11/22/2024
Sharing Blessings: How Jewish Cleveland Supports Those In Need
Beth Wain Brandon | SPECIAL TO THE CJN
Article reprinted with permission from Cleveland Jewish News
As Thanksgiving approaches, we not only take stock in everything we are thankful for, but we also remember those in need. Right here in Cleveland, thousands struggle all year just to obtain basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter.
In Jewish Cleveland, we are blessed to have a wide range of programs and services in place that are dedicated to addressing the needs of our community’s most vulnerable.
For example, to assist individuals and families in the Jewish community, Jewish Family Service Association’s Cleveland Chesed Center provides groceries, personal care items, household products and clothing. Clients shop for these items using carts, so they feel as though they are shopping in any other store.
For seniors or homebound individuals, JFSA’s kosher home-delivered meals are vital. Twice a week, caring volunteers deliver fully cooked kosher meals that are ready to heat and enjoy.
Through Jewish Community Housing, people with developmental disabilities or mental illness can maintain independence in their daily lives while also getting the assistance and care they need. Our community supports ten of these homes across Jewish Cleveland.
For children facing mental health crises, Bellefaire JCB’s Bluestone Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital provides cutting-edge clinical and mental health care for even the most complicated cases. Without this resource, many of these families would have nowhere else to go.
A gift to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Campaign for Jewish Needs helps address these basic needs, keep our community safe from rising antisemitism, educate our youth, and so much more. It is a gift to the entire community. When our community supports the annual Campaign, we uphold the values that make Jewish Cleveland caring, connected, and strong.
This Thanksgiving, let us remember that gratitude is only truly meaningful when it inspires us to give back. We have the power to ensure that our community members can celebrate with dignity and joy. By embracing our shared values, we can make this Thanksgiving season one of both gratitude and generosity, enriching Jewish Cleveland for all.
Make your gift today to Federation’s annual campaign at jewishcleveland.org. The 2025 campaign will conclude on Dec. 11.
Beth Wain Brandon is the immediate past chair of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Campaign for Jewish Needs.
