Jewish Family Services (JFS) is launching its fall appeal for donations.
While the entire community is concerned about the developing situation in Israel, there remain struggles for Kansas Citians. JFS continues to provide help for those facing food insecurity, mental health issues and aging challenges.
Donations can be made online at jfskc.org/ways-to-give or by mailing a check to JFS (5801 W. 115th St, Suite 103, Overland Park, KS 66211) with “Fall Appeal” in the memo line. More information is available by calling (913) 730-1429 or email .
The following is a story from JFS about the effects of its services:
Kelly Stark grooms dogs for a living, but she’s currently looking to adopt a cat.
“I’m a dog person, but as soon as I get my own place, I’m getting a cat. I’m with dogs 10-12 hours a day. I need a cat in my life,” she said.
For the first time in a long time, Stark is thriving. She graduated from the Pawsperity Grooming School and is currently stably employed in the high-demand field of pet grooming. This is how Stark got connected to Jewish Family Services – through the partnerships JFS builds with like-minded agencies so that we can reach more people and provide stronger resources to our community.
“I’ve had four trips to prison, and each time they were like, ‘well, what do you want to do with your life?’ I had heard about the pet groom project, but I just didn’t have my head on straight and wasn’t making good decisions,” Stark said. “But this last time I got out and I signed up, and it just went from there.”
Stark was immediately connected with JFS, and specifically with current Chief Program Officer Maggie Haghirian in her capacity as a caseworker.
“The first time I met with Ms. Maggie, she gave me her direct line and email and said to call if I had any questions. I’ve never had a caseworker like that before. I mean, she helped me order my work shoes, and then she hand-delivered them to my work,” Stark said. “It made me look forward to checking in. Even when she wouldn’t tell me to, I’d send her an email.”
JFS supported Stark as she got back on her feet. Stark became a regular pantry client, accessing fresh produce and meat, staples to stock her cabinets, and prepared meals. She also received rental assistance to cover her full month’s rent. The remainder of her assistance and her wages were able to go towards buying the necessities she needed to be successful, like items for work and gas for her car.
“I’m 39 years old, and I have a 401k now. That’s stuff I never thought I’d have,” Stark said.
“Getting to see all the good in our community as we come together to support Kelly is one of the reasons why I love coming to work every day,” Haghirian said. “She’s completely committed to reaching her personal goals, and we’re so lucky that JFS gets to be just a small part of helping her along the way.”
Stark is part of the more than 500 families JFS helps each month through its KesherKC program providing food security through our pantries and connects clients to additional support services, either through JFS or its partnering agencies. This, along with its critical mental health programs, older adult services and community programs, reaches over 10,000 people in greater Kansas City each year.
“I’m happy. That’s a big one,” Stark said, crediting the support she receives from JFS. “I look forward to each day… I’ve never had that feeling in my life.”
