More Than $23 Million Distributed by Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County to Address Increased Community Needs in the Past Year
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (August 18, 2021) --- Amidst one of the most unprecedented years in recent history, Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County successfully completed its 2021 campaign and distributed more than $23 million over the past year to help people locally and across the globe. Federation – one of the largest nonprofits in Palm Beach County – is considered the Jewish community’s central philanthropic organization and “city hall”.
The primary fundraising vehicle of Federation is its annual campaign, which thousands of community members contribute to; these donations fuel Federation’s network of partner agencies and programs to address the most crucial needs in the community. Federation’s network impacts the Jewish community of the Palm Beaches, Israel and 70 countries around the world.
“While this year has tested each of us with our own personal struggles, what stands out the most is that we have been there for one another as the needs in our community continue to grow and evolve,” shared Hope Silverman, Board Chair of Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. “Together we continue to respond to each challenge with strength and unity, leadership, volunteerism and philanthropy. We have proven we are an extraordinarily resilient Jewish community, while building toward a future that looks brighter than ever.”
Federation’s funding addressed a variety of vital causes over the last year, notably five key areas: responding to urgent and emerging community needs fueled by the pandemic; caring for people in crisis; healing emotional trauma and addressing mental health; combating antisemitism and providing security; and overcoming barriers to participate in Jewish life.
The following outlines how the $23 million impacted each of these areas:
- Responding to urgent and emerging community needs fueled by the pandemic and economic challenges: Due to a surge of new and increased needs, Federation increased financial assistance for struggling people; expanded meal distribution and deliveries to food-insecure seniors and families; a new career service for the unemployed and underemployed; increased telehealth services and virtual counseling; and growth of virtual community programs that allowed people to participate in Jewish life safely during periods of social distancing.
- Caring for people in crisis: Recent studies found 1 in 3 Jewish adults say they are in worse financial situation since before the pandemic, and 1 in 4 children in South Florida go to bed hungry every night. Federation and its partners provided vital care for people at risk and helped put those struggling on a path to recovery. This included emergency financial assistance for more than 3,000 people; meal distribution and delivery of more than 30,000 meals to food-insecure families and frail seniors; and provided career services and support for the unemployed. In addition, more than 1,200 volunteers participated in Federation community service projects, and significant humanitarian aid was provided in at-risk global communities through Federation’s international partners.
- Healing emotional trauma and addressing mental health: Half of local Jewish adults under 55 are reporting that they are feeling increased emotional difficulties, and 8 in 10 employed Jewish adults reported increased job stress with businesses and schools operating virtually. Additionally, social distancing prevented the Jewish community’s large senior population, many of whom are homebound, to be isolated from family and visitors. Federation enabled 17,000 check-in calls to be made to lonely seniors; enhanced companionship for 7,200 Holocaust survivors and isolated seniors locally and in Israel; and supported new emotional support programs at Alpert Jewish Family Services that benefitted 1,600 local participants, including targeted efforts to help younger community members.
- Standing up to rising antisemitism, hatred and bigotry: 8 in 10 Jewish adults in Palm Beach County are worried about antisemitism. The ADL reported that 2 in 3 Jewish Americans have witnessed an antisemitic incident recently. Federation increased security resources and trainings that benefitted 30 synagogues and Jewish organizations; led advocacy programs related to antisemitism and Holocaust education attended by 500 community members; and secured $170,000 in federal and state grants for Jewish community security. Federation also created a new partnership with the School District of Palm Beach County to strengthen Holocaust education in local schools.
- Overcoming barriers to participate in Jewish life: 2 in 3 adults reporting they are worried about basic living expenses, therefore making participation in Jewish life difficult. Additionally, 2 in 3 people who participated in virtual Jewish life programs said it helped them cope with the pandemic. Federation ensured that 20,000 free Jewish books and music were delivered to local families; supported $160,000 in scholarships for struggling families to participate in children’s families at the Mandel JCC; and created virtual programs and events that attracted 6,000 participants over the last year.
Federation’s network of partners and programs includes: Alpert Jewish Family Service, Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach, Kramer Senior Services (a subsidiary of MorseLife Health System), Mandel JCC, Meyer Jewish Preparatory School, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Jewish Volunteer Center, Friedman Commission for Jewish Education, Jewish Community Relations Council, and the Jewish Community Foundation.
To see a detailed breakdown of how Federation’s $23 million was distributed, please visit jewishpb.org/financials. To learn more about Federation, its impact and how you can support the Jewish community, visit jewishpb.org.