Untitled - Jewish Federation of San Diego County

2009 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY
Project Sarah
Tough times are always
toughest for those who are
most vulnerable. 45% of the
Economic Recovery Fund,
established by Federation
and the Jewish Community
Foundation, was set aside
for Emergency Services.
Jewish Family Service’s (a
UJF community partner)
“Project Sarah” was there
when requests for relief from
domestic violence went up
by 83%.
Serving the San Diego
Jewish Community
In the San Diego Jewish community, we depend on each other
to make sure that our work is a success. Focusing on education,
community building and social services, Federation works
tirelessly to make sure that our community continues to thrive.
Together with our partners, the Agency for Jewish Education,
Hillel of San Diego, the Jewish Community Foundation,
Jewish Family Service, the Lawrence Family JCC, Seacrest
Village Retirement Communities and area day schools, UJF is
committed to meeting the needs of Jewish San Diegans.
Economic Recovery in San Diego County
The recent economic crisis, the magnitude of which cannot
be overstated, is a prime example of community cooperation.
When hard working people suddenly found that
they were unable to pay the mortgage, funds
were allocated to Rabbis’ Discretionary Funds.
Distributed to more than 30 area synagogues,
grant size ranged from $500 to $8,000, allowing
families to stay in their homes.
Education has long been emphasized in Jewish
life. Federation supports a wide range of Jewish
day schools and programs designed to strengthen
Jewish identity. Teaching children about our
shared history, culture and traditions is essential in
keeping our community strong and vital.
Young adults have ideas and enthusiasm that
have the potential to energize our community.
Federation supports programs that allow young
adults to network, experience Jewish life and
build community – connecting our present with
our immediate future.
Long life is a blessing. Federation helps support
a network of services that keep seniors active
and engaged. Funding helps ensure that the
needs of seniors are met, while giving them the
opportunity to age with dignity.
It affected people of all backgrounds, ages and levels of
wealth. The most vulnerable among us suffered the most.
Single mothers, victims of domestic violence, seniors living on
fixed incomes and struggling families were all at risk.
When it hit, the Boards of Directors of the Jewish Community
Foundation and UJF quickly established the San Diego Jewish
Community Economic Recovery Fund. Together with our
community partners (including Jewish Family Service, Rabbis’
Discretionary Funds throughout the county, Seacrest Village
Retirement Communities and local Jewish schools) we set the
following goals: reduce the effect of the economic crisis on
individuals and families in the San Diego Jewish community,
strengthen San Diego Jewish communal organizations
(synagogues, schools and camps) to enhance their ability to
respond to a crisis, and finally, to promote a strong caring and
embracing Jewish community. The final result: confidence in
the future.