Lisa
Rebecca
Bonnie
Lisa
You Never Think Financial Hardship Will Affect You. Until it Does.
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Lisa’s Story

When I became medically disabled in 2006, I had to leave a rewarding career in conference management. My savings were depleted, and I had to declare bankruptcy. I didn't know where to turn. In Jewish Family & Children's Service, I found compassionate people who wanted and knew how to help. They made calls and referred me to other helpful organizations as well, like Yad Chessed and Jewish Family Services. Their resourcefulness helped me find long-term solutions by helping me get through short-term problems, like a car that needed repairs. That's the kind of thing that can derail you. When I received an ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2011, they found even more ways to help. I had the emotional support of a community.

-Lisa

Sadly, Lisa Kirschner passed away prior to the launch of this initiative. While in hospice, Lisa expressed a sincere desire for her story to be included because she believed deeply in the importance of providing help to those in need.

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Rebecca's Story

My husband told me he was leaving us on my birthday; he was a drug addict for more than 12 years and no one had any idea. I hadn’t worked since I had twins, and had no idea how to support my family. My mother told me to get in touch with Jewish Family Service (JFS) of Metrowest, and I was immediately connected to a caring professional through CJP’s Anti-Poverty Initiative. We received diapers, food, access to health insurance, and more. I found a job, sent my kids to school, and began my life again — all with the help of JFS and CJP.

-Rebecca
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Bonnie’s Story

As a single parent, it was important to find a positive male role model for my son. But Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters (JBBBS) helped us in many more ways than that. They connected us with resources like Jewish Family Services of Metrowest (JFSMW), which helped us get a fuel-efficient car we otherwise couldn't afford so I can get my son the support he needs, at school and beyond. He's doing well, and he keeps me going. I've always had jobs and even was co-owner of a business, so I'm used to being independent — it's hard for me to ask for help. But between JBBBS, Yad Chessed, and JFSMW, we've been respected and lifted up in many ways, and we're so grateful for that.

-Bonnie
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Lisa’s Story

My husband and I were educated and employed, which meant a lot of people didn’t realize we could have been struggling. As he was finishing college and we had our first child, we were right on the cusp of poverty. When you’re living paycheck to paycheck, it’s so hard to get out of that situation. With the compassion of our community and various kinds of help from Jewish Family & Children’s Service, we were able to move forward. We received cash assistance that was so crucial. The support from Family Table, our friends, and Chabad meant we could keep our strong faith and kosher lifestyle intact, which was so important to us.

-Lisa

INCREASING OUR SUPPORT OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY

The CJP Warmline has long been a resource for those in need. During these unprecedented and challenging days, CJP will be working to provide additional support to our community and we encourage anyone experiencing financial hardship to contact the Warmline.

Programs and resources include:

  • Emergency financial assistance
  • Help accessing food, utilities, and home fuel assistance
  • Career counseling and job search support
  • Public benefits navigation

How to Access Help

If you’re a member of the Jewish community living in Greater Boston and are experiencing a financial crisis, we have experienced and caring professionals who can help. We'll stay by your side, supporting your journey to stability.

To get started, simply call the CJP Warmline at 1-800-257-9500 or tell us a little bit about yourself in the form on this page.

Together, we can address immediate needs, like getting dinner on the table and keeping the heat on this winter, as well as provide services that lead to greater stability, such as mentorship and job search support.

CJP and our partner organizations are here for you every step of the way.

Support from Jewish organizations checking in and being there has meant everything to us. They have made the difference.

— Bonnie Bryson
CALL NOW 1-800-257-9500

Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
We may close early on Fridays in observance of Shabbat candlelighting times.

Or, simply let us know the best way to reach out, and we'll contact you.

Fill out my online form.

Our partners

Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters (jbbbs.org) connects children in need to adult mentors and introduces adults with disabilities to new friends. Programs for children serve those from a wide range of life circumstances, and there is no financial eligibility requirement. More information is available on the agency's website.

Jewish Family and Children's Service (jfcsboston.org) provides case management and coordination, financial assistance, assistance with funerals, scholarships, and interest-free loans for eligible families and individuals. Offers emergency and monthly food through Family Table and extends legal assistance to secure public benefits and other legal resources through the Bet Tzedek program.

Jewish Family Services of Metrowest (jfsmw.org) provides case management, financial assistance for utilities, heating, medical needs, transportation, and food from Lucy & Joe's food pantry, as well as referrals and resources for vocational training, elder care, and public benefits.

Jewish Vocational Service (jvs-boston.org) provides assistance with job searches, career counseling, workshops, and training.

Yad Chessed (yadchessed.org) provides swift emergency financial assistance for basic needs, supermarket and Kosher market gift cards, compassionate budget counseling, and guidance to help people access additional resources and benefits.

Our APPROACH

CJP harnesses the Jewish community's combined resources to effectively help you during tough times and help you get back on your feet.

Too many people in our own community are facing significant financial stress. The CJP Warmline provides easy access to community-wide support with one phone call or email inquiry. We will help you navigate available services and provide customized support and guidance each step of the way.

Our Jewish Response to Financial Vulnerability

We understand that caring for the vulnerable is one of our primary Jewish values, but we often falsely assume that those in need live outside of our community. Yet research shows that many Boston-area Jewish households are experiencing a financial crisis or are in danger of sliding into financial distress. This includes households in communities that are perceived as affluent, like Newton, Needham, and Wellesley. People with college educations are finding themselves without jobs mid-way through their careers, young adults are entering a depleted job market, and our Jewish community has more aging baby boomers (ages 50 to 68) than the general population. These conditions leave our friends and neighbors increasingly vulnerable to financial insecurity.

Beyond these issues, the false view that everyone in the Jewish community is financially prosperous creates stigma and shame that keeps those in financial distress from stepping forward and asking for assistance. Leaders in our community like rabbis, synagogue leadership, and day school staff are in the unique position to be first responders to those in need. Not only do they have a responsibility to guide and aid those who are financially vulnerable, but they are also often the first to notice signs that a family or individual may be in trouble.

Toolkit

The downloadable resources here will help you identify who in your community might be in need and how to guide them towards help.