business and the wife’s work hours were reduced. Not for a recently separated individual who has a part-time job during the school year and needs assistance with rent because her spouse is not paying child support. Not for the head of a household who lost his job, has health problems and was denied unemployment.

More Jews in need

The urgent need is evident on a daily basis at Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Greater Kansas City.

"We used to get about 40 intake calls a month," says JFS Executive Director Don Goldman, "the majority from people who for most of their lives made just enough to get by. Now we get about 200 calls a month, and while the number of non-Jewish cases in recent months has gone down, we’re seeing a big increase in need among Jews.

"Many of them have never been in this situation before. By the time they come to us for help, they’ve borrowed and gone through their savings to stay afloat. Now they’re desperate.

"Also," he continued, "they come to us with complicated issues that require more services and take more time to work out. Many of the jobs lost — teachers, lawyers, financial services professionals — are not easy to replace. Often, we need to bring in a pro bono attorney or financial planner to help the client address such issues as how to protect the 401K, what to do with their house or whether to declare bankruptcy."

JFS social workers help each client develop a turn-around plan of action, which often includes financial assistance from the Federation’s Gesher Fund. The Gesher Fund was established in 1985 to provide emergency financial assistance which, until recently, was enough for most clients to weather crises.

In 2009, 98 individuals received assistance totaling $93,000 from the Gesher Fund. This year through May, 53 individuals/families have already received assistance totaling $48,700.

"Increasingly," says Goldman, "we have to go to the Chesed Fund because clients need more than a one-time fix. People may find a job, but it takes a long time, may be a significantly lower salary and require retraining. They may put their house on the market but it takes time to sell, move and get back on their feet."

Over and above

Kansas City is fortunate that the Federation has been able to help area Jews in need to the extent that it has.

"The Federation established the Chesed Fund in 2007 because even then we saw a rising need among people with chronic financial challenges," said Stimetz. Chesed was launched with a $50,000 grant from the Menorah Legacy Foundation and has received generous support from funds at the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City, including the Legacy Fund, the Flo Harris Fund, the Wilk Foundation, the Joel and Sue Vile Philanthropic Fund and J-LEAD.

Other Jewish communities across the country have funds like Gesher, but Kansas City is one of the few that had a resource like Chesed in place when the economy crashed.

It also has donors who, as Stimetz puts it, "care about people in need – especially Jewish people right here in our own community – and understand why it’s critical at this time to give above and beyond their Jewish Federation annual gift.

"Helping people and saving lives is the highest value in the Jewish tradition," she says. "And that’s what these funds are doing. Saving lives. Literally!"

To donate to the Gesher or Chesed funds, contact Shari Stimetz at 913.327.8102, or , or donate online at www.jewishkansascity.org.

In addition to seeking funds for the Gesher Fund, JFS is looking to raise an additional $75,000 to support emergency assistance and other programs it provides.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, contact the JFS Helpline at (913) 327-8293.