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THE GOODNESS OF THE EARTH THE MET COUNCIL: CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR
The Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty is a divine blessing!
Most people do not expect “Jewish poverty” to be an issue in America. Why, most Jews are well-educated, highly employable, and generally good citizens who pay their taxes and send their children to school and feed them well, right? Wrong. And they are always close families, so the elderly is always well cared for, right? Wrong. There are thousands of poverty stricken Jews in America. In New York alone, there are 145,000 Jews below poverty level. And are in dire need, but they have to be earning less than $16,050 for a family of four to even qualify for government aid – and the government has been systematically cutting their programs. In addition, poverty stricken Jews are invisible. No one knows about them, they are not concentrated in specific neighborhoods. They are spread all over the city. They are young, they are old, they are people who had been devastated by health issues, or divorce, or of the loss of their jobs. Many are refugees from other countries. Some are single, many are married with children, some are widowed and completely alone. And they are too proud to ask for help, they starve and freeze in their apartments, and eventually are evicted because they cannot pay the rent. A Jew living on the street? Homeless? You bet. And that includes children and the very frail elderly. Often they would rather die than ask for help.
Who is to help, anyway? The government, federal or local, is not doing much, as we all know. Local congregations are not doing anything at all in many cases. Therefore, thirty years ago, an amazing organization stepped into the gap and has been creating miracles ever since. The miracle makers work for The Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, or as they are now called by everyone, The Met Council. It is a hub of services that range from housing to job training and placement, and they are very strong on crisis intervention. They help the elderly, the mentally disabled, and victims of domestic violence. They have saved thousands from eviction or from having their utilities cut off. Children are given an opportunity to go to camp. Health services are provided. It is a very large and thriving organization.
But the people who work for this big organization have not forgotten the individual in their service of the community. A person in need, when he or she either contacts them or more often, is found by them, is treated with respect and understanding. The social worker will ask you to bring your outstanding bills, and then will pay all the creditors and give you a breathing space. They would even send furniture if you lost your belongings to flood, fire, or simply lack of funds. Beds, tables, chairs. Simple and basic needs are met, and in this manner, one by one, lives are saved. This kind of help, one on one and with dignity preserved, is not a common commodity in this day and age.
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One of the most effective services the Met Council is providing on the top of its heart-felt charity and full support for the poor and the needy Is the CAREER COUNSELING, GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT under the care of Luba Fredericks. This career counselor is a true blessing. Articulate, knowledgeable, patient, caring, sharp and fully committed to serving the community. You meet with her and immediately you feel her sincerity and willingness to help you, to counsel you, to advise you, to orient you and put you back on your feet. And of course, all these services are provided free of charge. Ms. Fredericks does not find you a job. She is not a headhunter or a recruiter. She is a career counselor with years of experience in the field. Besides listening to you and comforting you, she analyses your situation, goes over your resume if you have one, otherwise she will help you in creating a most effective one. Fredericks also offers lectures and seminars on career goals, development and coping with the needs and strategies of job hunting. This woman is a true gem, a treasure. Aviva Rabbani, a social worker at The Met is to be thanked too, for her goodness and assistance in processing your application for financial support and paying the bills of your utilities, basic living expenses and rent of your apartment. She is an angel.
The Met Council is beyond praise. Unquestionably, the Met Council is one of the world's most honorable, effective, charitable and magnificently humanitarian organizations. To fully understand its activities, it is well worth it to go on their extremely interesting website: http://metcouncil.brinkster.net/index2.html where they have detailed information about their services, suggestions for further reading and publications, and opportunities to volunteer or for employment. Prepare to be amazed. In a society that has forgotten how to care, this organization is miraculous indeed.
THE MET'S MISSION
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"Met
Council is a not-for-profit organization representing and coordinating
the efforts of grass roots Jewish Community Councils and citywide and
national Jewish organizations. It is the primary advocate for the
needs of poor Jews, reaching out to the isolated Jewish poor and
elderly, and increasing public recognition of the extent and nature of
poverty among Jews through legislative and social advocacy. Dedicated
to the alleviation of social, economic, housing, and related problems
of the Jewish poor, working poor, elderly and recent immigrants in the
New York City area, Met Council delivers needed services to thousands
every day. Our most important task is to ensure that the hungry are
fed, that the weak and frail are cared for, that the homeless are
sheltered, and that those who are able to work are helped to find
employment. Met Council establishes linkages between Jewish groups,
non-Jewish groups and government agencies. It helps stabilize and
preserve neighborhoods with substantial Jewish population by assessing
needs and bringing resources to those areas. The sacred mission of Met
Council has not changed since its founding three decades ago. Anyone
who needs our help will find us there for them."