In the first eight weeks of Jewish Family Services Vancouver\u2019s COVID-19 emergency response program, more than 400 calls were received, 1,500 meals and groceries were delivered, and 672 hours of service was provided on the Community Care Hotline. In addition to the challenges, JFS has also witnessed many stories of hope and gratitude, and has recently launched the enewsletter JFS Uplift, which every week will share highlights of what inspires JFS staff and volunteers to do the work they do. The lead story in the inaugural issue was on the new JFS Breakfast Club program.<\/p>\n
On May 11, JFS staff came together to pack grocery bags full of healthy breakfast items and packets of Play-Doh as part of the club program. Fifty-eight families in several cities across Greater Vancouver received their goodies thanks to the help of volunteers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe realize parents are under much more stress during this time of uncertainty, especially given their added roles as teachers and \u2018playmates.\u2019 The Arnold and Anita Silber Family Foundation approached Tanja Demajo, the chief executive officer of JFS, to see where we could help. Together, we came up with the JFS Breakfast Club,\u201d explained Arnold, Anita and Stacey Silber, sponsors of the club. \u201cBreakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, so now healthy items are delivered to families. This is a great opportunity for us to get involved in supporting the health of young families. We hope to give parents one less thing to worry about during this difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n
New families can register for the JFS Breakfast Club at jfsvancouver.ca\/jfsbreakfastclub (some restrictions apply) and people who are interested in volunteering for JFS can email Kristina Moser at volunteer@jfsvancouver.ca<\/a> or visit jfsvancouver.ca\/emergencyvolunteer<\/a>.<\/p>\n