A
story
TO TELL JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE
A STORY OF
G
randma Shirley is taking care of her two grandchildren because their parents struggle with addiction and no longer have custody of them. Shirley is on social security and receiving minimal financial support for childcare. With limited income, her only option is to purchase inexpensive snack foods for many meals. The children struggle to pay attention in school because of constant hunger and lack of adequate nutrition. After hearing about the JFS Food Pantry and the wide variety of food choices, Shirley knew that, to give her grandchildren the food they need, she had to make an appointment.
health
Her situation went from dire to hopeful in a matter of days. Once a month, Shirley and her grandchildren are welcomed by volunteers who help her shop for free, nutritious options. The Food Pantry Case Manager informed her of valuable resources at JFS that they can utilize to assist in creating a healthier, happier lifestyle. The positive effect of a healthy diet and peace of mind became evident when the children’s grades and behavior improved. The JFS Food Pantry was a lifeline for this family and for more than 180 families each week who are in similar circumstances.
“My grandchildren and I feel lucky for the help we received from JFS Dallas. The Food Pantry had so many nutritious options to choose from!”
A STORY OF
stability
M
r. & Mrs. Wilson worked hard to create a stable foundation for their family of four. They felt as if they were in control of their finances until they were faced with unexpected medical bills when their daughter, Sarah, needed her appendix removed. They quickly realized they were not as financially secure as they thought and needed to start an emergency fund to be better prepared for the future. Mr.Wilson’s brother recommended they place a call to JFS to inquire about financial coaching. Their Financial Coach taught them how to better understand their credit report, create a monthly budget, and set reasonable financial goals. While talking with their coach, Mrs. Wilson also discovered she was underemployed; with the right help, she could get a better, higher paying job, based on her skillset. She was referred to a JFS Career Coach, who helped her polish her resume and search for more suitable positions. Not long after, she was employed at a global corporation and making a good income. They were then able to create a budget that worked for them and their family became more financially stable.
Of clients who participated in saving strategies, the average amount saved across all clients was $1,309.
A STORY OF
A
aron and his mom are now safe. For the better part of a year, they have been meeting with the JFS Family Violence Intervention staff in secret to find the best way to leave their abuser. Though Aaron is only seven years old, he’s had to grow up quickly because of the physical and emotional abuse he endured. His mom, pregnant at only 17, married her high school sweetheart. They were young, in love, and had no real concept of what it would take
hope
to finish school and raise a family. Overwhelmed by his circumstances, Aaron‘s father became aggressive. Life at home quickly spiraled out of control. A friend referred Aaron’s mom to JFS, where her Case Manager helped create a safety plan and set her up with counseling to break the cycle of abuse. Placed in a JFS Transitional Housing apartment, Aaron and his mom are now in a stable environment and on the path to healing and independence.
“My mom and I are finally smiling again.” - Aaron
STORIES OF
giving
T
here are so many ways to give to Jewish Family Service. You may choose to be a sponsor at an annual fundraiser, a donor of gently used items for our Resale Shops, a member of our Society of Life major donor giving circle, or a fundholder with the JFS Foundation. That is the beauty of giving... you can choose how to support our life changing work. You decide how you’ll make your impact. We could not provide such a comprehensive list of programs
5402 Arapaho Road | Dallas, TX 75248 | 972.437.9950
and services without your ongoing contributions! With support from donors like you, 13,000 individuals and families will have access to the resources they need to improve their well-being and become self-sufficient. It is becuase of you, these success stories shared today are possible. We hope you’ll be a part of our story this year, and for many years to come. Donate today at www.jfsdallas.org/give.