SEPTEMBER 16 • 2021 | 17
conceptions about any Jewish
organization is that they only
serve Jewish individuals,
” Eadeh
describes, “but we serve every-
body in our community.
“It doesn’t matter what any-
body’s income status is,
” Eadeh
continues. “If somebody has
a need, we will do our best to
meet that need within our ser-
vices.
”
JFS helps refugees like those
from Afghanistan from the day
they arrive in the U.S. until the
day they receive citizenship.
Oftentimes, Eadeh explains,
the organization, which always
picks up refugees directly from
the airport, is there waiting at
the terminal as late as midnight.
“We initially take them to a
hotel,
” she says, “or if they have
friends or family in the area
that are going to host them, we
will take them to that home.
”
Once an apartment is ready,
JFS helps refugees move in. The
organization provides furniture,
household goods, foods and
everything else individuals or
families need to initially build
a life.
Then, they help refugees
enroll in benefits, find ESL
classes and identify employ-
ment opportunities. A vast suite
of services geared specifically
for employment also include
micro enterprise development
programs that help people start
small businesses, if desired.
GETTING READY TO HELP
Since first working with Afghan
refugee cases, Eadeh estimates
that JFS has helped resettle
166 individuals in the last six
years. Now, in working with the
national agency, the Washtenaw
County organization has com-
mitted to assisting upwards of
300 refugees between September
2021 and March 2022.
To prepare for the influx, JFS
is in talks with housing partners
to increase housing options in
the coming months. They’re
also in the midst of creating a
special language task force to
further assist refugees who don’t
speak English. In addition, JFS
is beefing up their food pantry
and building a commercial
kitchen at the agency to meet
the food needs of new clients
and cases.
“One of our other most
important efforts is to work
with more employers,
” Eadeh
says, “and increase the employ-
ment opportunities for the cli-
ents that we serve.
”
In being mindful of the
COVID-19 pandemic, JFS
also helps refugees access and
receive vaccines. They provide
PPE like masks and offer virtual
school options for kids when
needed. Despite the health
crisis and past lockdowns, JFS
did not encounter any lapses in
services.
“Our goal is to provide a safe
place for people to land that
have fled really, really danger-
ous situations,
” Eadeh says.
“Part of that mission is to assist
individuals and make sure that
they have a place to land where
they feel safe with opportunities
to achieve their dreams and
goals.
”
The JFS offices
We could use a hand.
We could use a hand.
Are you looking
Are you looking for
for a meaningful
meaningful way
way to
to give back?
give back?
Jewish Family Service has multiple opportunities for
you to spend your time making a difference in the lives
of those we serve.
Whether you’re looking to volunteer
once or once a week, in-person or virtually,
we would love to hear from you.
Bilingual Russian speakers are especially needed.
Bilingual Russian speakers are especially needed.
For more in
For more information contact:
ormation contact:
Melissa Pletcher
248.592.3986 or mpletcher@jfsdetroit.org
jfsdetroit.org
jfsdetroit.org