RESOURCES

By JEWISH REVIEW

article created on: 2009-04-01T00:00:00

Jewish Family and Child Service is the host Web site for tools and information from the organizations and synagogues that have come together to form the Portland Jewish Community’s Economic Crisis Task Force

The JFCS Web site (www.jfcs-portland.org) includes:
• Information about JFCS’ emergency aid and safety net services, including financial aid, advocacy, case management, help to connect to other local resources, crisis counseling, job search assistance, and home care subsidies for low income seniors and individuals with disabilities.
• A comprehensive list of other Portland metro-area community resources, including crisis lines, emergency aid, food pantries, where to get furniture, household goods and clothing, housing & rental assistance, energy assistance, senior resources, and programs for individuals with disabilities.
• The Mensches in the Trenches life skills volunteer program. If you have skills to share or need help with resume writing, refinancing, computer literacy, budgeting, cooking or a host of other needs, the Mensches may be able to help. To learn more, contact Chana at 503-226-7079 ext. 116 or chana@jfcs-portland.org.
• Job Networking page: A local place to post jobs your company has available or post your resume if you’re looking for work
• Contact info for Portland-area synagogues and Jewish agencies
• Community Warehouse “Most Needed” list: A list of the household goods that are currently most in demand at Community Warehouse and they’re hoping people will donate
• Helpful articles and information dealing with the economic crisis Unemployment Support Programs

Free Seven-Session Job Search Support Group Starting Thursday April 23. For individuals of all ages who are unemployed and need practical and emotional support with their job search. Space is limited, so RSVP required. For more information or to reserve your place, call Meghan at 503-226-7079 ext. 152 or Robby at 503-226-7079 ext. 131.

BCC: Building Careers Collectively: A free job support network for unemployed, under-employed and unhappily employed young adults (ages 22-35). A program of JFCS, co-sponsored by Machar and Urban Jews PDX. To learn more, contact Brian at bccnetwork@jfcs-portland.org or via cell 510-846-6487.

Free Career Transition Network: Wednesdays, 7:45 a.m.: More than 80 percent of new positions are filled through networking. Susan Goldstein, an experienced career transition consultant and coach, offers this no-cost networking group for individuals seeking to expand their networks in specific industries, organizations, communities, or jobs. There is no long-term commitment—attend when you can. Generously hosted by Congregation Neveh Shalom. Open to all. For details, contact Susan Goldstein at 503-880-1473 or JoAnn Bezodis at 503-293-7309. Bar Mitzvah Suit Closet

Yossi’s Closet is now stocked and ready for sharing. Bring in your rapidly growing boy to borrow a suit for any synagogue occasion. We have a number of shirts, pants, shoes, and suits that are ready to be loaned out. We only ask that you dry-clean any borrowed suit before returning it. This suit closet benefits those in need AND lets us recycle through re-use. We accept donations of suits in “like-new” condition, including shirts and shoes as well. If you have something to contribute, or if you would like to check out our collection for your own son’s use, please call Stephanie Arnheim at 503-539-2602 or Stephanie@equityhs.com Bike Farm

For those who depend on bicycles for transportation, check out Bike Farm, a non-profit workshop that teaches people how to fix their bikes—for free. There are workstands, loaner tools and best of all, free instruction for simple repairs including flat fixes, brake and gear adjustments, etc. to learn more, go to www.bikefarm.org Let All Who Are Hungry Come and Eat: Free/Low Cost Community Seders

A Beit Haverim congregant has offered to underwrite six free spaces for community members in need at their congregational seder. If anyone needs or wants to attend, please contact Marian at JFCS at 503-226-7079 to reserve one of the spaces.

Gesher is hosting four Passover seders this year for all who are hungry, spiritually and physically. Gesher welcomes everyone, regardless of ability to financially contribute. To learn more, contact gesher@comcast.net.