Community Outreach
Guided by the Jewish values of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) we support and strengthen our local and global Jewish community, and meet the shared obligations of our local community to Israel and international Jewry. Each program represents a unique opportunity to highlight the impact of the Federation and underscore the importance of basic Jewish values.
JFEC FOOD PANTRY
The active Food Pantry provides food for anyone who needs it. Having devised a contactless way to deliver the food, the Food Bank is open M-F from 1:00-2:00 pm. The community need is greater than ever-for every 12 people we were feeding before COVID-19, we are now feeding 60. We gave out close to 35,000 meals feeding 1813 adults, 1322 children and 787 seniors. Our basic tenet is that no one should go hungry and the JFEC Food Pantry serves as a beacon for those in need.
JFEC created the Passover Project, offering Seder basics available at no cost to anyone in need, and gathered online resources to help you make your celebration meaningful. We partnered with area synagogues to spread the word and distributed forty Passover bags to the community. We also provide Thanksgiving in a Bag for all who need a holiday meal. Project Warm Up starts when the cold arrives, when we give a tank full of gas to people in need, who do not quality elsewhere for funding.
GET ON THE BUS!
Get on the Bus! is a wonderful collaboration between JFEC and Connecticut Hadassah. Four times a year, participants get on the bus and travel to various locations for culture, education and fun. Trips have included the Museum of Jewish Heritage and Katz’s Deli in New York City and the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA.
OPERATION COOL DOWN
For over 10 years, Operation Cool Down has been helping those at- risk secure air conditioners to combat heat and illness. Excessive heat, without home air conditioning could affect those with congestive heart failure, COPD, allergies, asthma and sleep apnea. Additionally, heatstroke is most likely to affect older adults who live in apartments or homes lacking air conditioning or good airflow. As the need grew for safe, cool air, so did the community support.
CRISIS FUNDING
Our $75 Crisis Fund is primarily used to help economically challenged individuals and families. The fund pays partial rent, utility bills, covers ID cards, and some prescription medications. We treat all who apply for funds with kindness and respect.
For more information please contact our JFEC office.