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Jewish Family Services to Continue Serving Those in Need

Thursday, March 19, 2020

It’s normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis. Talking with a person you trust can help, such as friends and family or your fellow community members. Please know that all of us at Jewish Family Services (JFS) are here for you.

While many of our agency operations are closed due to COVID-19, Jewish Family Services still commits to serving and being there for those in need. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU. If you need assistance, please call (317) 259-6822. If you receive our voicemail, please know that we have been experiencing a high call volume. Please leave us a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.

With safety in mind, we have adapted our services in the following ways:

  • Case Management and Chaplaincy
    • While we are no longer able to see clients at JFS or conduct house visits, JFS Social Workers and our Community Chaplain will continue ongoing communications with clients by phone, email and/or video chat. 
    • Case Workers will be available to help community members navigate resources and make meaningful referrals to vital services during these challenging times.
       
  • Popsie’s Pantry and Passover Food Drive
    • Pantry clients will not be able to come in and pick out their groceries effective immediately. Instead, we will package up groceries for clients and use their appointment time as their grocery pickup time. Grocery delivery is possible for those who are not mobile.
    • Hours: Open by appointment from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. during the week.
       
  • Wheels to Wellness       
    • We will continue to provide medical transportation to individuals who have ongoing dialysis, cancer treatment and prescription pickups only. All other Wheels appointments will be cancelled until further notice.
    • Hours: Appointments only between 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. during the week.
       
  • Senior Programs: Libby & David Fogle Lunch Bunch, Seniors In Place and KAVOD Programs
    • While we are not currently able to gather in person for these important social gatherings, our staff are making ongoing phone calls to participants to check in.
    • We are also setting up a phone-tree to help connect one another and maintain socialization opportunities from a safe distance.
  • Homemaker Service
    • Homemaker services will continue at the discretion of our homemaker provider and each individual client.
  • Birthday Club
    • This program will continue with a slight modification. Birthday Bosses will be encouraged to make a financial donation so we can send families e-gift cards.

As this pandemic unfolds, our department has received an overwhelming amount of service requests, and we anticipate an increased need for food, financial assistance, and emotional support. Here’s how you can help:

  • Donate gift cards
    • Gift cards for Kroger, Walmart, Trader Joes, Target, Gas, Amazon and Visa are especially helpful for clients during this time. Please send gift cards to JFS at 6905 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46240.
  • Donate food
    • Food for Popsie’s Pantry can be dropped off during the week from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Please ring the bell to notify staff that food has been brought.
  • Give a monetary donation
    • Donations to Emergency Services, Popsie’s Pantry or other vital services can be made at www.jewishindianapolis.org/jfs
    • Checks can be sent to JFS at 6905 Hoover Road.
  • Share our posts on Facebook
    • Help us spread word on social media! We will be posting our current needs, volunteer opportunities, and important updates. Stay tuned at https://www.facebook.com/indyjfs/

Additionally, the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis has created a COVID-19 resources page. Recognizing that many organizations are turning to virtual programming and engagement, the Federation has also created a resource hub – Connect with Purpose – to provide the community with information regarding connection opportunities. Ways you can volunteer and donate will be updated to this page soon so be sure to check back often for updates.

For any questions or concerns, please call JFS at (317) 259-6822 and leave a voicemail or email socialservices@jfgi.org

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