From the Desk of Executive Director, Carrie Hoops
We couldn't have done this without you!
With your help, Jewish Family & Child Service does the work of repairing the world - one person at a time. Our services offer compassion, preserve dignity, and strengthen our community's commitment to helping vulnerable people deal with the varied and complex issues they face. The past year brought many opportunities for JFCS to put those concepts into action. Our new  2014-15 Annual Report describes the important impact that JFCS has as a valued community resource. You'll read not only about our achievements, but also about those of clients like Rebecca and Joseph who helped design support systems that met their individual needs. None of these vital services could have taken place without the help of our donors, Board, and volunteers. I'd also like to single out the dedication and perseverance of our staff members, who work every day to give needy people hope while building their resilience and self-sufficiency.
This season offers opportunities for reflection, gratitude, and generosity. In thi s spirit, we hope that you will consider making a year-end gift to JFCS today. No matter the size of your gift, rest assured that it helps make a difference in the lives of real Portlanders. Click here to donate now.
With warm wishes for a wonderful and memorable holiday season,
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Holiday Campaigns Update
It was a bountiful Thanksgiving for 150 families in need!
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Each Thanksgiving food box contained turkey, pumpkin pie, and all the trimmings.
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Our community partners collected non-perishable food throughout November and, on Sunday, the 22nd, 130 volunteers joined together to assemble food boxes and deliver them to 150 needy local families. JFCS extends thanks to all our partners, including Beit Havarim, Cedar Sinai Park, Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Shaari Torah, Congregation Shir Tikvah, Havurah Shalom Religious School, Maayan Torah Day School, Mittleman Jewish Community Center, Portland Jewish Academy, Albertsons Safeway, and Home Depot. JFCS is also grateful for the invaluable help of our wonderful volunteers. Thank you all!
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| | Smiles all around: delivering a Thanksgiving box on a sunny November day. |
Mitzvah Menorah/Adopt-a-Family
On December 6--this upcoming Sunday--volunteers will gather to wrap hundreds of holiday gifts and household items and distribute them to local disadvantaged families, helping make their holiday wishes come true. Sixty-two low-income families provided their wish lists, and our partner organizations--as well as numerous individuals and families throughout the community--"adopted" them by purchasing the items they requested. JFCS thanks everyone who is brightening the holiday seasons of our neighbors in need by contributing to the Mitzvah Menorah/Adopt-a-Family campaign. We'd also like to extend special thanks to our partners: Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Shaarie Torah, Jewish Boy Scouts Troop 739, Jewish Cub Scouts Pack 739, Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, Kol Shalom, Maayan Torah Day School, Mittleman Jewish Community Center, and Portland Jewish Academy.
Once again, we prove that great things happen when the community joins together!
Donations are still being accepted in support of the Adopt-a-Family program. Donate here.
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TASK and the Dept. of Spiritual Life at Cedar Sinai park will be hosting a Hanukkah Party for Tikvah, TASK's social recreational group for adults with disabilities, and for Kehillah residents on Sunday, Dec.13 at 1:00 PM. The group will sing songs, learn about the holiday, light menorahs, and enjoy latkes.
For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Corinne Spiegel at [email protected].or phone 503 226-7079 ext.155.
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Are You Upgrading Your iPad?
 Consider donating your older iPad to JFCS. We need an iPad that's 3rd generation or newer - or an iPad Mini - to allow us to keep up with the new shift to "chip on credit card" technology. We recently learned that our current iPad and SQUARE reader are not compatible with the new chip technology. Many of our counseling clients rely on being able to make their co-pays by credit or debit card. You'll receive a nice holiday tax deduction, which gives you a good reason to upgrade to a new tablet, and JFCS will be very grateful for your generosity!
Contact Carrie Kaufman, Volunteer & Development Coordinator, by email HERE or call 503-226-7079, ext.118 to help.
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