Who We Are
The Jewish Fund for Human Needs (JFHN) works to fulfill the mitzvah of tzedakah (the obligation to do righteous acts) by awarding small grants to non-Jewish social services agencies helping those in need throughout the St. Louis region. An Allocations Committee made up of representatives of a cross-section of the Jewish community determines which agencies shall be funded. There are two funding cycles per year. Through these grants, JFHN helps to support small St. Louis area non-profits which are providing direct services to those in need of food, housing, health care, education, employment and other essential human needs. The current JFHN Chair is Rabbi Andrea Goldstein of Congregation Shaare Emeth.
JFHN is a joint project of the JCRC and the St. Louis Rabbinical 
Association with support from the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and the Lubin-Green Foundation. By contributing to the JFHN, you are participating in our age-old tradition of tikkun-olam…repair of the world.
New members of the Fund Allocations Committee are welcomed each year in January. Applications for openings for At-Large members are available beginning the previous Fall and can be obtained by contacting JCRC Director of Domestic Issues, Gail Wechsler at 314-442-3894 or gwechsler@jcrcstl.org.
Apply for an At Large Position on the Jewish Fund
The JFHN committee is seeking new at large members to begin in early 2012. Responsibilities of a Fund committee member include:
- Help screen potential agencies to be funded by the JFHN
- Review all applications received from potential fund recipients
- Attend a minimum of six site visits a year to potential recipient agencies (three site visits each cycle; there are two funding cycles a year)
- Attend an allocation meeting twice a year (once in June, once in December) to review applications and select agencies to receive funding
Those who have served on the Jewish Fund for Human Needs committee find it a particularly meaningful and rewarding volunteer experience. The Fund truly makes a difference in the lives of those in need. The Committee reflects a diverse cross section of the Jewish community. Fund committee members serve for a term of three years.
To apply, please complete the attached application and send it to Gail Wechsler at gwechsler@jcrcstl.org or via fax to 314-989-1361. The application deadline is October 31, 2011.
Recent JFHN News
What a busy year the Jewish Fund for Human Needs had! The JFHN allocates grants to agencies that assist those in need. The Fund thereby exemplifies the Jewish traditions of tzedakah, giving in the spirit of justice, as well as tikkun olam, repairing the world.
Since its inception in 1985, JFHN has provided grants to well over 150 area agencies helping those in need. Recent grant recipients include:
Angels’ Arms, an organization that purchases homes for foster parents so they can take in foster siblings and allow them to thrive in a nurturing family setting until a permanent home is found.
The Brady and Martin Charitable Eye Foundation, an organization that provides comprehensive eye care to the indigent, homeless and medically disenfranchised individuals in our community.
Immigrant & Refugee Women’s Program, an organization that increases the independence and reduces the isolation of immigrant and refugee women by teaching them basic English and practical living skills in the security of their own homes.
Retiring Allocation Committee Members Honored
At the Fall 2010 Allocation Meeting, JFHN Chair Rabbi Andrea
Goldstein (center) honored retiring committee members Sharon
Remis (left) and Lorne Baker (right). Donations to JFHN grant
recipients Community Women Against Hardship and Bi-Lingual
International Assistant Service were made in honor of Remis
and Baker, respectively.
JFHN Committee visits with Hopebuild, which promotes
healthy eating and an active lifestyle.
JFHN Committee visits with Community Women Against
Hardship, a program dedicated to providing basic services
to low income, single parents and their families.
For more information contact JFHN at (314) 442-3894 or gwechsler@jcrcstl.org
"Because every human has infinite potential"
— Talmud-Sanhedrin 37a
bi Robert P. Jacobs Jewish Fund for Human Needs
(JFHN)