With a global pandemic now entering its second year, Jewish Family Services continues to help during these challenging times, serving more than 10,000 Kansas Citians annually.
“We are providing hope for so many individuals, but our work is far from done,” said Don Goldman, JFS executive director and CEO. “Our Friends of the Family event is an important opportunity for the community to learn not just about our services, but the issues facing fellow Kansas Citians.”
Learn more about JFS’s response to the evolving needs of the community, stories from clients and volunteers, and how you can become engaged in making a difference in people’s lives during its annual Friends of the Family event at noon, Aug. 26.
The 30-minute virtual event will showcase the organization’s recent accomplishments, new partnerships and initiatives, and how individuals, organizations and companies can partner with JFS in addressing the complex needs of the community.
Nick Haines, Kansas City PBS’ executive producer of public affairs, will be celebrating his 10th year hosting the Friends of the Family event. Haines will guide attendees through conversations about JFS services, including KesherKC (social services and food pantry), mental health and education, older-adult, and Jewish life.
JFS Friends of the Family special guest will be Ryan Lefebvre, announcer for the Kansas City Royals and former professional baseball player. Lefebvre had mental health struggles of his own, battling Major Depressive Disorder until he got the help he needed. In his book, “The Shame of Me: One Man’s Journey to Depression and Back,” he shares his personal journey with depression to encourage others who struggle to seek support and live a balanced and healthy life.
“We are honored Ryan will be joining us for our Friends of the Family event sharing his story of dealing with his own mental health challenges,” Goldman said. “His remarks along with those of clients and volunteers are sure to be inspirational as we share the various programs and services.”
JFS is assisting more individuals in Kansas City than ever before, and their challenges have become more complex requiring multi-prong, longer-term solutions. Many individuals are experiencing food insecurity, unstable affordable housing and mental health issues.
JFS is able to connect individuals and families to other JFS services or community programs. Thirty-nine percent of its food pantry clients, for example, are assisted by one or more agency programs; 72% of its social service clients are involved in more than one program.
To register for the free event, visit www.jfskc.org. For more information about becoming a virtual table host or sponsor, contact .