Urgent Economic Response Program

Operating under its BOLD VISIONS mandate, Jewish Family Service recognizes that the most responsive and bold action the agency can provide to the Jewish community is to help Jewish families and individuals through what may be one of the most difficult challenges this generation has faced.

The BOLD VISIONS Urgent Economic Response Program brings the collaborative strength of Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, Jewish Family Service and the Springfield Jewish Community Center together. In a new model, these three agencies are fusing their individual competencies to create a stronger, more efficient response to support Jewish individuals and families through the recession with programs and services to address emerging needs. Our initiative will include:

  • Information and referrals to community resources
  • Counseling and social work support
  • Employment transition training, workshops and support groups and networking opportunities
  • One-time emergency financial support
  • Assistance with employment search such as resumé writing, interviewing skills and coaching (in formation)

We have produced two guides, Online Resources and a Resource Directory, which will help you navigate these difficult times. Additional online resources, A Time of Crisis: Sudden Job Loss gives both long- and short-term advice if you have lost your job and What to Tell Kids If You Lose Your Job may helpful for parents.

Are you unemployed? Are you feeling discouraged? Are you trying to piece your career together to move on? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should plan to attend our four FREE upcoming workshops for Jewish adults affected by the current economic downturn. The workshops are described in: Career Options in Challenging Times, click here to download the brochure.

This is a joint program of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts and the Springfield Jewish Community Center.

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