Helping people in these times of need

By Ruth Paley

Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis is receiving a 50 percent increase in crisis or emergency phone calls than last year – from financial to personal stress, to mental health issues requiring immediate response by professional staff to assure the caller’s safety.

In these very difficult economic times, people are facing job loss, foreclosure, lack of adequate finances and an increase in family stresses.

Economic news indicates that we likely have not hit the bottom of this financial downturn. More and more people who were previously “OK” report that they are sliding into an emergency mode of economic survival.

On one recent afternoon, JFCS received an astounding 26 calls for emergency assistance. Some examples include:

“I was just laid off from my job and I’m afraid of losing my home.”

“I’m behind in my utility bills, my car payment and my insurance. I need help and I don’t know what to pay first.”

“I can’t afford to repair my car and I can’t get to work without it.”

“I owe $100 in back rent and I need $1,000 for dental work. I’m not able to eat solid foods anymore.”

“I can’t buy enough food for my family anymore.”

“I’m afraid to go out in the ice and cold, and I have no food in the house.”

JFCS can help address these situations. We offer numerous programs and services to the community including mental health support services, counseling, family consultation, case management, emergency financial assistance and job assistance.

People often identify their first and most critical need as finding employment or better employment. If an individual is adequately employed they can better deal with other economic issues.

Our vocational service offers a skills training program and ParnossahWorksTM, a confidential web-based program that allows people to search, review and apply for employment in their own home. You can also access information on networking, resume preparation, cover letters, interviewing and thank you letters. Go to www.ParnossahWorks Minnesota.org to learn more.

When you call JFCS for help, you benefit from years of expertise the agency and its staff offer. No other agency in the community has master’s level, clinically trained professionals answering phones for assistance offering crisis intervention, financial assistance, information and referral.

For whatever reason one calls, the Intake and Information department at JFCS can appropriately assess a caller’s needs from a clinical perspective and determine how JFCS can best assist you, using the agency’s and the community’s resources. JFCS is here for you when you need us.

Call JFCS at 952-546-0616 for help. There is no fee to call us. Your confidentiality is guaranteed. Many JFCS programs and services are offered on a sliding fee scale.

* * *

Ruth Paley is Client Services Director at Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis.

Proudly meets or exceeds all standards.