JUF president: 'We provide services for everyone from baby to bubbe'
Editor's note: As Giving Tuesday approaches next week, there's something you should know: There's never been a better year for charitable donations. The CARES Act - the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery and Economic Security Act - passed by Congress in March gives additional tax incentives to donors, according to schwabcharitable.org. Because of that, and also because this traditionally is the time nonprofit organizations are working hard on year-end giving campaigns, we've profiled three organizations that serve the Glenview and Northbrook area: Family Service Center, Jewish United Fund, and the North Suburban YMCA. You can learn about what they do and where your donations go, as well as what their needs are and how they - and other nonprofits - have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
An interview with Lonnie Nasatir, president, Jewish United Fund. For details, visit juf.org.
Q. Give me a snapshot of the JUF: What do people need to know about it? A quick history, what it does, who does it serve, and why it's important.
A. I love telling people about JUF's work, so thank you for this question. JUF provides humanitarian aid for more than 500,000 people of all faiths in Chicago and millions in Israel and across the globe. Our work is far-reaching and includes essential health and human services, including emergency assistance for people in crisis. We also are committed to advancing Jewish learning and helping people connect to Jewish identity and community.
JUF was founded at the turn of the century to care for people in need, rooted in the belief in collective action and collective responsibility. It's part of our tradition. If someone doesn't have a family, we ARE their family. We're at the heart of a network of 75+ agencies that serve people in need with nowhere else to go. That network includes CJE SeniorLife, JCFS Chicago and JCC Chicago. Together, we take care of the most vulnerable - Holocaust survivors, people with disabilities and people living in abject poverty.
Q. I know JUF does a lot of work on public policy. What kinds of issues concern you most?
A. We are dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism, racism and hate of any kind. We are devoted to building interfaith and intercultural relationships to tackle gun violence and other pressing issues of concern. Right now, standing up for students on college campuses to combat anti-Semitism and efforts to delegitimize Israel is an important piece of our public policy work. We also - always - serve as a voice for the voiceless, advocating for health and human services for the most vulnerable at every level of government.
Q. How has the pandemic impacted your work this year?
A. When I think about this year, and the unprecedented needs we all face, I can't help but think that JUF was made for times like this. Responding to crisis is quite literally the reason we exist - and I am proud of how we have stepped up these past eight months. JUF has distributed over $14.7 million in COVID initiative emergency grants to dozens of local partner agencies. These funds are above and beyond our regular annual allocations. We are providing this extra assistance in five key areas: food assistance, emergency financial aid; health and safety; expanded social services; and organizational stability.
Beyond dollars, JUF is providing other local agencies, schools and care centers with technical assistance. Right now, having a deep bench of leadership expertise can make or break an institution, so we thought it was important to make top-flight expertise widely available. So JUF created a program to lend that technical expertise to hundreds of local organizations, in disciplines ranging from employment law, financial modeling and technology to marketing, fundraising and security.
As we all cope with extended months of isolation, there is a growing demand for mental health services. Research shows that the incidence of anxiety and depression is escalating - and that young adults ages 18-34 are particularly struggling. That's why JUF has provided $2.2 million to expand local social services, beginning with mental health care.
Q. Let's say I donate $100 to the JUF on Giving Tuesday. Where will that money go?
A. Most of the money will go to human services - everything from food and emergency cash for people in need to support for our health care heroes on the front lines of the pandemic. We like to say we provide services for everyone from baby to bubbe. It's one fund, but has so much impact. Money raised on Giving Tuesday will help us continue to shelter our community from the pandemic storm.
Q. What is your greatest need?
A. Instead of talking our greatest need, I want to talk about my greatest hope. My hope for this year is that everyone will give what they can. We are dependent upon that kind of generosity, especially at a time when some of our donors are in crisis themselves. Giving of any amount is appreciated right now because the need for extra assistance, due to COVID, is real, substantial and ongoing.
Q. I can't afford to give cash. Do you have volunteer opportunities?
A. Yes! Our TOV Volunteer Network stands at the ready for people who want to donate their time to help those in need. Our TOV database, which can be found at juf.org, connects thousands of volunteers from across the city and suburbs to projects and people who need their help. The most recent TOV project is a series of Nourish Our Neighborhoods food drives. I'm so proud of the work of TOV and of all the dedicated volunteers, so please, check it out!
Q. What are your concerns about annual giving this year?
A. The reality is that some people aren't in a position to give right now because of a job change or because they are struggling to make ends meet. As an organization, I am so grateful when people who can give, increase their giving in place of their friends and neighbors who cannot. The Torah teaches us, "love your neighbor as yourself." This year, more than ever, we need to act on those words. We are so much stronger together.
- Melynda Shamie