Dear Friends of Jewish Family Service,
This week marks a milestone none of us could have predicted last March: one year of operating remotely due to the pandemic. One year of trial and error, virtual transitions, and finding the most creative and effective ways to stay connected. We, the Staff of Jewish Family Service, want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Dallas Jewish community for supporting us through it all. We have transformed as a mental health and social service provider despite new obstacles of remote work. Much of that success can be credited to having a strong foundation of community support.
Your dollars helped purchase technology that was HIPAA compliant for telehealth appointments, gave vulnerable clients computers, provided emergency financial assistance to families who lost their jobs and kept costs for professional services low as an increasing number of parents, teachers, children, older adults, and individuals who live alone turned to us seeking support. COVID-19 could have stopped us in our tracks, but we forged ahead, as a community, to serve those who were emotionally and financially impacted.
When we reflect on this one-year milestone, a lot of words come to mind. Unprecedented. Uncertain. Unbelievable. But, this one might surprise you…extraordinary. That’s because in the midst of it all, a community of champions – you, and others like you – rose to the occasion to help keep things moving forward.
Whether it came in the form of volunteering, making generous donations, sharing pertinent information on social media, or referring friends and family, our staff felt empowered and emboldened by the faith you placed in us. In turn, it allowed us to provide the best possible care for our clients.
As our world changed and the toll of the pandemic continued, thanks to our community, our services were never disrupted. 730 volunteers helped staff serve others weekly at the Food Pantry drive-thru food distribution, delivered Kosher Home Delivered Meals to individuals who were isolated or with disabilities, and fulfilled several other essential volunteer roles. However big or small, you helped carry out the JFS mission to those in need. You have invested your money, time, faith, and heart into this agency, and thank you doesn’t begin to cover it. We simply couldn’t do what we do without you.
In spite of the challenges we have collectively and individually faced, we made a difference. We sustained our momentum. We tackled difficult circumstances. We were, in many ways, unstoppable. With your support, under unimaginable stressors, our shared impact:
- Provided over 1 million meals to more than 15,000 individuals through the drive-thru food distribution
- Delivered over 13,000 Kosher Home Meals to homebound seniors and those with disabilities
- Distributed $3.4 million in emergency housing and utility assistance to more than 1,000 families through strategic partnerships with local counties, cities, and organizations
- Assisted over 5,000 students, parents, teachers, and school staff to tackle the anxiety and multiple challenges of remote education and learning
- Partnered with the Jewish Federation’s Community Health Crisis Management Team to collaboratively address the needs of our community through the pandemic
- Diminished harmful effects of social isolation for all the Holocaust Survivors we serve
Together, we served over 23,000 individuals this past year. Thank YOU for helping us MAKE MORE POSSIBLE.
With love and gratitude,
The JFS Staff