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August News at JFCS

Thank You For Helping Us Feed Our Neighbors

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated yesterday during Critical Needs Day. Every dollar raised is more than a donation, it’s a lifeline to nourishment and stability for our community.  

With your generosity, we raised $9,698 and will be able to provide 29,094 meals to our neighbors.

At this critical juncture where food costs more and federal funding is being cut, every dollar raised is more than a lifeline. It’s dignity, hope, and care to our neighbors.

Didn’t have the chance to donate yesterday? You can still provide meals by donating at the link below.


JFCS Immigration Legal Services: Creating Stability & Opportunity for Unaccompanied Children

James, is an 18-year-old boy who journeyed from South America to Pittsburgh on his own in search of safety and stability. In his home country, he and his family were slaves and frequently beaten and denied access to food and medical care. The child’s uncle was able to smuggle him out of his home country and send him to another South America country. From there, he made the long journey to the United States on his own. This spring, he celebrated his high school graduation along with eight other unaccompanied children served by JFCS. 

His JFCS attorney supported him during immigration proceedings, through one of the most painful parts of his life to this moment full of joy and new opportunities. Each year, the JFCS Immigration Legal team represents hundreds of unaccompanied children who arrive in the U.S. without a parent or guardian and are entitled to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) to gain protection and stability.    

The legal services JFCS provides to youth like James remain under threat with federal policy and funding changes. We need your help in advocating for full funding for the Unaccompanied Children’s Program and ensuring that our team is available to support youth in search of a new future. 

Our team will continue to work relentlessly to help these children, no matter how challenging the circumstances may become. One of the most powerful tools we have is to keep sharing their stories, so that the people in our communities recognize the legitimacy of this work and stand in opposition to policies that hinder our ability to help.”  

Samuel Kainz, Esq., Attorney at JFCS 


Community Partnerships that Endure

For decades, the Jewish Healthcare Foundation has supported JFCS through its block grant to meet the evolving needs of the community

In the face of shifting federal policies and funding, we are grateful for JHF’s ongoing support, including funding new community-wide initiatives like the Collaborative for Immigrant Impact to create lasting change for Pittsburgh’s immigrant communities.

Read more at the link below.

We are deeply grateful to the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh for their unwavering dedication to our community and to JFCS.

Thanks to the annual support from the Federation, JFCS is able to continue meeting the rising and evolving needs of over 9,000 individuals each year—despite the uncertainty created by shifting federal policy and fluctuating funding landscapes.

Read more at the link below.


All Together Now Music Festival Starts Tomorrow!

Hey music lovers! Did you hear about the music festival this weekend?

Join us for great music and to show your support for our immigrant neighbors! Starting tomorrow, Pittsburgh comes alive with rhythm and community. With 26 incredible bands and artists performing across 11 iconic venues, this festival has something for every music lover—and every neighbor.

Proceeds will go to the Collaborative for Immigrant Impact, a group of 18 immigrant-serving organizations, including JFCS, in the Greater Pittsburgh Region.


Upcoming Events

Welcoming Week takes place September 12-21. It is a chance for neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity.  

Celebrate Afghanistan Through Music and Dance on September 12 from 3 – 5 pm at the JCC, Levinson Hall. Learn about Afghanistan’s culture, enjoy a live music demonstration, and learn the national dance.

We hope to see you there. RSVP before September 11 at the link below.


New to the U.S. Workforce? We’re Here to Help!

Learn about job searching and career readiness from expert career counselors. Gain skills in resume writing, interviewing, networking, job search, cover letter writing, and more. The cohort starts on September 3 and ends on October 30. Register before August 22 at the link below. Participants must be fully authorized to work in the United States.

Know someone who would benefit from this program? Forward this email!


Are you a job seeker searching for employment opportunities and community support? 

Join us for the Welcome & Work Job Fair on September 12 at Allegheny County Human Services Office. At the job fair you’ll find a welcoming space to connect with inclusive employers and local organizations ready to support your career journey. Bring you resume and be ready to make connections!

What You’ll Find: 


  • Employers hiring across a variety of industries Community resources 

  • On-site Interpreters to assist in multiple languages 

This job fair is free and open to the public.


Do you have a child at home with a recognized anxiety disorder?

We are hosting a Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions program (SPACE). This 4-part series is designed to empower you with skills, tools, and confidence to support children with anxiety. The sessions are taking place virtually at 1 pm on September 3, 10, 17 This workshop is open to parents/guardians of school age children aged 7-18 still living in the home with a recognized anxiety disorder. RSVP before September 1 at the link below.

 

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