Comments
Phil, I wanted to thank you for writing this article, yet there’s something that you are missing. I recently attempted to get help from the Associated and found it to be nearly impossible to deal with. Up until recently I had alway donated money to just about any Jewish organization that asked for help. This year has been completely different. I have been out of work for months due to illness. It got to the point that I ran out of food and my electricity was about to be turned off. I finally had no choice but to do the unimaginable. I went to Jewish Family Services for emergency financial assistance.
The questions this agency asked me and the proof they demanded, made me feel as if I was a criminal. I was humiliated to the point in which I considered suicide. If it wasn’t for the kindness of a neighbor, who suggested I go to his local church group for help, I would not be here today. His church group offered the support I needed in a respectful and dignified manor.
Looking back, the way in which Jewish Family Services left me feeling, it made me feel ashamed that I was a Jew.
Posted by Brian Weinberg on 11/26/09 at 01:56 AM
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