Advocating For Our Region’s Future
Jordan also met several other nonprofit CEOs from Pittsburgh during the Washington visit who were similarly advocating for critical policies: Jerrel Gilliam, Light of Life Rescue Mission, Demeshia Seals, Sarah Heinz House, Chris Watts, Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania
On Tuesday, our CEO, Dr. Jordan Golin, took part in a delegation that consisted of 50 representatives from NJHSA agencies across the United States who met with members of Congress and their staff in Washington DC in order to advocate for issues that are important to our agencies. Topics that were covered include refugee and immigration policy, potential cuts to Medicaid, the expiration of Medicare telehealth regulations, and proposed cuts to SNAP (aka food stamps). We shared data and stories about how these issues impact their constituents.
Below are stories from individuals we serve who will be affected by these potential funding cuts.
Sara is a single mother of twins who had to relocate her house and quit her job to escape an abusive partner. She relied on SNAP benefits to keep her family safely fed while she searched for a new job. She has since obtained work that will allow her to transition off of SNAP benefits, but if it had not been for the ongoing assistance from SNAP, she would not have been able to keep her children safe while she escaped her abuser and ensured that her children would have a safe home environment in which to thrive.
Stan is a retiree with a rare disorder that affects his ability to see. He requires regular shots to maintain the vision that he has. These shots cost approximately $2,600 per month, and without Medicaid assistance to cover 80% of these costs, he would lose the vision that he has left and his independence along with that. Only through a combination of Medicaid and assistance from the food pantry, can he meet all of his costs and remain independent.
Updates to Federal Refugee Resettlement Contracts
Last week, the federal government terminated all contracts for refugee resettlement, halting resettlement work across the United States. As a result, JFCS and other local resettlement agencies can no longer work with our national partners to welcome refugees into our country and community. While various legal actions are in progress, there’s a real possibility that refugee resettlement could be permanently terminated, which would deeply affect our Pittsburgh community. Learn more about this decision by clicking here.
Thanks to the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, private foundations and individuals and supporters like you, JFCS is able to continue to provide services to immigrants and refugees for as long as we can. Join us in making an even greater impact!
Lend your voices! You can make a difference here at home.
You can advocate at the local, state, and federal levels for the continuation of this vital work. Reaching out to government representatives stresses the importance of maintaining immigrant funding, SNAP funding, and Medicaid funding. Every call counts!
How to advocate:
Contact your representatives:
- Sen. John Fetterman (D): 412.803.3501
- Sen. Dave McCormick (R): 202.224.6324
- Mayor Ed Gainey: 412.255.2626
- Find your state legislator here.
- Find your Congressperson here.
Click here for advocacy templates to email and call representatives.
How to donate:
Your support will help us continue to support immigrants to find homes, enroll their children in school, learn English, find jobs, get legal assistance, and integrate into our local community. To donate, click here. You can also shop our Amazon Wish List that is full of essentials, like bedding, dishes, cleaning supplies, and more, that immigrants need to establish a new home here.
JFCS Stands Steadfast as a Community Safety Net in Uncertain Times
From the beginning, JFCS has been evolving our mission, to ensure we are helping our community’s most vulnerable. Even today, Jordan Golin, and the JFCS team stay dedicated to supporting the community, constantly adapting to recent challenges that affect our friends, neighbors, and region. Thank you to the Jewish Healthcare Foundation for your support of JFCS and for putting together this informative article. Learn more about Jordan’s impactful leadership as JFCS evolves at the link below.
Older Adult Services
We are thrilled to announce that JFCS Senior Services will now be known as JFCS Older Adults Services. This change reflects our renewed dedication to helping Pittsburgh’s older adults maintain their independence while supporting their caregivers and loved ones. This rebrand will help us connect more effectively with those we serve as we continue to make a positive impact.
Events & Happenings
Challenging the Stigma of Teen Mental Health
UpStreet is excited to support teens with this fun and welcoming event!
On March 10, UpStreet is partnering with Stand Together, The Beacon, and The Friendship Circle for an afterschool workshop. Teens and staff will talk about self-care, how to support others with mental health, and more.
Jewish Scholarship Service is Accepting Applications
Jewish Scholarship Service (JSS) is back and ready to help you pay for your college education! If you’re a Jewish high school senior or student enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or technical school with financial need who lives in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Washington, or Westmoreland counties, you can apply for the 2025-26 Jewish Scholarship Service. Learn more and apply, before April 15, at the button below.
Jewish Scholarship Service is a program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and administered by JFCS
Spring into Success at our Spring Job Fair
Are you struggling to land an interview or find the right job for you? Come down to our Spring Job Fair, on April 4, at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall to talk directly with employers from a wide range of industries. Plus, can take advantage of the opportunity to upgrade your headshot for free! Learn more and register at the link below.
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