Reflections on the Year in Review
By Eli Veitzer
President and CEO
In late October, as the SNAP benefit freeze became likely, we saw a growing stream of new people coming to JFSLA’s SOVA food pantries. In the space of four weeks, we served nearly 5,000 households, including over a thousand households coming for the first time, grateful for the help in putting food on their tables. At our 11 senior dining sites, we increased the number of meals served. Many came for a hot, nutritious meal and stayed for the company and activities at the senior centers. Nearly 2,000 individuals in case management programs found themselves suddenly facing the loss of their November SNAP benefits – from Holocaust survivors, to clients in our domestic violence shelters, to seniors and young families in programs across the agency. With the tremendous outpouring of support from the community, we raised the money to provide grocery cards.
In a moment of crisis, we found community. Through the overwhelming outpouring of help from volunteers and donors, and the swift response of Jewish Family Service LA’s staff, we stood together and made a difference.
That was how the year ended.
And it was also how the year began. As infernos swept down from the hills above Pacific Palisades and Altadena, we leapt into action. A JFSLA social worker was at the Red Cross shelter site in Westwood the day it opened, asking how we could help. And we are still helping, through a long-term contract with FEMA, providing on-going support and case management for individuals recovering from the fires.
This was a year of challenges. And also a year with many successes.
In a very difficult State budget year, we advocated fiercely in Sacramento for a continuation of funding for services for Holocaust Survivors, domestic violence shelters and a homeless prevention program focused on vulnerable seniors. In collaboration with other providers, we succeeded in each of these areas, securing critical funds to maintain services.
Faced with funding cuts from the city for our Senior Nutrition and Senior Center programs, we faced the terrible reality of having to cut back our senior meals programming. But we have stretched and fundraised and continue to provide services far beyond what the government funds. It’s less than we’d like. But more than we thought we could.
In the past year, Jewish Family Service LA has served more Holocaust Survivors than ever before (over 1,300) and provided mental health support to more individuals than ever before (over 700). Thousands of households received help from SOVA, and 137 individuals or families were placed in long term, stable housing through our Homeless Prevention Programs.
Jewish Family Service LA remains committed to doing everything we can to support the people of Los Angeles, in the Jewish Community and beyond.
And it is community that makes all of that possible.
Community is Victoria and Michael, once SOVA clients and now SOVA volunteers. Community is a JFSLA Board Member organizing his family and friends to spend a Sunday at the SOVA warehouse packing 2,000 bags of food for our Thanksgiving distribution. Community is dozens of volunteers lining up to deliver Thanksgiving meals to 500 homebound seniors. Community is the thousands of donors – some giving $18, and some giving $18,000 or more – who make Jewish Family Service LA’s work possible.
This week, 18 families are in our domestic violence shelters and transitional housing; eighteen moms and 43 children who will be celebrating their Christmas, safe in Jewish Family Service LA’s welcoming arms. They’ve decorated and baked, and have an abundance of gifts donated by synagogues and community members. And Target gift cards from JFSLA, so that they can purchase special gifts for their children. That is community.
Last week, 55 Holocaust Survivors enjoyed a festive Chanukah party hosted by JFSLA, filled with warmth, music, food and even some dancing. They were joined by a choir of 23 third grade students from Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy for an intergenerational celebration, and dozens of JFSLA staff and volunteers who worked to make this annual event possible. That is community.
For every individual and family who’s lives we touched this year, we made a difference. Sometimes a small difference – a hot meal, a brightened day. And sometimes a profound difference. We did that; Jewish Family Service LA, together with you.
Thank you for a year of compassion, caring and meaning.
