Dear Friends,
There are several significant developments affecting JFCS and the individuals and families we serve, and we appreciate the opportunity to keep you informed.
Unaccompanied Children
As the only legal services provider for unaccompanied children in our region, JFCS has joined a federal lawsuit as a plaintiff in response to court actions and policy changes that have undermined critical legal safeguards and compromised children’s right to due process. As a result, children with credible claims of trafficking, abuse, abandonment, or persecution are being ordered deported through accelerated removal proceedings, nearly eliminating their legal pathways to remain in the U.S. Through this lawsuit, we seek to ensure these vulnerable children receive the full legal protections and fair hearings they are entitled to under the law.
As Dana Gold, JFCS’s COO, told The Guardian, “What a society will tolerate happening to children, they will tolerate happening to anyone.”
You can support us in this effort by spreading the word and taking action. Share the news articles about the lawsuit linked below, call on your elected officials to protect unaccompanied children, and help us sustain our critical legal work by making a donation to JFCS’s Immigration Legal Services.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Additionally, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for individuals from multiple countries has ended or is slated to end. Most recently, TPS ended for over 350,000 Haitians who are no longer legally authorized to live and work in the United States unless they obtain another immigration status. Many families now face tremendous uncertainty and fear, with the looming threat of arrest and deportation.
To support the impacted communities, we are helping families develop emergency plans and connecting individuals with essential resources. Some people whose TPS has been revoked may decide to leave the U.S. for safety in another country. However, they may lack the necessary financial resources for a plane ticket, passport, or basic travel necessities such as luggage.
You can help support these individuals and families by contributing to our emergency assistance funds here. Your generosity can help provide immediate support as these individuals and families navigate an uncertain future.
We thank you for being engaged in such important issues. Your support enables us to respond quickly to immediate needs, provide essential resources, and help our community navigate times of uncertainty.
With gratitude,
Jordan Golin
President & CEO
Engaging Policymakers on Food Affordability
On July 31, JFCS was honored to participate in the Senate Democratic Policy Committee hearing on the rising cost of groceries and the impact on our communities, alongside colleagues from Feeding Pennsylvania and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. All three organizations emphasized the importance of strengthening and protecting SNAP benefits and the growing demand for food assistance through food banks and pantries, such as the Squirrel Hill Food Pantry, as well as rising costs that are placing additional strain on these charitable food systems.
We are thankful to Senators Nick Miller and Jay Costa, along with their colleagues, who are working on policies and solutions to reduce food insecurity and financial instability for all Pennsylvanians.
Town Hall: Tree of Life
Please join our friends at the 10.27 Healing Partnership for a Town Hall on August 19 to learn about the future of the Tree of Life site. Attendees will hear directly from the teams leading the planning and development process, including updates on current progress, the vision taking shape, and the next steps in this important work.
Upcoming Events
Career Services Summer Job Fair
Friday, August 28 | 11am
Unlock your summer of potential at the JFCS Summer Job Fair!
If you or someone you know are spending the summer looking for the next step in your career, the JFCS Summer Job Fair is a great way to explore new opportunities! Whether you’re an experienced professional or are just starting out, this job fair has prospects for everyone. Register today and join us for an afternoon of networking, connections, and support for your success!
When: Friday, August 28, 11am – 2pm
Where: The Monroeville Library | 4000 Gateway Campus Blvd, Monroeville, PA 15146
This event is free and open to the public! Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.
Thank you for your support on #ONEDAY!
Thank you to everyone who donated to JFCS on August 4th for #ONEDAY. With your generosity, we raised $6,000 on #ONEDAY, helping JFCS support individuals and families’ immediate challenges and create pathways to long-term well-being, stability and self-sufficiency.
You make it possible for us to respond to our community’s critical needs so that no one has to face life’s changes and challenges alone. Thank you!
Get the support you need today
JFCS is here to support you through life’s changes and challenges. Whether you’re interested in caregiver support, grief support, career support, or help with other life challenges, we’re here for you. Head to our website to get the help you need, today.