News
HALF YEAR SUMMARY
MAY 1, 2011 – OCTOBER 31, 2011
Total client aid: $64,122.91
Total unduplicated clients (including emergency aid, monthly stipends, emergency response systems): 118
Emergency Aid: $24,454.91
48 clients; 44 unduplicated
26 of the 44 have been assisted by FHBS in prior years; 4 duplicated within fiscal year
56 grants; average grant: $468.00
Monthly Stipends: $10,650.00
Monthly commitment $1,775.00 for 11 clients.
Emergency Response Systems (Philips Lifeline): $10,450.00
Started in May with 70 continuing clients. Added 5 new clients during first six-months of fiscal year. Lost two – one went to a nursing home and one moved to Federation Housing and felt she didn’t need the service any longer; 15 different women called for assistance 16 times.
Camp: $18,568.00
Non-Client Expenditures: $5,187.25 ($2,420.25 covered by directed donations)
Total Expenditures: $69,310.16
CASE STUDIES
Bonnie is 52-years-old, divorced and in poor health. Her monthly income is $850 from SSD, SS and food stamps, $155 of which pays for subsidized housing. She drives a 1992 Mercury. Her social worker writes, “Client budgets very well to keep within her means. Eating out two times a month and a movie once a month are her only entertainment.” Bonnie’s doctor recently put her on steroids, causing a significant weight gain. None of her clothing fit, including her winter coat. She also needed special athletic shoes. Because of internal changes in priorities for funding, JFCS was not able to help this client. FHBS purchased a $400 gift card from Lane Bryant and paid $64.99 for the shoes. We have also promised to pay for boots.
Bonnie sent a card to the FHBS Board with this hand written inscription: “Thank you so, so much for all of your help. I am so grateful and so totally overwhelmed by your generosity. I am not quite sure how to express myself. I am a woman by myself on disability and while of course I pay my bills there never seems to be much left to buy clothes. Or anything for that matter. I badly needed shoes, boots, a winter coat and some winter clothes. And you provided me with the way to get it. Thank you so much again for your help and your compassion for another human being. G-d Bless All of You.”
Donna is 53-year-old, divorced and had a good employment record until she lost her job last year. Her unemployment compensation ended in September and her current income, from food stamps, is $16. Donna is actively engaged in looking for work via JEVS Career Link and temp agencies. She has lost 20 pounds because there hasn’t been enough money for food. JFCS gave her a supermarket gift card and food resources. Donna has two mortgages totaling $644.86 and was unable to pay them. FHBS stepped in to cover the month of November.
Donna sent a letter that, in part, reads: “I wanted to take the time and write you a note of gratitude and appreciation for helping me by paying my mortgage for this month. This is no small task and I realize that a kind and caring person who doesn’t even know me came forward to help at a time when I was not able to manage paying it myself. Slowly I am seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. Situations are moving forward and I now feel more hope than I once did. I know it will get better. I will always remember your remarkable act and generosity. I have been blessed with your thoughtfulness and by your help. Words cannot truly let you know just how thankful I am. Yet with my words and desire I want you to know, I am so very thankful…”
