JFS Coronavirus Statement

To our community,

We are living through a strange and unsettling time. Spokane Area Jewish Family Services is making phone calls to community members and coordinating with community leaders to ensure a timely and effective response to the coronavirus pandemic.

At this time, JFS has suspended home visits to seniors, after consultation with the seniors themselves as well as retirement communities, volunteers, and seniors’ family members. Our food bank remains open, but we are dropping off food to clients in need rather than asking them to come to Temple Beth Shalom. Donations to the food bank are still needed, but we understand if community members prefer not to visit TBS, where our donation bin is located. If need be, JFS can pick up bagged donations from donors’ front step or porch. Just let us know if you have food to donate.

Since March 12, when we cancelled the JFS Luncheon, our agency’s volunteers and board members have joined the boards of TBS and Congregation Emanu-El in calling community members — especially seniors and members of other vulnerable populations — to check in and see what needs, if any, they might have.

In the course of making calls, I have reconnected with community members I hadn’t talked to in many months. One senior I spoke with remarked that the “silver lining” of what has otherwise been a difficult experience is the emphasis so many are placing on slowing down and renewing social connections by phone.

While none of us knows exactly what the coming weeks and months may bring, your JFS director and board are doing all we can to provide assistance to those who need it, whether that’s helping clients strategize about logistical matters or simply listening with empathy to their anxieties and concerns.

If you or someone you know needs help or support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch (509-747-7394 or director@sajfs.org). It is at times like this that community matters most, and there’s nothing more Jewish than looking after each other so we can all overcome adversity together. 


Wishing you health and peace of mind,

Neal Schindler
Director, Spokane Area Jewish Family Services