One year ago, the world as we know it changed.
No one has been immune to the pain caused by this pandemic. But although this year was hard, bigger challenges gave us an opportunity to make a bigger impact.
You've helped us raise millions of dollars and volunteering countless hours of your time. Here are just some of the ways you've helped us carry the light.
Raising Money For Emerging Needs
Within a few weeks, we began raising critical dollars to address emergency needs. These funds supported people struggling with food insecurity, income loss, and health issues—all issues that have been exacerbated by the pandemic.
Additionally, we issued grants to help Jewish institutions like synagogues and social service agencies navigate lost revenue and staff reductions. This ensured that these institutions could continue to offer their vital services.
Quick Stats
- $4.6 million raised and leveraged to help those impacted by the pandemic
- $3 million granted to 24 agencies, programs, synagogues and day schools locally and in Israel through the Emergency Relief Fund
- $1.6 million granted to 13 local agencies to address the most critical health and human service needs in Greater Philadelphia
Connecting Community Virtually
For over a year, we've held weekly calls for community leaders to provide them with timely information about the pandemic response effort. Topics ranged from medical advice from doctors and researchers to resources for dealing with job loss and mental health struggles.
Additionally, our support has made it possible for agencies across the region to provide spaces for their constituents to connect. We've provided easy-to-use home technology for seniors and given our Jewish day schools the PPE and funding they needed to safely reopen.
We've all had to pivot, and your financial support has helped create connections for those who might be left behind: seniors, Holocaust survivors, young families, and those affected by food insecurity and income loss.
Touching People's Hearts
While this year has had many moments of fear and uncertainty, it has also shown us moments of life-affirming generosity and kindness.
Together, we've made a difference. We're proud to say that our emergency fundraising efforts have affected the lives of nearly 300,000 individuals.
“Ours is a community of caring individuals," said Holly Nelson, Chair of the Emergency Response Committee. "Working with staff, volunteers and generous donors on meeting the needs of those who required support has been a profound and humbling experience.”
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