Dear Members of our Kansas City Jewish Community,

In this time of uncertainty and anxiety, let us reassure you that we are here for you. Each and every one of you are at the front of our minds. We care for you, and as lonely as the circumstances may have you feeling, please know that you are not alone.

Federation, in partnership with our community, does so much to keep our people, culture, traditions and togetherness intact. We take pride in caring for our most vulnerable, from aged Holocaust survivors to those with disabilities and/or chronic financial challenges. We offer and support programs—like the Chesed Fund, older adult care management, Kesher KC and Kosher Meals on Wheels—that ensure financial stability, dignity and the very opposite of social distancing, and our partners have the flexibility to adapt services to keep connected with those who need connection even more in the time of coronavirus.

All of these vital programs and services must and will continue, which is why Jewish Federation is working collaboratively with the Jewish Community Foundation and Menorah Heritage Foundation, as well as all partner agencies and congregations, to plan through—and beyond—the current crisis.

We will continue to communicate about the steps we are taking as the central convener—like creating a Coronavirus Emergency Relief Fund—to ensure that we are serving our community and meeting its needs. One example of this is making outreach calls and offering virtual gatherings and discussions to stay connected. Don’t be surprised if next week you hear directly from a member of our staff or get invited to join a discussion about a Jewish podcast or about something happening in Israel.

And please, reach out to us if you, or someone you know, need support—be it food assistance, financial support, emotional support or virtual social support. Being there for each other is what community is all about.

Finally, please use our email communications as a resource for finding other connections to Jewish life and outlets for yourself and your family—some of the organizations we support locally and nationally have amazing virtual offerings, from PJ Library to BBYO and Hillel.

What we know for sure is that things will continue to change. We will be in touch again not only next week, but throughout the weeks to come in order to keep our community connected.

With warmth and well wishes,
Helene