Dear Friends,
We wish a happy, healthy, and sweet new year to all who celebrate. The High Holidays remind us that we are responsible not only for ourselves but also for one another.
As we welcome this new year, we continue to be deeply moved by the outpouring of support from our community. Your generosity, advocacy and care make it possible to continue serving all of our neighbors who are navigating prolonged periods of uncertainty, fear and challenge.
We see this spirit of caring for our neighbors each day at the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry, where volunteers stock shelves, community groups host food drives, and donors provide generous support. Last year, we distributed 55% more pounds of food than the previous year.
Yet demand for food and critical needs support remain higher than normal.
We invite you to join us in caring for the community through our Fall Appeal for the JFCS Squirell Hill Food Pantry and food drive to sustain this important work and ensure that no family in our community goes hungry.
Our food pantry is just one way that JFCS is rising to meet community need during this challenging time. Our comprehensive approach makes sure that when life gets hard, no neighbor has to face it alone. We invite you to read the newsletter below for updates on the impact we are having together and ways to get involved. Thank you for your generosity and care.
With gratitude,
Jordan Golin
President & CEO
The Collaborative for Immigrant Impact Receives Mayoral Proclamation
On September 10, as part of Welcoming Week, Mayor Corey O’Connor honored the Collaborative for Immigrant Impact with a proclamation recognizing the Collaborative for its crucial work serving our immigrant communities. JFCS is delighted to help lead this collaborative of 19 organizations that works hand in hand to create stability, welcome and belonging for the immigrant community in our region.
As we continue to navigate a hostile environment for immigrants in our community, CII is a critical regional resource to serve our neighbors with compassion and dignity!
Protecting the Rights and Safety of Children
Over the last 12 years, JFCS has provided legal representation to 3,000 unaccompanied children (UCs) in our region who fled their home countries alone due to danger stemming from gang violence, abandonment, or trafficking and abuse. Our skilled legal team educates these minor children about their rights, helps them tell their traumatic stories in court, and represents them as they seek safety in this country.
Last month marked the first time that JFCS has represented these children without federal funding for this work. Despite this change, we are committed to protecting them and pursuing every avenue to protect them. With critical support from private funding partners, our team is continuing to appear in court and providing the consistent help these children need. Additionally, JFCS is a plaintiff in a federal suit to prevent unaccompanied children from facing imminent deportation and to ensure they receive the full legal protections and fair hearings to which they are entitled under the law. You can read more about this litigation here.
Your voice is critical in supporting our neighbors with compassion and dignity:
- Call on your state and federal elected officials to protect unaccompanied children.
- Share news articlesabout the lawsuit JFCS has filed.
- Volunteer to host an educational session or fundraiser with your network by contacting clagnese@jfcspgh.org.
A Summer of Learn & Earn
This year, 30 local students completed Learn & Earn through JFCS’ partnership with Partner4Work! Our high school students spent six weeks over the summer engaging in our career readiness curriculum and receiving real-world experience through field trips to businesses, educational institutions, and local museums.
Students shared their appreciation of the guest speakers and field trips, which opened their eyes to the full range of post-secondary options that they have moving forward. Many students who are still learning English were thrilled by their language development and the confidence Learn & Earn instilled in them for their future. “I’m glad that I’ve been a part of this program and am grateful for Learn & Earn,” said one student.
Congratulations to our Learn & Earn students on successfully completing the program!
Make a Difference With AgeWell Rides!
JFCS is seeking volunteers for AgeWell Rides, a program that connects older adults with volunteers who provide transportation to grocery stores, medical appointments, social activities, and more. Volunteering with AgeWell Rides means more than just providing a ride. It helps older adults stay active, maintain their independence.
Learn more about our flexible AgeWell Rides volunteer opportunities through the button below! Have a question about the process? Reach out to Jess Gold at jgold@jfcspgh.org for more information.
JFCS Difference-Makers
Congratulations to JFCS Board Member Rachael Heisler and JFCS Volunteer Jeff Herzog on being recognized by the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle as members of their inaugural class of 18 Difference Makers! Rachael and Jeff, through your leadership, generosity, and compassion, you have both made a meaningful impact on our community. We are deeply grateful for all you do for JFCS and the whole community!
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.