Jewish Family Service of the Desert Seeks Donors to Fund Programs

The following was submitted for publication by Jewish Family Service of the Desert:

Jewish Family Service of the Desert will host its Tenth Annual PATRON PARTY at an elegant private residence on the evening of Thursday, December 6th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

This not-to-be-missed season opener, expected to attract close to 200 guests, will feature an elegant cocktail supper, special guest speakers, as well as entertainment.   A minimum donation of $1,000 to Jewish Family Service of the Desert is required to attend this event.  

Being Co-chaired once again by Board Members Carol Fragen and Barbara Fromm, this annual Patron Party brings together philanthropic individuals who provide vital support to Jewish Family Service of the Desert.  This support allows the organization to offer a caring safety net to Coachella Valley residents who are overwhelmed by life’s challenges.

“The economic crisis has dramatically escalated the number of people in need within our Valley,” stated Executive Director of Jewish Family Service, Michelle Anstadt.  “The financial support of the community is critical to helping our organization provide for this growing population with access to desperately needed resources.  The percentage of the population over age 65 in the Valley is DOUBLE that of either the County or State.  There are just not enough services available to seniors,” Anstadt continued.

In anticipation of this donor recognition party, JFS unveiled three additional levels of giving beyond the traditional level.   These levels will enable JFS to provide a foundation of support for expanded care management, counseling, and emergency assistance services, particularly for East Valley residents served by their new Palm Desert office. 

The rapidly increasing need for JFS services is being exacerbated by increased unemployment, rising food and fuel costs, rampant foreclosures, the challenge of confronting our aging population, and the spiraling need for affordable mental health counseling, among other issues.

The new Patron Donor Levels include:

• ANGEL PATRON DONOR
• BENEFACTOR PATRON DONOR
• CHAMPION PATRON DONOR
• ADVOCATE PATRON DONOR   

“This year we are offering new ways for philanthropic individuals to contribute to and become more involved with Jewish Family Service of the Desert,” said President of the JFS Board, Ed Gubman.  “We are excited about bringing our Patron Donors closer to the work of JFS, so they can see first hand how they are engaged in Tikun Olam, repair of the world, in our beautiful little part of it,” Gubman continued.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OF THE DESERT

Established in 1982, the mission of Jewish Family Service of the Desert (JFS) is to provide for the social service needs of the Jewish and general community throughout the greater Coachella Valley with a commitment to promote the well-being of persons of all ages, incomes, and lifestyles.  JFS is a non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing a diverse array of counseling and social services to those in need – REGARDLESS of Religion, Age, Income, Ethnicity or Lifestyle. It is truly a caring resource for people who are seeking guidance, comfort, support, and hope during difficult times. 

Some, but not all, of the vital services Jewish Family Service of the Desert provides:

Mental Health Counseling, Outreach, & Speaker’s Bureau

• Food Assistance
• Positive Life Series – Seminars For People Living With HIV/AIDS
• Emergency Assistance
• Information & Referrals – Linking needy families and individuals with community resources
• Solution for Seniors – Care Management
• JFS Express – Transportation for Homebound Seniors
• Friendly Visitor – Visits to Homebound Seniors Providing Companionship and Support
• Shabbat In A Bag – Visits to Homebound Seniors To Celebrate the Weekly Holiday
• Kids First Counseling – Targeting At Risk Children
• Intensive Outpatient Drug & Alcohol Program for Teens
• Camp Scholarships

For more information on Jewish Family Service of the Desert please call 760-325-4088 or visit www.jfsdesert.org