The spread of COVID-19 has impacted us all. Those in need are looking for support and those who are able to help are looking for ways in which to do so. The Jewish Federation (JFSA) and the Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona (JCF) are here to provide resources and opportunities to join together with the community to be a force for good during these challenging times.
Resources for Jewish Community Members
- Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern Arizona (JFCS)
- JEFA provides food cards, medical assistance, and other basic provisions
- Jewish Elder Access connects seniors 60+ to the services and support
- Case management, resource referral, and assistance navigating benefits
- JFSA's Handicar Service provides limited but essential transportation for Jewish seniors and adults with disabilities to pharmacies, grocery stores, and other services such as medical appointments
- Chaplaincy Services are available for Jewish individuals and their families while in the hospital or on hospice through JFSA
Learn more in our resource guide.
Resources for All Community Members
- Interfaith Community Services (ICS)
- Emergency financial assistance
- Two permanent food banks and a mobile food pantry
- Essential services for senior and disabled adults including transportation to the doctor or grocery store, shopping for seniors, mobile meals, and friendly phoning
- Free Loan at the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona is an interest-free, non-sectarian, non-profit organization offering interest-free loans for those in need. Qualified applicants can receive a loan up to a maximum of $5,000 with the appropriate guarantor.
- Visit the Virtual J Community, an online project of the Tucson JCC, to find activities to do with children, Jewish texts and resources, Early Childhood Education tools, recipes, online workouts and more.
Learn more in our resource guide.
Jewish Community Pandemic Relief Fund
JCF and JFSA are engaging our donors, volunteers, and partners to support the critical and immediate needs in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are building our Jewish Community Pandemic Relief Fund which provides emergency financial assistance and meets other critical needs for individuals, families, and the agencies who serve them. Circumstances change quickly, and with your help, we strengthen our capacity to respond rapidly to the growing challenges facing us during this pandemic.
Volunteering Opportunities
- Provide social connections for isolated members of the community via phone and video chat through JFSA.
- Assist Interfaith Community Services (ICS) in a variety of roles, including their food bank.
- Sew reusable masks for hospitals and other locations in which individuals are potentially at risk through the Ruth & Irving Olson Center NW.
Learn more in our resource guide.
Words of Gratitude
"I did not get the name of the woman who called me yesterday, but I was really touched by her compassion (and that of JFSA) in calling to do welfare checks on the members of our community."
- Anonymous, Recipient of a Welfare Call
"How can I really thank you all? I have come to you for various types of help through the past many years. I don't know how I would have made it without your love and support! Debbie, Sophie, Denise, and Kathy have all gone out of their way to check on me and help me out! When there is no family within 2,000+ miles - the support you have provided me with is priceless! I never thought I'd be in this position so everything you've done is beyond appreciated!"
- Anonymous, Recipient of Assistance from Jewish Family & Children's Services
"I am a credentialed Behavioral Health Specialist who experienced housing instability as the result of serious illness/order of protection from stalking in another state . I am now residing in a local homeless shelter. I have severe food allergies and my EBT quickly goes to Kosher, organic foods that help my body to heal. Denise and Kathy provide food assistance including delivering some hygiene supplies as we are limited at the shelter. They both have been so compassionate and thoughtful. My former therapist, Ashley, was extremely instrumental in helping me navigate PTSD and panic symptoms which have increased in the shelter.
Since the moment I walked into [Jewish Family & Children's Services] pre-COVID-19, and did my intake...I have been treated with respect, dignity and the highest level of customer service I've ever seen from a similarly situated agency.
(As a former mid management and direct service provider in multiple states, I set the bar very high.) As a person of color it is healing on yet another level to be treated so impeccably.
Thank you and all your staff for providing life changing and highly impactful services during this unprecedented crisis."
- Anonymous, Recipient of Assistance from Jewish Family & Children's Services
EMAILS AND ARTICLES ABOUT OUR RESPONSE TO COVID-19
Reputable Sources of Information on COVID-19
Additional Links that May Be of Interest
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Want to stay connected to religious life? List of Southern Arizona congregations
Please note: Our website and the materials on this website are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or medical advice.