JEWISH EMERGENCY NETWORK

In these uncertain economic times, many Jews in our community are struggling. As the prices of fuel and food continue to rise, some of our neighbors are making life's most difficult choices - paying rent or buying food. Families which were once getting by are now being pushed beyond their means and are turning to their Federation for help. Our community serves as a safety net for these individuals and families, creating a caring extended family in which no person is left to struggle alone.

We have seen a 30% increase in requests for financial assistance this year.

Do you know that, right here in Howard County, there are a growing number of Jewish families in desperate need of financial help and critical social services?

Can you imagine if the following happened to you!

A family member becomes ill and the entire family resources go to pay for treatment and medication.

A frightened Howard County Jewish woman wants to take her children away from an abusive husband, but doesn’t have the financial resources to start her new life.

Due to rising energy costs, elderly Jewish citizens turn their heat off because their fixed income does not provide enough to pay their utility bill.

These are just a few examples of what many families in our Jewish community face every day. Until now, there was no funding or system in place for these emergency situations.

To address with this dire problem the

Jewish Federation of Howard County
has initiated the
JEWISH EMERGENCY NETWORK (JEN)
to aid individual families in need.

Now, when a family comes to Jewish Community Services (formerly Jewish Family Services) with a one-time emergency, an email will be sent out to the Jewish Emergency Network - a group of concerned families in our Howard County Jewish Community. This message will explain, anonymously, the nature of the financial need a family is facing. It is through donations from members of this Network that we will be able to work to meet the needs of families in crisis.

We are asking that all Jewish families in Howard County participate by sending your e-mail address to the Jewish Emergency Network. Individuals in the Network can respond at their discretion, and all donations are confidential.

To participate as a member of the Jewish Emergency Network (JEN),
or if you have a question, send an e-mail to:
JewishEmergencyNetwork@gmail.com

We accept checks payable to JFHC/JEN, or gift cards for groceries or other staples.
TO MAKE A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TO JEN, MAIL YOUR GIFT TO:
JFHC/JEN · 10630 Little Patuxent Pkwy · Ste 400 · Columbia · MD 21044
410· 730· 4976 ext 195
www.JewishHowardCounty.org      

What a great way to make a difference in your community!