As a social worker, I meet people every day who are facing giants.
From the mom who secretly skips meals so her family has more to eat to the 84-year-old proudly trying to repair his dilapidated home, the only thing larger than many of our clients’ fears is their quiet courage.
Knowing this, one of my coworkers recently asked what breaks my heart. Without skipping a beat, I said, “Karen." (Karen is not her real name, to protect her privacy.)
Karen is an Israeli mother who is working hard to build a life for herself and her three children in Kansas City. Newly single, Karen struggles with feeling vulnerable, powerless and “stuck.” Her aging parents live abroad and provide as much financial and emotional support as they can; going back home is not a safe option right now.
Thankfully, Karen found JFS.
Being Israeli myself, Karen and I talk in our native tongue. When you communicate with someone in their own language, you quickly develop a sense of trust. You can imagine how comforting it is for Karen to talk freely without fear of being misunderstood or unheard. It is empowering for her to hear “b’yachad” and know she is no longer battling her giants alone.
B’yachad (which means “together”) isn’t just JFS’ guiding principle. It’s what I count on every day. It’s you. Your support and care create a solid foundation upon which people can rebuild their lives. Without access to JFS’ holistic services, such as mental health therapists, our KesherKC pantry and our chaplaincy program, there’s only so much I can do alone. JFS donors are the reason I can confidently face hurting people and believe there is a better future ahead.
Over the last year, Karen has worked hard to identify and achieve short-term goals for herself and for her family. Because she was fearful for her children's futures, I connected Karen with a pro bono attorney who wrote her will.
Recognizing the need for additional mental health support, Karen worked with a JFS therapist who helped her identify healthier ways to process the stress and anxiety of everyday life and of the events impacting her family abroad. JFS supporters helped Karen reveal her strengths and find peace.
Thanks to donors who support JFS, when Karen’s children needed eyeglasses and supplies for school, she was able to get them. I can still remember the way their eyes sparkled when they opened the new backpacks, stuffed full of notebooks, markers, crayons and even some fun accessories.
For Karen, monthly visits to the KesherKC pantry provide that same kind of joy; she says it feels like shopping among friends. Because of JFS donors, Karen can stretch her modest grocery budget and free up money for other household needs.
As a social worker, my hope is that JFS creates not just a safety net for families in crisis but a trampoline upon which they can rebound. Right now, Karen is still courageously working toward her long-term goals and looking forward to the day she can smile at the future.
In the spirit of tikkun olam, please consider donating to JFS to continue supporting Karen and the other 10,000 families that JFS will serve this year. The need is great out there. It’s a blessing to serve our community with you, b’yachad.
Please consider making a financial donation to JFS providing essential human services for people of all faiths, ages, cultures, and identities; donations can be made at jfskc.org/ways-to-give.
