People in Need
The Milwaukee Jewish Federation distributes Annual Campaign funds to agencies that care for the needy in our community, in Israel and around the world.
In Milwaukee
Jewish Family Services has provided comprehensive social services to our community since 1867. Their work is supported by the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. JFS receives an annual allocation from our Annual Campaign, as well as financial support in distributions and grants from our Jewish Community Foundation.
Every year, JFS serves over 2,000 individuals including the frail elderly, people with developmental disabilities and those living with chronic and persistent mental illness. Case management and mental health services are available on a sliding fee scale, giving everyone in need of help the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential, regardless of their ability to pay.
Individuals and families in need also benefit from the support of the Federation through the Jewish Community Pantry, which assists over 30,000 visitors each year. The pantry is co-sponsored by Women’s Philanthropy of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation and the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center. Its mission is to provide emergency food to individuals and families in crisis throughout the greater Milwaukee community.
The Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council advocates for public policy that ensures a strong safety net for people in need, including the elderly, disabled and those struggling with financial insecurity. Our Wisconsin Jewish Conference works in Madison to fight for fair and compassionate state policy.
In Israel and Overseas
The Federation’s Annual Campaign helps Jews in need around the globe through our support of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI).
JDC rescues victims of global emergencies; revitalizes Jewish life in areas of the world suffering from repression, political strife and genocide; provides food, medicine and heat to poverty-stricken Jews living without a safety net; and helps ensure a Jewish future by developing Jewish leaders in vulnerable communities.
JAFI connects the Jewish people with Israel and with each other, building a stronger global Jewish community. They provide life-changing opportunities for Jews of all ages to experience Israel and support Jews in need around the world. The organization also helps build connections between Milwaukee and Israel through our Israel Center.
