Members of our Jewish community and others are in a crisis. Whether you need help, are job hunting, networking or just looking for a way to help others, this new bulletin presented by The Jewish Federation in partnership with Jewish Vocational Service and in cooperation with Jewish Family Service will keep you informed about and inspired by the many different ways our Jewish community is proactively addressing the challenges we face.
Where to get help
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Jewish Family Service offers a Community Intake Line to serve as a central portal for the Jewish community in response to the economic crisis. Callers requesting emergency financial assistance and counseling related to the economic crisis will be directed to the appropriate agency.
The toll free number is: (877) 275-4537 or visit www.jfsla.org.
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Healthy City is a database of resources in Los Angeles County including healthcare, food and housing, counseling, and more. Dial 211 or go to www.healthycity.org.
Emergency Funds/ Financial Resources
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The Jewish Federation has created an emergency cash grant program to help with urgent health care, household and shelter expenses, employment support and emergency childcare – available to you through a network of community agencies and synagogues. Seed funding for this program was provided by the Jewish Community Foundation and the Federation. For more information, please visit www.JewishLA.org/FedCashGrants or call (323) 761-8345.
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Jewish Free Loan Association, which receives annual funding from the Federation, has seen a 30% increase in emergency loan requests to date in 2009, including requests for mortgage/foreclosure assistance, car repair, and dental/medical bills. It expects to increase loans by as much as 50% this fiscal year, including meeting the demand for student loans, which rose dramatically in 2008 as a result of the credit crisis.
For assistance contact www.jfla.org or (323) 761-8830.
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The nonprofit ClearPoint Counseling Solutions has professional certified staff trained to provide personalized guidance and comprehensive personal finance solutions. Workshops also offered. Services include: free budget and credit counseling, free default and foreclosure counseling, bankruptcy counseling, online financial assessment for credit counseling and bankruptcy, reverse mortgage counseling. Call (800) 750-2227 or visit www.bydesignsolutions.org.
Career and Networking Opportunities
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Temple Beth Haverim is sponsoring a FREE Job Search Seminar Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 with Michal Orenstein-Orpaz, a career counselor, consultant and job search coach. The seminar will be held at the temple, 29900 Ladyface Court, Agoura, 91301. To RSVP call (818) 991-7111.
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ParnossahWorksLA.org is the exciting new website by Jewish Vocational Service that matches job seekers directly with employers who need to fill positions. The service is FREE to both job seekers and employers can post open positions at no charge. Seed funding was provided by The Jewish Federation. www.parnossahworksla.org.
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The Business Havurah of Temple Judea is comprised of small groups of temple members from a cross section of businesses and industries. These groups are facilitated by other temple members and give participants an opportunity to share best business practices, network with each other, and foster mutual support as well as friendship. Call Temple Judea for details at (818) 758-3800.
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BIZ-E Moms Networking Group is an open forum networking and support group designed to help Temple Judea moms who want to market and network their businesses and support other mom-owned businesses in our community. For more information, e-mail SandyFreed@me.com.
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Temple Judea recently relaunched the Let’s Connect Professional Development and Networking Group to connect temple members and their businesses to each other and to provide access to inspiring and insightful guest speakers. Visit www.templejudea.com for more information.
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The Temple Judea Business Connection Newsletter is a collection of programs and services to help Temple Judea members in this volatile business environment.
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Jewish Vocational Service holds workshops for job seekers and those looking to change careers. Throughout each month, the agency holds Career Connections, Interviewing for Success, and Resumes that Sell workshops. For more information, call (818) 464-3222 or visit www.jvsla.org.
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Conejo Jewish Job Support Networking is a free community outreach program sponsored by Temple Adat Elohim. The group meets every Tuesday morning for coffee, bagels, learning, guest speakers, motivation, support and networking. FREE and open to the general public (Jewish and non-Jewish), volunteers are welcome to make presentations on a successful job search. Tuesday mornings, 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. at Temple Adat Elohim, 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. Contact Deborah Gallant at (805) 497-7101. The website: www.conejojewishjobsupport.com has details and job listings.
