JEVS Human Services (JEVS) stands with Ukrainian people, both in our community and abroad. Our hearts break as we witness the devastating acts visited upon Ukraine, including the bombing near Babi Yar, the Holocaust memorial to victims of Nazis in the capital city of Kyiv.
Over the past 20 years, JEVS has helped nearly 700 people from Ukraine make a new start in Philadelphia. 65% of the clients served at our Center for New Americans over the past two years have hailed from Ukraine. JEVS employs many staff with ties to Ukraine, some of whom have loved ones in harm’s way. We will undoubtedly be asked to provide services to those fleeing Ukraine today should they resettle in our region.
In 1941, JEVS was founded to support the vocational needs of Jews fleeing Europe and the atrocities of World War II. JEVS has grown to meet the needs of people from all walks of life seeking to realize their vocational and personal potential. Although the breadth of our services expanded, through the decades we have remained a beacon for the newcomer. We have and will continue to proudly support the aspirations of refugees from across the globe, escaping war and political persecution in their homeland and seeking a new home in the United States.
As is the case with most critical emergencies, the most pressing need is for immediate financial support. The people of Ukraine need help now. We encourage those who can consider supporting humanitarian organizations on the front lines of this crisis. There are hundreds of worthy aid organizations providing needed food, medical supplies and more including the JDC, a leading global Jewish humanitarian organization. You can donate to the JDC here. A list of four other leading charities is available here.
Please keep those impacted by this international tragedy in your thoughts and in your heart.
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