Meeting Basic Needs
As a caring Jewish community, we have a vision of a society where no one is hungry, homeless, or alone. Through our Anti-Poverty Initiative (API), we’re working to make that vision a reality by providing life-changing support for those experiencing financial crisis. CJP leverages the power of our network of partners to provide emergency cash support, employment services, housing assistance, and more. As the coronavirus pandemic impacted our community, CJP brought even more resources, creativity, and innovation to meet the unique challenges of this time.
6,600
members of our Jewish community have been supported by CJP's Anti-Poverty Initiative in the past five years.
400%
CJP's Warmline handled a 400% increase in calls during March and April of 2020, compared with the same time period last year.
$13,000
is the median annual household income of CJP’s Warmline clients.
70%+
Over 70% of API clients entering in crisis show positive movement toward stability within nine months.
16
The Ruderman Synagogue Inclusion Project (RSIP) is a partnership between CJP and the Ruderman Family Foundation. Sixteen synagogues have started mental health initiatives to help members who are struggling. These synagogues are working hard to destigmatize the issue of mental health. They are offering robust programs on mental health and have included “healing of the body, mind, and spirit” as part of the traditional Mi Sheberach blessing for those who are ill.
CJP’s API relies on data to regularly assess the program’s service delivery. This data also serves as the foundation when developing the next phase of the program.
One meaningful measurement tool is our Economic Stability Scale, where case workers monitor the progress of each client using employment and financial data.
Our latest data show that nearly 73% of all individuals in crisis saw an improvement within nine months of being supported by the API.
Mental health and teens
- Six virtual programs for teens and educators on topics including healthy relationships, combatting anxiety, mindfulness, and fostering resiliency
- Training for our Peer Leadership Fellows on how to help their peers manage stress
- Robust information and resources on mental health and wellness topics for teens, parents, and educators via JewishBostonTeens.com
COVID-19 RESPONSE SPOTLIGHT
Thanks to more than 1,500 donors, CJP has distributed* nearly $2,000,000 from our Coronavirus Emergency Fund to efforts and organizations that care for our most vulnerable community members, help combat social isolation, provide food to those who are homebound or struggling to make ends meet, and more. Examples include:
- More than $500,000 for senior residential housing agencies for services and supplies, including personal protective equipment that keep these community members and staff safe
- More than $300,000 to our friends in Israel, Ukraine, and Argentina for medical supplies and equipment, medicine, and food.
- More than $300,000 to our Anti-Poverty Initiative partners to support their work with clients who need emergency assistance as well as access to career and employment resources
- Nearly $200,000 in funding for hot meals for those in need during Passover and Rosh Hashanah
- $125,000 to support emergent needs throughout the community through synagogue and Chabad rabbis
*As of 10/22/20
In Dnipro, CJP funding empowered a corps of 50 volunteers to deliver nonperishable food, medicine, and soap to elderly and other at-risk Jews.
Nearly 4,500 prepared Kosher meals for Passover and Rosh Hashanah were distributed to community members in Greater Boston who were ill, housebound, or who couldn’t cook for themselves. In addition, nearly 5,000 free Passover Seder in a Box kits and/or Rosh Hashanah Holiday in a Box packages were distributed across the community in an effort to make it as easy as possible for people to celebrate the holidays and find Jewish connection during the pandemic.
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