Addressing the community during Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City’s recent virtual annual meeting, Helene Lotman, Federation president and CEO, described 2020 as a year of learning.
“What I learned is that through it all, and through whatever is to come, we are still here, together. We are still a community,” she said in her address. “We may not be in our buildings or in each other’s homes, but we are together.”
The past year has also been a testament to the strength of the community and its leadership.
“None of us ever could have imagined what we’ve been through – and are still going through,” she said. “Even for this unimaginable year, Federation was ready, and our agencies and congregations were ready. And together, we have seen our community through.”
Lotman recapped Federation’s 2020 achievements in her remarks, including raising money for pandemic emergency assistance and helping the community navigate the unknowns of a pandemic.
“The Federation closed its doors on March 13 and went immediately to work to respond to our new reality,” she said. “We postponed the opening of our 2020 Annual Campaign to focus on raising money for the Chesed Fund.”
Federation raised $85,000 for the Chesed Fund, which provides financial assistance to those in need in our community, and an additional $50,00 for to make small, low-interest loans available to help individuals and families through the pandemic.
Federation also met Jewish Federations of North America’s matching grant goal for the Human Services Fund, raising $222,000 locally to get $111,000 in national matching funds. These funds will go toward mental health counseling at KU Hillel and KU Chabad, Kosher Meals on Wheels, JVS’ Career Skills and Connections program, Village Shalom for PPE needs and the Chesed Fund.
In addition to raising money for pandemic relief, Federation brought in a consultant last spring and invited its partner agencies to participate in community scenario planning. This helped agencies take a critical look at the uncertainty of the next 12 to 24 months, and identify important contingencies and strategic decisions with an ability to shift gears as needed.
“All of the professionals in our community, in partnership with volunteer leadership, have seen to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our community members,” Lotman said. “The day our institutions closed their doors, their work became harder, more intense, and never ending. And they didn’t miss a beat.”
Other Federation accomplishments in 2020 include:
Helping six local organizations – HBHA, The J, Ohev Sholom, Beth Torah, Temple Beth Sholom in Topeka and the Lawrence Jewish Community Center – apply for and receive more than $500,000 in security grants.
Securing new planned giving commitments totaling more than $1.25 million.
Launching a professional development program for top agency leadership in our community.
Joining with The J - Jewish Community Center in a new Jewish experiences partnership to enhance community-wide engagement. A director of Jewish experiences was hired last fall and planning is underway for 2021 events and programming.
