Jewish Family Services

Before the snow hits Indianapolis, start thinking about ways to stay safe and warm this winter!

Not comfortable driving in the snow? Don’t let winter stop you from keeping up with your health needs. JFS’ Wheels to Wellness program provides reliable transportation to medical appointments and trips to the pharmacy. Contact Christy at 317-259-6822 or cmorris@jfgi.org to schedule your first ride!

Marion County’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP) provides financial assistance to low-income households so they can maintain utility services during the winter heating season.

Income-eligible families are provided a one-time benefit to their heating company to help offset the high cost of utility bills during the winter months. The amount of energy assistance benefit is based on household size and income, type of dwelling (home, apartment, mobile home, etc.), housing status (subsidized or nonsubsidized), at-risk factors (elderly, disabled, or children ages 0-5), and fuel source (gas, electric, bulk fuel, or heating included in rent).

Eligibility information, applications and other required documents, and appointment schedules can be found at indyeap.org. Applications can be mailed to IndyEAP (P.O. Box 88429, Indianapolis, IN 46208) or brought to an appointment beginning November 5.

Every year, United Way agency Connect2Help’s 2-1-1 line reports that energy assistance for low-income households is a critical need. And yet, if you earn just one dollar more than $36,900 for a family of four, you are ineligible for the federal Energy Assistance Program.

That’s where United Way’s Winter Assistance Fund (WAF) steps in. For individuals and families who fall within the gap between the federal poverty guidelines and self-sufficiency standard, the WAF provides much-needed support for an essential basic need— keeping the lights and heat on during the coldest months of the year. The program provides assistance beginning in January and extends through April, as long as funds are not exhausted.

If you or a loved one needs energy assistance or would like more information on the EAP or WAF, please dial Connect2Help’s 2-1-1 referral line, open 24/7.

Still need help? Feel free to call JFS at 317-259-6822.

Chanukah Celebration at the Libby & David Fogle Lunch Bunch: Tues., Dec. 4

Helping local Jewish families during Chanukah and beyond for over a decade!

9:30 am: Breakfast at the home of Marlo Katz (address provided upon sign-up)

10:30 am: Shop with your team (pre-formed or join one on the day) at stores like Walmart and Target or at the Artisan Bazaar in the JCC’s Laikin Auditorium for something extra special.

Noon: Meet back up in the JFGI Education Center’s Domont Auditorium for gift wrapping, PJ Library activities, and lunch sponsored by JFGI Women’s Philanthropy and The National Bank of Indianapolis. A mobile blood drive and Gift of Life Marrow Registry cheek swab station will also be on-site.

Learn more about Adopt-a-Family and sign up for Community Day at jewishindianapolis.org/adoptafamily.

Can’t make it to Community Day? You can still participate! Make a monetary donation at bit.ly/IndyNEXTGenJFS and drop off items and/or gift cards at Jewish Family Services (6905 Hoover Rd., Indianapolis).

Questions? Email NEXTGen Director Matt Kramer-Morning at mkmorning@jfgi.org.