COMMUNIT Y RESPONSE TO COVID-19

COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO COVID-19

“Thanks to your support, JCA has the strength to ensure all our organisations can continue to focus on the needs of the community. JCA stands here, strong and proud, ready to ensure continuity and wellbeing of the community at this critical time.”

Stephen Chipkin, JCA President

Across the board, our community organisations have had to pivot quickly to respond to the rapidly changing environment and to rethink the way programs and services are delivered. As the central planning body for the NSW and ACT local Jewish community, JCA has taken a lead role – leveraging the organisational structure and planning capabilities already in place – to support this realignment.

Crisis funding and services for those in need In the first weeks of the crisis, JCA, in partnership with JewishCare and with the support of key donors, established a $1 million COVID-19 Jewish Emergency Relief Fund to support individuals and families in distress who do not have access to government or other sources of support.

This was quickly followed by JCA’s announcement that up to $18 million in funds would be provided to ensure that the community has the resources and backing it requires to meet the anticipated increase in demand for vital services.

JCA will utilise a significant portion of reserves built up over the past 50 years, in combination with some foundation and major donor gifts, to ensure all member organisations emerge from this unprecedented crisis having played their part to support our local community – and on a sustainable basis.

Emergency financial relief for individuals and families in crisis Kosher Meals on Wheels where demand jumped three-fold in a matter of weeks

Critical emotional support for those in distress with focus on depression, suicide prevention and domestic violence School-administered crisis support program for those families severely affected by COVID-19 Increased levels of service to protect the elderly in Aged Care

SOME OF THE AREAS OF INCREASED NEED

Your support makes this possible Getting emergency relief to those in need and providing the funding to support the medium and longer term needs of our community is a direct result of your support of JCA. Your generosity over the years is making all the difference in these difficult times. Our community’s remarkable response would not be possible without you!

Sourcing and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment for all frontline communal organisations