Weekly Newsletter – What’s Trending!

CLICK PHOTO TO WATCH ROY FIRESTONE COMMERCIAL!

 

We are so excited this year about the JFS Patron Party! Our Patrons generosity allows Jewish Family Service of the Desert (JFS) the ability to support our essential programs offering assistance to residents in the Coachella Valley.
JFS is overwhelmed with gratitude to everyone who has already stepped up and committed to become a Patron. This LIVE stream event is scheduled for December 7, 2020, and it’s going to be hosted by Bea Keats and Jerry Fogelson along with Roy Firestone as the evening’s Emcee.
Bea and Jerry will be sharing their homes and there will be updates on what JFS is doing in our Valley. As a special treat, we are delivering gift baskets that will be created just for our Patrons to enjoy during the event.
Isn’t it nice to know, that you can make a difference here in the Coachella Valley, during these unprecedented times of uncertainty, by becoming a JFS Patron?

 

Mr. Rakowski Movie Screening

CLICK TO WATCH TRAILER!

A two-part virtual event on December 8, which is included if you become a Patron. You’ll receive an email with a link to the movie, Mr. Rakowski,

which you can watch on your preferred device. This inspirational documentary highlights a difficult relationship between a Holocaust survivor and his son and how love and healing prevail. You will also receive a link for a LIVE Q&A session on December 15, hosted by Roy Firestone, featuring Raphael Rakowski (one of the movie’s protagonists) and movie director Jan Diederen.

JFS would like to invite you to become a Patron. It’s EASY! Contact Cheryl Scarlett by phone or e-mail at 760-325-4088 ext. 107, [email protected] Find additional Patron Party information at www.JFSDesert.org.


COVID-19 Recovery Fund Success Story

Tony is currently receiving counseling services, and his therapist reached out to case managers asking for support on behalf of her client. Tony’s employment was affected by the pandemic, but his mental status was making a connection to benefits such as unemployment, Calfresh (food stamps), and Medi-Cal difficult. Worse, this frustration was affecting gains made through counseling. Case managers connected with Tony and the discussion focused on support for his overdue rent (growing because of reduced income) and utility bills (local electricity bills can be daunting as the area recently saw over 140 straight days above 100 degrees).

And, the client’s landlord was actively seeking an eviction, despite the moratoriums. Case managers advocated on the client’s behalf with the landlord, convincing her to work with the client, noting his continued residency would benefit both parties.

The client was eventually connected with unemployment benefits, Calfresh, and Medi-Cal, and Tony’s housing situation is now stable due to the provision of emergency financial assistance, keeping him in his residence.

Participants Needed for a Survey

of Adults 50 Years of Age and Older!

The HIV+Aging Research Project-Palm Springs is collaborating with USC researcher Mariam Davtyan on a study on experiences of stigma, and other psychosocial issues of older adults here in the Coachella Valley during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study is recruiting both HIV+ and HIV- people over the age of 50 years old, Click Here for HIV Positive Survey and Click Here for HIV Negative Survey.
There’s a gift card incentive for completing the survey. Please share it with your friends and networks!

In-Person and Telehealth

Counseling for the Entire Community!

Make an appointment for in-person counseling or if you know someone who needs counseling or financial assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or 760-325-4088.

To set up counseling for new clients:  760-325-4088 ext. 121   [email protected]

To change appointments for existing clients 760-325-4088 ext. 0  [email protected]  

For emergency assistance  760-325-4088 ext. 250    [email protected] 

 

Case Management

Our experienced case managers assist in exploring resources. They assess clients’ eligibility for services and programs and can help facilitate the application process to obtain benefits and support. Our case managers are a resource for the Coachella Valley, providing emergency financial assistance to prevent homelessness. JFS also works with local and county organizations to advocate for the rights of seniors in the Valley. The JFS case management team takes a holistic service approach, collaborating with internal departments to ensure clients’ needs are addressed. We are dedicated to making sure that mental health and basic needs issues stay front and center for our Valley citizens.

If you’re Jewish, you’ll first be offered information about the Jewish Federation of the Desert’s Tzedakah Fund, and interested persons will be provided with an application and connected to the Federation directly

Visit the JFS Resource page on the website, which provides valuable information that can steer you toward the specific help you need whether it is Emergency Housing, Food Assistance, Crisis Hotlines and more!

Click Here!

“It Begins With Us”

 

JFS is open and offering services to our Coachella Valley! When you generously donate to JFS, at any level, your gift allows our staff and counselors to continue their essential work.

Please join our “It Begins With Us” campaign online Click Here to Donate! or call us at 760-325-4088 ext. 107.

 

 

Your generous contribution provides:

  • Emergency financial aid for our local seniors and families in crisis.
  • Telehealth counseling to at-risk children and youth.
  • Our “Let’s Do Lunch” team is now delivering lunches to our local isolated seniors who participate in our program.

All of this is made possible because of YOUR generosity. We couldn’t do this without your support, and our entire team appreciates YOU!

Questions? Call or E-mail:

Cheryl Scarlett, Director of Major Gifts and Fundraising

760-325-4088 ext. 107

[email protected]

Volunteers Needed!

JFS volunteers help keep the organization running smoothly, while also serving our clients. JFS has a variety of office and community volunteer areas that will fit perfectly for all ages.

Additionally, our JFS Auxiliary works to support our mission through programs, volunteering, and fundraising for special projects. The Auxiliary is a membership arm of JFS and has its own governance with a nominal yearly membership fee. Our amazing Auxiliary promises camaraderie and fun while helping to raise much-needed funds for JFS programming.

Our Tributes Make a Difference!

 

Let JFS help you honor someone special in your life by sending a unique personalized tribute card for just a minimum donation of $18.
Your Minimum Donation of $18 Supports These Worthwhile Services…
  • Counseling for everyone
  • Homeless prevention
  • Financial aid for families and seniors
  • Lunches for isolated seniors in the Coachella Valley
  •     Emergency services for our local undocumented residents