JFVS assists Hurricane Katrina Evacuees

For nearly 100 years, Jewish Family & Vocational Service has worked to help families from around the world resettle and reestablish themselves in Louisville. Our experienced staff has provided refugees with the support needed to find a new home, job, school, and much more. Our counselors have heard the horror stories these individuals have lived through and helped them to learn to live again.

Jewish Family & Vocational Service is a part of a greater effort locally and nationally to aid the thousands of evacuees of Hurricane Katrina. Locally our staff will provide counseling and case management for individuals and families temporarily relocating to Louisville at the Family Assistance Center being established at Louisville Gardens. If FEMA decides to follow the existing resettlement model used to resettle refugees from other countries, then JFVS will have greater participation related to case management, counseling and job development.

Nationally the American Jewish Family & Children’s Agency is playing a leadership role in this crisis. Jewish communities in Texas, Birmingham and Memphis already are seeing many Jewish families who have left New Orleans and other affected areas. At this point, they are requesting only financial donations, which can be sent to the Jewish Community Federation of Louisville.

Additionally, our food pantry and emergency services will be available to any displaced Jewish families who may temporarily resettle here, as well as counseling, older adult and career services, as needed. Please contact JFVS Volunteer Coordinator Shelley Kahn at 452-6341 if you know of families requiring assistance.

JFVS reflects the spirit and heart of the Jewish people by focusing resources on service to others and treating all people with dignity, respect and sensitivity. We thank all of our current supporters whose generous membership contributions provide our only source of unrestricted operating funds that allow us the flexibility to respond to these crisis situations. We hope that we can count on you and others as we move forward knowing this will not be a short-term problem. Your contributions will be gratefully accepted.

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