As we continue dealing with COVID-19, Jewish Family Services will not close its doors. Rather, they have adjusted the way they deliver their programs and services. They continue to be here in the community meeting life’s daily challenges.
JFS offers a wide variety of services to help: from food assistance to counseling, emergency assistance to older adult connection. If you know someone who needs help, contact the JFS Navigator at 913-327-8250. Check out details of all the services JFS provides at jfskc.org.
Some of the ways you can help or take advantage of JFS’ resources follow.
Habitat for Humanity is seeking volunteers, age 16 and up, to help build a house as part of its “House of Abraham” project. The mission of the House of Abraham project is promoting interfaith cooperation and understanding among the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities of the Kansas City metro area. Volunteer at donate.habitatkc.org/campaigns/14413-house-of-abraham-31st-st-kck.
Jewish Family Services and Raised with Love and Limits Foundation provide a positive online parenting tool, Behavior Checker, available 24/7 for free. Behavior Checker provides practical answers to questions about parenting by looking at 150+ of the most common behavior problems, from tots to teens. Behavior Checker helps parents feel confident and supported in their parenting roles. Check it out at jfskc.org/behavior-checker/.
The Jewish Community Chaplaincy Program, based at Jewish Family Services, provides spiritual care and connectivity during difficult times — illness, aging issues and loss of life. The chaplaincy program works closely with area rabbis making sure they are aware of congregants who may be hospitalized or in older adult care facilities and need a visit. The program makes direct contact with those in the community who are unaffiliated.
Now during the COVID-19 situation, the chaplaincy program is still connecting with those in need through technology. Community Chaplain Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick and his team of spiritual care volunteers want to reach out to those needing spiritual connection. If you know of someone, email .
Help feed individuals and families in need this Rosh Hashanah. You can bring the sweetness of a holiday meal to those facing food insecurity. A $25 donation helps provide a family of four with chicken, soup, challah, honey, sweets and fresh produce for a holiday meal. This financial support will provide 150 Jewish families with the makings for a traditional holiday.
JFS purchases, packages and delivers both kosher and non-kosher meals with the help of volunteers. Necessary health precautions are being taken due to the COVID epidemic. Financial donations are requested by August 21. Donate online at jfskc.org/donate-holiday/. Checks to underwrite the holiday meals can be sent to JFS, Att: Rosh Hashanah Holiday Meal, 5801 W. 115th St., Ste 103, Overland Park, KS 66211.