The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City represents many things to our community. To some, it’s the local supporter and voice of Israel. To others, it’s the provider of scholarships — enabling children to receive a Jewish education. And then to others, it’s the community caretaker — providing assistance for the most basic needs and ensuring that no member of our Jewish Community lives without dignity.
If you live in this community, the Jewish Federation has touched you and/or your family’s life. Whether it’s been in, at or by one of Federation’s many partners: Hillel, BBYO, JCC, Birthright Israel, Melton Adult Jewish Education, Jewish Senior Network, Heritage Center, or Village Shalom, all of these important programs are funded by our Federation.
Whatever being Jewish means to you ... the Jewish Federation’s annual campaign makes it all possible.
Whatever being Jewish means to you ... chances are, the annual campaign makes much of what you care about happen.
Even though we are seeing the light at the end of this recession, the number of Jewish community members who rely on the Jewish Federation for help continues to rise. Your gift means we can help your friends and neighbors who need it now. And with the Helzberg Challenge Grant, any new or increased gifts will be automatically doubled, making your money go further.
Building community and helping to make the world a better place is what the Federation does every day. It’s a promise that social services and community organizations will remain strong and active for all of us … and for you.
This year’s annual Super Sunday is this Sunday, Jan. 30. It is the one day each year where thousands of Jewish Kansas Citians come together to proudly show their support of the Jewish Federation by making a pledge to the annual campaign. The money raised by you, our community members, supports an array of programs — locally, in Israel and around the world.
To guarantee a thriving, healthy Jewish community, the Federation teams with partner agencies to identify and solve problems locally and meet the needs in our community. Here’s a few examples of successful Federation partnerships that are helping people today:
Jewish Employment Services program, a joint program of Jewish Family Services and Jewish Vocational Service, helps more than 50 Jewish clients each month search for employment.
The PJ Library program, where 700 children, ages 6 months to 8 years, are Jewishly engaged in the comfort of their own homes with books and music.
Subsidies to Jewish Family Services to make counseling and consultation affordable for nearly 250 clients per year.
JET Express, another program of JFS, which enables nearly 50 Jewish senior households each month to continue to live independently through monthly transportation services.
JFS’ Help@Home, which enables Jewish seniors to remain in their homes by providing handyman services, general chores, computer assistance, nutritional assessments, and more.
As you can see, every gift makes a difference. Every donation you make and every hour you volunteer changes lives for the better.
What inspires you to make a difference? What do you care about? Poverty? Hunger? Jewish identity? Israel? Whatever it is, chances are the Jewish Federation has a program that will help you make the world a better place. Whether caring for those in need, rescuing those in danger or inspiring Jewish life and learning, your Jewish Federation is at the heart of the Jewish community.
Super Sunday is an opportunity to be a part of a caring community that gives back. It’s also an opportunity to foster and celebrate Jewish Identity for future generations. I ask you to get involved. Donate. Volunteer.
And most important, remember to pick up the phone on Sunday.
