Dear Friends,
I thought in today’s newsletter, I’d give you a peek into a day at Tampa Jewish Family Services. Don’t get me wrong, every day is unique! But there are a few constants, and at the top of the list is the ever-growing need for assistance.
As soon as the day starts, we’re off and running. The phone rings nonstop. We have hired additional office staff to respond to requests or provide referrals to our clients, and always spend time talking to each and every one of them.
The Community Food Bank is bustling.
Emergency food bags are being prepared and distributed as fast as possible, and we work overtime to make food available to anyone who asks. Word has gotten out that, unlike other sites, we consistently include fresh produce and quality products, and do not restrict the number of times one can ask for food.
Counseling patients are seen, appointments are filled, and more requests are taken. We’re also busy working to hire more professionals to meet the growing needs as requests for counseling continue to escalate.
We respond to requests for financial assistance to meet utility, rent and other bills, as all are skyrocketing.
We apply for grants to help fund this need and also continue to seek support from local County and City financial programs.
Every day is exhilarating and exhausting and energizing and fulfilling. We end the day feeling satisfied that we’re helping so many and apprehensive as we know there many more in need.
And we couldn’t do it without your help. With your support, we find a way to help every single person who comes to us.
Thank you for being such an important part of our day!
Best Regards,
Dr. Beth Ann Gemunder, TJFS CEO