By Sarah Abramson, Associate Vice President, Caring and Social Justice

During the past year, more than 3,000 members of our Jewish community received assistance through CJP’s Anti-Poverty Initiative. We are making sure people receive coordinated, comprehensive support that enables them to move out of crisis and onto a path of greater financial stability.

Here are a few recent highlights to share: 

• Within the past year, more than 300 people have reached out for help through the CJP Warmline (1-800-CJP-9500)—our call-in service that streamlines the process for those who are looking for assistance. Warmline calls are managed by an experienced and caring social worker who assesses each person’s needs and connects them with a case manager, helping them access services across our partner agencies. 
• Since our goal is to help those who are financially vulnerable find long-term stability, unemployed and underemployed individuals are receiving free employment screenings and assistance from a dedicated career coach at Jewish Vocational Service (JVS)—our partner in workforce development. To date, 65 percent of those enrolled in CJP-supported employment services have been placed in a new job within 6 months. Listen to how CJP helped Harry rejoin the workforce.
• Studies have shown that poverty can compromise the brain's “executive function” and ability to move forward in the face of challenges that appear insurmountable. That’s why CJP supports case management services as part of our comprehensive strategy to help individuals and families in need. It’s also why we are piloting a new financial coaching program in partnership with JVS to help low-income individuals effectively set and meet their financial goals. Research shows that clients who receive financial coaching support like this—along with employment services—are 50 percent more likely to land well-paying jobs than those who only get employment help. Moreover, job retention rates almost double.

If you have questions or would like more information, feel free to contact me at saraha@cjp.org.