The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles
The Jewish Federation homepage is a trove of resources on programs, interest-free loans, volunteering, and more. See www.jewishla.org
Covid Relief Fund for Jews of Color
Covid Care: Give Help / Receive Help
The Jews of Color Field Building Initiative has launched a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund for people of color in the Jewish community who are experiencing financial hardships as a result of the Covid-19 crisis and economic fallout.
End of Life Resources from My Jewish Learning
Judaism and End of Life in the Era of COVID
COVID-19 has radically changed nearly all aspects of our daily lives – including how we care for the sick, bury, and mourn our dead. It has also propelled many people to ponder their choices surrounding end of life care and decision-making, often for the first time. Below, you’ll find stories and resources from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, My Jewish Learning, Kveller, and Alma exploring these issues.
Zoom Shiva Shouldn’t End Once the Pandemic Does 
Can I Refuse Life Support and Still Be a Good Jew? 
What Sitting Shiva in Quarantine Really Looks Like 
Why Jews Need to Talk About Death 
Jewish Perspectives on End-of-Life Care 
How to Talk To Loved Ones About Your End-of-Life Wishes
Covid Resources for Mental Health
As always, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health web page has vital information on coping with COVID-19; please visit: https://dmh.lacounty.gov/
The ACCESS line is available 24 hours/7 days: call 1-800-854-7771.
Dial Extension 1 for urgent needs;
Dial Extension 2 for the newly available non-urgent, Emotional Support Warm Line.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has up-to-date, multilingual information for faith communities and everyone:
http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/GuidanceFaithBasedOrgsEnglish.pdf and www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.
Enjoy the Headspace Meditation App for free!
Los Angeles County residents can sign up for a Headspace Plus subscription at no charge, to access hundreds of science-backed guided meditations in English and Spanish, as well as workout videos, sleep exercises, and helpful information to manage stress and anxiety. Visit: www.headspace.com/lacounty.
Affordable Therapy Resources
Miracle Mile: 323-939-6355. They also have bilingual (Spanish-speaking) therapists.
Affordable Los Angeles Therapy: 323-577-4288. They also offer group therapy.
Southern California Counseling Center: 323-937-1344.
Thanks to Lynne Rosen for these resources. If you have questions please reach out to Lynne at lrosen@larchmontassociates.com.
HAND IN HAND
While it’s hard to know what the impact of COVID-19 will be on our community, one thing we do know is that domestic workers and care workers are among the most vulnerable. Domestic workers are in close contact with people in their homes and have been caring for children, supporting elders and people with disabilities, and making our homes safe and clean.
The pandemic has left many domestic workers afraid for their lives: Will they be exposed to the virus if they work? Will they lose wages or their jobs? This virus is exposing many of the flaws and inequities in our system – from lack of universal health care coverage to a lack of paid time off or sick time when working people need to stay home. Let’s not leave this workforce that cares for us without care and support.
Hand in Hand, a network of domestic employers organizing in solidarity with domestic workers, urges you to pledge to continue paying the worker you employ throughout this crisis if you are able.
To learn more or talk through how to support the nanny, house cleaner, or home care worker you employ, please reach out to Kayla Shore at kayla@domesticemployers.org or 617.504.6741.
Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is administering the Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants Project (“Project”). The project provides one-time disaster relief assistance to undocumented adult immigrants impacted by COVID-19, who are ineligible for most other forms of pandemic assistance, including direct assistance under the CARES Act and unemployment insurance. CDSS-funded nonprofit organizations will distribute $75 million in disaster relief assistance to an estimated 150,000 undocumented adult immigrants. Nonprofit organizations will begin providing these disaster assistance services in May.
Jewish Family Service (JFS) SOVA Community Food & Resource Program
Jewish Family Service (JFS) SOVA Community Food & Resource Program is now providing prepackaged bags of food to help minimize the risk to both clients and volunteers. The JFS senior nutrition program is now providing all food via delivery.
To receive these services, please call JFS Central Access at (877) 275-4537.
They are also in urgent need of volunteers to help out at the food pantry in Van Nuys on Sundays – Thursdays from approximately 8am–12:30pm. Volunteers are provided with masks, and staff and volunteers adhere to social distancing within the pantry.
For more information or to sign up for volunteer shifts, please contact Felice Resnick at fresnick@jfsla.org or 818-988-7682 x 118.
The Karsh Center needs volunteers
The Karsh Center is proud to be a resource to meet the significant needs facing the Koreatown community, specifically through continuing to provide groceries to hundreds of families and individuals every week, as well as diapers. While they are currently hosting a limited number of volunteers, to maintain a safe and socially distanced environment, volunteers are a crucial part of their ability to meet community needs.
If you are interested in volunteering in the future on an as-needed basis, please fill out this application to add your name to our pool of interested and eligible volunteers.
Interest Free Loans
The Jewish Free Loan Association of Los Angeles offers interest-free loans on a non-sectarian basis to individuals and families whose needs are urgent and who may not qualify through usual financial channels.
Max Factor Family Foundation Financial Assistance
The Jewish Federation’s Max Factor Family Foundation Financial Assistance Network provides access to social services including financial assistance.
Please call their Community Call Line at (323) 761-8305 Monday–Thursday from 8:30am–5:30pm and Fridays from 8:30am–3:30pm.
Give Blood
The Red Cross is in severe need of blood.
Food Distribution Volunteers Needed
The Red Cross is in looking for assistance in distributing meals to LAUSD families.