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JNET: Jewish Networking For The Conejo Business Community members make presentations about their businesses in the group on a rotating basis. It is a good opportunity to market your business to others in the community. Group meets the third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 – 9:00 pm at Conejo Valley synagogues. Membership fee; guests welcome. For details call Frank Tessel at (805) 306-6410. http://www.jnetonline.org/.
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Additional Networking And Resume Posting Resources
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Funding for the food pantries at JFS/SOVA has increased significantly. Client growth has almost doubled over the last year, with many new clients seen each week. In addition to the food component, the Federation has created one-stop resource centers with on-site staff from Bet Tzedek and Jewish Vocational Service as well as access to food stamps and nutritional information. A home delivery program provides groceries for frail seniors and the homebound disabled. For locations, hours of operation, and eligibility, go to www.jfsla.org/sova/.
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Tomchei Shabbos, which is more recently being funded by the Federation, delivers kosher food to observant families and has seen a 50% increase in need and a waiting list for new clients. For locations, hours of operation, and eligibility, go to http://tomcheishabbos.org/?page_id=11.
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West Valley Food Pantry is sponsored by a coalition of 11 congregations located in the West Valley. Emergency food is available to anyone once a week under government requirements. Registered clients receive a complete food package monthly. Registered clients must show evidence of residence between Reseda Blvd. on the east and Rinaldi Street on the north, West to the Ventura County line and south to Fernwood in Topanga Canyon. A senior’s federally-funded program operates from 9-11 a.m. on the first Wednesday of the month. Seniors registered as Pantry clients are also eligible for a regular monthly Food Pantry package. Volunteers always needed to stock shelves, deliver food, as well as assist in the daily distribution. To offer volunteer time, please talk to either Judy or Glenn at the Pantry. Open: Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fridays 10 a.m. to noon. Located in the kitchen of Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, 5700 Rudnick Ave. Woodland Hills, 91367. For details, call (818) 346-5554 or go to www.popwh.org/newpop/min_food_pantry.html.
Medical and Psychotherapy Resources
- Jewish Family Service (JFS) at 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills, 91307 offers individual, family, and couples counseling, information and referrals. Counseling for recently unemployed for those who are recently unemployed; low/no cost. For further information, go to www.jfsla.org or call (818) 464-3333.
- Westminster Free Clinic is a grass roots health care provider that is driven and empowered by volunteers. It offers basic non-invasive health care for the uninsured. This program includes free patient care, prescriptions, resource and referral, advocacy, free legal services, counseling and dental screening services. Services provided Wednesday evenings at two locations in the Conejo Valley. For details, call (805) 241-8366 or go to www.wfc-online.org.
- Jewish Women International’s (formerly B’nai B’rith Women) mission is to strengthen the lives of women, children and families through education, advocacy and action. Its focus is on family violence and the emotional health of children. Its programs reflect Jewish education and values. The group offers counseling and support throughout L.A. County. Central office at 365 N. Vista Street Los Angeles. For information, call (323) 936-0388 or go to www.jewishwomen.org.
Special Needs Families
- HaMercaz is the Jewish community resource that offers children with special needs and their families a single resource for a world of help. Created in partnership with a network of agencies and supported by your donation, it provides a toll-free resource hotline, opportunities for inclusion in the Jewish community, the chance to connect with others who face the challenges and joys of raising a child with special needs, professional guidance and consultation for local educators in the field, and subsidies for special needs programs. HaMercaz can provide up-to-date information on the effects of state budget cuts. For details, call (866) 287-8030 or go to www.jewishla.org/divisions/ha_mercaz/ha-mercaz.cfm
Housing Resources
- Fair Housing Council Of The San Fernando Valley at 8134 Van Nuys Blvd., Panorama City serves all (regardless of income), free services, foreclosure prevention program, counseling/psychotherapy related to housing issues, renters’ rights advocacy (e.g., eviction, discrimination), referrals to other agencies, mortgage-related issues (e.g. fraud). For details, call (818) 373-1185 or go to www.fhcsfv.org.
- Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services exists to educate and support residents in its neighborhoods. The organization works to realize and preserve clients' aspirations of homeownership and offers clinics in foreclosure prevention and homeownership protection. For details, call (818) 834-7858 or go to www.lanhs.org.
- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is a cabinet of the United States charged with ensuring smooth policy for housing and city development. HUD has provided information regarding the residential foreclosure procedure and prevention. HUD may be reached at (202) 708-1112 or (WEB ADDRESS). In addition, HUD has provided a list of approved housing counseling agencies available to provide homeowners with the information and assistance needed to avoid foreclosure. As part of the comprehensive Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan (HASP), homeowners may be eligible for a special Making Home Affordable loan modification or refinance. For the list of approved agencies, click here: http://www.hud.gov.
- The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) is a government-sponsored enterprise chartered by Congress to stabilize the nation’s residential mortgage markets. To view information about Freddie Mac and resources for those trying to avoid foreclosure, click here: http://www.freddiemac.com/corporate/buyown/english/avoiding_foreclosure
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides answers to questions regarding Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, which generally allows taxpayers to exclude income from the discharge of debt on their principal residence. For more information, click here. http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=174034,00.html.
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) certifies counselors who can analyze your situation and contact lenders on your behalf. There are 18 locations in Los Angeles County and three in Ventura County: Call (202) 708-1112 or visit www.hud.gov (click on “Foreclosure Avoidance Counseling”).
- Homeowner’s Hope Hotline is a counseling service provided by the Homeownership Preservation Foundation and can work with you to find a solution to avoiding foreclosure. It offers information regarding the federal plan to stabilize the housing market by helping Americans reduce their monthly mortgage payments to more affordable levels. Call (888) 995-HOPE or go to www.995hope.org or government websites: www.ustreas.gov or www.financialstability.gov.
Legal Resources
- Bet Tzedek provides help for many legal needs including programs of specific interest: real estate law, predatory lending, debtors’ rights, bankruptcy (chapter 7), eviction defense, landlord/tenant issues, wage claims, home equity fraud and unemployment cases. Most programs are FREE and are prioritized by financial need. Located at 12821 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, 91606.
For details, call (818) 769-0136 or go to www.bettzedek.org.
- United States Bankruptcy Court handles all federal bankruptcy claims. The Court has created a booklet to provide basic information to debtors, creditors, and the general public on different aspects of the federal bankruptcy laws. It also provides individuals who may be considering bankruptcy with a basic explanation of the different chapters under which a bankruptcy case may be filed and to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the bankruptcy process. To view the booklet and for information from the United Bankruptcy Court about filing a bankruptcy without an attorney, click here.
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) acts as the nation’s consumer protection agency. The FTC has information to help Americans save their homes. The FTC may be reached at (877) 382-4357 or click here.
Extension of Health Insurance
- COBRA Continuation Coverage Assistance Under The American Recovery And Reinvestment Act: From the United States Department of Labor - The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) provides for premium reductions and additional election opportunities for health benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, commonly called COBRA. Eligible individuals pay only 35 percent of their COBRA premiums and the remaining 65 percent is reimbursed to the coverage provider through a tax credit. The premium reduction applies to periods of health coverage beginning on or after February 17, 2009 and lasts for up to nine months for those eligible for COBRA during the period beginning September 1, 2008 and ending December 31, 2009 due to an involuntary termination of employment that occurred during that period. The TAA Health Coverage Improvement Act of 2009, enacted as part of ARRA, also made changes with regard to COBRA continuation coverage. For the full Press Release from the Department of Labor click here.
Thank you
Special thanks to Temple Aliyah and Stephen S. Wise Temple for providing their research on the resources available throughout the community. And thank you to all the volunteers, synagogues, and social service agencies that help make these services available to the community. For additional assistance please contact The Jewish Federation Valley Alliance at (818) 464-3200.
Prepared by Ann Sturman, Director of Community Action Alert. To add programs for future alerts contact her at: communityactionalert@JewishLA.org or (818) 464-2853.
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