|
For synagogues and congregants throughout the region, UJA-Federation’s Connect to Care is providing a much-needed community resource during the economic crisis. The multiservice program includes supportive and financial counseling, employment services, and more.
More than 16,000 people have been served in New York City, Westchester, and Long Island since Connect to Care was established last spring. Nearly 25 percent of those getting individual assistance have received their referrals through synagogues. Many more have participated in an array of workshops, job fairs, and other programs hosted or publicized by synagogues.
“Connect to Care has the right way to do this,” says Jeff Kapelus, a member of Young Israel of Scarsdale who has also led a number of Connect to Care workshops. “It can really point you to the right people.” He says a job-seeking event at his synagogue this winter drew nearly 400 people for “speed networking.”
Guy Felixbrodt, community initiatives coordinator at B’nai Jeshurun in Manhattan, says working with Connect to Care has taken “a huge load off our plate,” instead of having to use the synagogue’s budget and limited resources to run programs. He said working with the initiative has heightened the immediacy and availability of services to congregation members.
The Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre, joined by more than 30 other synagogues on Long Island, hosted a crowded event in January to help people with business and job contacts. “Connect to Care is the right address” for such help, says the host rabbi, Andrew Warmflash, and there’s “critical mass” created by bringing synagogues together.
Community “Best Served”
“The Jewish community is best served where it naturally congregates,” says UJA-Federation project manager Alexandra Roth-Kahn. Connect to Care makes services, also including such aid as pro bono legal help and Jewish spiritual care, available through agencies supported by UJA-Federation.
Seven regional Connect to Care centers were opened in June, and UJA-Federation's J•1•1 information and referral center at 1.877.UJA.NYJ11 (1.877.852.6951) was also integrated to provide help and information by telephone. ♦
Tell us what you think about The Flame and what you want to hear more about. Write to us at 130 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022 or e-mail us at  .
|
