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Frequently-Asked Questions About The Alliance

What is the Alliance?
Jewish Federation Orange County (JFOC) and Jewish Family Service of Orange County (JFS) have formed a strategic alliance to provide more services to more people, more efficiently. This new alliance will now be known as Jewish Federation & Family Services.

Why was the Alliance created?
The hard truth is that we are in a time of crisis. In the last 18 months, we have witnessed the closure of a Jewish day school and we have seen merger discussions between congregations. We have learned of the closure of Jewish social service agencies in communities throughout the country. Sadly, Orange County was on the brink of losing Jewish Family Service as our principal provider of humanitarian assistance. The initial jolt of the economic downturn was followed by aftershocks that are still felt: increased demand for services and a decline in grant availability from government and private sources.

How was the Alliance formed?
Dedicated lay leaders, professional staff and independent consultants came together quickly to address the issues and take immediate action. A Board-level task force and a cross-organizational transition team were created. Intensive work was done to ensure continued delivery of essential services, and to maintain the highest standards of fiscal responsibility.

How will the Alliance be led?
There will be increased integration between the two Boards of Directors and increased interaction at the lay leadership level, to ensure cooperative decisionmaking. For legal, tax and insurance reasons, however, each institution – JFOC and JFS – will maintain its individual nonprofit incorporation status.

Who will provide services?
The professional team that formerly operated under the JFS banner will provide Lifelines (crisis intervention, emergency assistance, support groups, employment/ financial empowerment programs, professional counseling, services for people with special needs) and Older Adult Services (Holocaust Survivor services, counseling, bereavement groups, care management, consultation, SilverStreak senior transportation program).

The professional team that formerly operated under the JFOC banner will be responsible for all services related to fundraising, marketing, branding, communications, lay leadership development and database management.

In short, the Alliance allows each of these teams to focus on their core competencies to better serve our community, and to better utilize your dollars toward that result.

Are there other partners in the Alliance?
Jewish Federation & Family Services will work closely with the Bureau of Jewish Education, The Hebrew Academy, Hillel Foundation, the Jewish Community Foundation, the Merage JCC, Tarbut V’Torah  Community Day School, Heritage Pointe, the Ezra Center, and many organizations and congregations to ensure that our community members will have a Jewish option in every facet of life and that humanitarian services are provided to everyone who needs them.

How can I help?
You can donate to Jewish Federation & Family Services Orange County (JFFS-OC) by check or credit card:

You can plan a gift to JFFS-OC through a bequest, endowment or annuity by calling Chelle Friedman at 949-435-3484, x334.

You can volunteer to help meet a range of community needs. Call us at 949-435-3484, and we’ll connect you with a professional team member who can help you explore your passion for community service.

What if I need help?
Call 949-435-3460 and speak to one of our professionals. We are ready to assist you, whatever your needs: crisis intervention, emergency assistance, older adult care, special needs resources, and so much more.