Dear Friends,

During these difficult economic times, members of our community may be experiencing extreme financial turmoil and emotional distress. In the past few days, our new Kesher, UJC and Synagogues Connecting brochure was delivered to synagoges throughout MetroWest. The brochure will also be in Thursday's New Jersey Jewish News. It includes a list of resources for helping people in crisis and more.

Our MetroWest partner agencies are fully aware of the increased needs and are ready to help those who are severely affected by this current economic downturn. UJC MetroWest is working closely with our agencies to respond to the most urgent needs within our community. Additional information regarding special assistance being made available will follow over the next few weeks.

In the meantime, please know that these services are available to help you and that you are not alone.

Jewish Family Service (contact: 973-765-9050) provides counseling for individuals, families, couples, and children and can be helpful in a variety of ways to families in financial distress.

Jewish Vocational Service Career Counseling & Placement Services (contact: 973-674-6330, x271) provides support services and counseling for the unemployed and underemployed and offers job placement assistance.

Hebrew Free Loan (contact: 973-765-9050, x344) provides interest-free loans to Jews with no place else to turn. Loans are provided for virtually any situation in which a needy family finds itself.

For decades this institution and its agencies have been there to help members of our community. This is a sacred responsibility that we embrace, regardless of the state of the economy.

I wish you and your family the best for the New Year.

Sincerely,

Gary O. Aidekman
President,
United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