Millions of people in the United States have lost their jobs, are losing their homes, or are simply trying to make ends meet everyday. Unfortunately when the economy is bad there is always a direct correlation to an increase in the need for social services. During difficult times, people in South Palm Beach County, Florida look to Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service (RRJFS) for emergency help. HOT discusses each case with the RRJFS professional and satisfies itself as to the legitimacy and reasonableness of the request and, consistent with our mission, provides help only where all other sources of funding have been exhausted. Threats of eviction, utility shut off, repossession of a car and non-covered medical and dental expenses are all examples of the catastrophic problems that struggling families encounter.
One such tragic case was that of a single mother of three children under of the age of 15 who was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Due to her surgery and treatments she was without any income for 45 days until her long-term disability was processed through her employer. She was behind in her rent, electric bill and her water bill for one month. HOT in conjunction with RRJFS assisted with these bills. We have helped families, widows, and those fighting cancer. We have helped pay for prosthetics and made sure that people did not have to choose between having food and filling their prescriptions.
HOT recently made a $20,000 grant to pay for a part time Case Manager who will be working with families and children in crisis. We did this to ensure that RRJFS could complete, on a timely basis, the stringent intake analysis required by RRJFS (and HOT). This case manager will assist in (i) gaining entitlement programs for children and families, (ii) conduct brief counseling and where appropriate refer them to RRJFS counseling, (iii) if necessary, arrange for financial assistance and (iv) follow up with these families after 30, 60 and 90 day.
We would like our donors to designate $40,000 to help fund specific RRJFS cases, as they arise. HOT has funded as little as $450 and as much as $2,100 to meet the Emergency Needs of families and individuals whose cases have been referred to us for additional assistance. Imagine how so little money can change the lives of people in need.