Alleviating Unemployment and Poverty in Our Own Backyard

The Federation’s Community Core Fund provides operating support to a network of critical organizations in the Bay Area that care for the vulnerable, build Jewish identity, strengthen educational programs, and provide meaningful Jewish experiences.

Two very important and long-standing grantees that receive Core Fund grants are Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) and Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS), which are major Bay Area agencies serving individuals and families experiencing deep financial need. The services they provide are always needed, but are even more relevant during recessions and times of economic strain. Services include: entitlements assistance, direct financial assistance, loans, grants, scholarships, case management, counseling, job placement, employment counseling, training and vocational scholarships.

The client load at JVS has more than doubled since 2008 and, since then, JVS has served more than 5,000 clients per year to build technical skills, enhance job search strategies, and place individuals in positions that provide a living wage.

The Federation’s grant funding has helped JVS hire and retain an Intake Specialist and an additional Employment Specialist to manage the high caseload. With the Federation’s support, JVS has been able to sustain its expanded presence on the Peninsula, with its particularly high demand for services. Here is one example of this important work:

Maureen is 50, lives in San Francisco and is a recruiter with a San Francisco staffing firm. She came to JVS for help finding work. She had just come through very difficult times in her life, including the death of her fiancée, her own serious health issues, and caring for an aging parent. She took a variety of workshops and worked with an employment specialist to strengthen her job search skills. She first secured a contract position and then landed a full-time job. Maureen not only has full-time employment but now sees a bright and healthy future for herself. She told JVS staff that “JVS is a place I know I can go for education, information, networking – and most of all – hope.” Maureen also now regularly sends job leads to JVS so she can help others find meaningful work.