We need your support, now more than ever.
In the past week, the federal government took several actions that put at risk the work of Jewish Family Services and the well-being of thousands of people we serve.
On January 20, the President signed an Executive Order suspending all new refugee admissions and on Friday, January 24, the government suspended federal spending on services for refugees who had recently arrived – legally – in the US.
JFS was told to stop providing services to individuals we welcomed through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. We were also told we would not be reimbursed for the nearly $1M remaining in our contract for these services and the families’ basic needs. These individuals and families all:
- Fled violence, war and/or persecution
- Waited an average of 20 years in refugee camps before being allowed to come here
- Have been thoroughly vetted by the U.S. government
- Were granted legal status and a path to citizenship by the U.S. Government
At Jewish Family Services, we know what it means to be a refugee. We will not turn our backs on them.
Then, on January 26, the federal government took an unprecedented step, releasing a memo directing federal agencies to freeze all federal grants and financial assistance. Suddenly, $4M of our budget was at risk. It was unclear whether we would be reimbursed for any of the services provided under our programs that have federal funding or whether those programs would continue.
This afternoon, the Office of Management and Budget abruptly announced it was rescinding the federal funding freeze. But, shortly after, the White House clarified that they were just rescinding the memo calling for the freeze, while the executive orders calling for a full funding review remain intact and will be “rigorously implemented by all agencies and departments.”
What?!
This level of uncertainty wastes valuable time and resources as we scramble to reassess budgets, revise grant applications, and make difficult decisions about staffing and service delivery. When funding is suddenly restored or altered, we must then pivot yet again. Nonprofits operate on tight margins, and this kind of whiplash undermines our ability to serve the community most effectively.
More than half of our funding originates from the federal government. Without stable funding sources, we cannot maintain many of our critical services that help our clients meet their basic needs – housing, food, childcare, elder care and transportation. Our clients come from varied backgrounds and every zip code in Central Ohio with most living at or below the poverty line. When we support their success, it boosts our economy and the health of the Central Ohio Community.
This is a pivotal moment. We anticipate that threats to federal funding for human services will be a consistent theme of the current administration. Please help us maintain the stability we need to continue providing our much-needed services.
Here are three things you can do to help:
- Donate to help us continue our important work.
- Get involved with us!
- Contact your elected officials in the House and Senate, asking them to continue funding for critical human services; their contact information is available here.
Together, in the spirit of the Jewish value Tikkun Olam – repairing the world – we can demonstrate our enduring compassion and commitment to the Columbus community.
With gratitude,
Karen Mozenter, CEO
