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Shalom Grants Help Families in Need
 
The daily news, whatever the medium, has been fraught with stories about our troubling economy. The Social Justice Committee of the Columbus Jewish Foundation recently awarded two Shalom Grants to help those most impacted by today’s economic climate.
The Mid-Ohio FoodBank and Southeast, Inc. were facing crisis situations and the Shalom Grant Program made it possible to reach out and lend support. It is clear that the need for food assistance is real and that this need will increase as today’s financial environment takes a further toll on the economy and those in the lower- and middle-class financial brackets.
The stagnant economy, rising unemployment, increased bills for gasoline and groceries, and out-of-control medical costs cannot be dismissed as they are hitting pocketbooks at an enormous rate. Social Justice Committee member Dr. Julie Harmon, brought the needs of homeless clients of Southeast, Inc. to the committee’s attention, noting that life on the streets is fraught with daily challenges. For homeless children, the mix becomes all the more unbearable. The recent $1,000 Shalom Grant for Southeast Inc.’s Child and Family Services Program will provide access to much needed personal care items, clothing and school supplies.
Social Justice Committee Chair Jo Robbins stated, “Shalom Grants are when Social Justice Committee members identify social injustices, local emergencies and similar needs, and our outreached arm of friendship can make a difference. Helping these homeless children go to school with a boosted self-esteem truly defines Tikkun Olam (repairing the world).”
As a result of the grant, Southeast, Inc. will Wal-Mart gift cards for their clients. And in the spirit goodwill, upon hearing about the cause from Social Justice Committee member Ken Blum, Wal-Mart management offered $100.00 in additional gift cards to the cause. Just a few months ago (December 2007), the Mid-Ohio FoodBank found itself in a tough spot as needs were greater than available food supplies.
The Social Justice Committee answered Mid-Ohio FoodBank’s call to action to the business community, schools, and households with a $1,000 Shalom Grant. Hannah Cohen a senior at Columbus Alternative High School currently interning at the Foundation, delivered the check during this critical period. According to the USDA’s Consumer Price Index, food is expected to rise between 3-4% in 2008. This is on top of the 4% increase from 2007, the highest annual increase since 1990.
The mission of the Social Justice Endowment Committee is to eliminate social injustice in central Ohio, provide leadership to and funding for local Jewish social action programs, and to advance positive relations between the local Jewish community and other groups and, to educate local leaders regarding issues important to the Jewish community. Over $40,000 in Shalom Grants has been distributed by the Committee since this program began in 2001.
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