Our Impact

I am very appreciative of the help I get from being a Dorit & Ben J. Genet Cupboard client. I have no car and shopping is difficult, especially since the coronavirus has reared its ugly head. Also, I lost my husband of 72 years recently and I have to do everything by myself. I am 91 years of age. When he passed my income was drastically cut when I lost one Social Security check. My income after my bills are paid is at the poverty level. I am so grateful to all the people and the volunteers at the Cupboard who help me.

I wanted to take this time to write you this email. Words cannot express how much your kindness and your willingness to help my family means to me. I’m very happy to be able to count on you and your amazing organization, Goodman JFS of Broward, for always being there for me and my family during difficult times like the COVID-19.

I work in the restaurant industry. I have not been able to work for the past 3 weeks, government check dates are uncertain and my unemployment has been pending since March 15. I am very grateful and thankful to you knowing that you have helped me with my rent for this month as well as food for my baby. Thank you for everything. I am truly blessed to have your assistance.

I hope you continue to help families in difficult times because it truly makes a huge difference.

A Financial Assistance Program client writes: Mrs. Patricia!! A thousand thank yous for this help!! I wish from my heart that God helps all the people that collaborated!!

I don’t know how to express my gratitude for such a great financial assistance you are providing me at this time of turbulence I am going through.  May the Lord keep sending blessings to you all in the organization.

Thank you so so much from the bottom of my heart. I am in tears and so grateful! I will call the water company to let them know and get a longer extension until they receive the check. When I am back on my feet I promise I will donate to your company. I truly appreciate you and this organization.

I was at the food distribution day and it was good… It is a great gesture and heartwarming. And reaching out to someone in need is a great deed on your part. It is not going unnoticed.

Again God bless you and have a wonderful weekend.

A client has been depressed since her mother died a few years ago. Although she has friends in the building, she isolates herself and will stay home, nap, and watch TV.  Since she had Active@Home installed, a change has occurred. She excitedly told her care manager that she has a new best friend, the instructor of the yoga/exercise program she participates in. She loves the personal attention and support she receives and feels that the instructor really cares about her and has gotten to know her. This is the best thing that has happened to her in some time. She is now socializing on a regular basis and is no longer feeling isolated.

A father called Joshua’s Path looking for resources for his adult son with a developmental disability. The family recently relocated from New York and needed help and guidance in navigating the system. The Joshua’s Path team provided a consultation with the family in order to gain a better understanding of their needs, and they also learned that the family was food insecure due to their fixed income. They were immediately connected to The Dorit and Ben J. Genet Cupboard, where they are now able to not only access food, but maintain their Kosher diet. The family was also connected to Vocational Rehabilitation, where the son was approved for employment services. Additionally, we connected the family to the David Posnack JCC’s Giborim program for adults with disabilities for social and recreational programs. We also provided them with the schedule of our upcoming educational seminars, and the BCJAA website to use as an additional resource. We look forward to continuing to serve this family’s needs to assist them in a successful transition to their new life in Broward County.

The COVID-19 virus has affected our family in ways we were not prepared for and did not expect. We are a family of four. Our 11-year-old daughter has ADHD and our 7-year-old son has asthma, a heart murmur and a history of seizures. We have a mortgage, a car loan, a personal loan, one credit card and past hospital bills from our last visit to the ER with our son. This is without counting the basic utilities (electricity, water, trash, cellphone, cable, etc.). We are usually able to cover these expenses with both of our incomes – until now.

My husband was laid off and our family receives health insurance coverage provided by his employer. Now with everything going on, we not only have to face the loss of his income but also the loss of the insurance coverage for our children.

Our son’s seizure medication costs $400 for two doses. Our biggest concern right now is not being able to have health insurance. While I am still working, my employer has informed me that our future is uncertain and we might be let go at some point.

I understand that this situation is affecting a lot of people, and I pray we will all come out of this united and stronger, but it is a scary time. The uncertainty for a parent to be able to keep their children safe is really heartbreaking. I hope that Goodman JFS is able to help us in any way.

“Sam” works as a cook at a small restaurant. He had been trying to keep working despite a recent heart attack, but the restaurant started to lose business weeks ago. This week, they were forced to close. His main concern is his rent. Although most landlords are being understanding during this crisis, he explained his situation is different. His landlady was recently diagnosed with cancer and she desperately needs the income. Goodman JFS has spoken to the landlady and both she and her tenant are greatly relieved that, due to the wonderful community support, GJFS will be able to pay the rent.

“Joe” is a restaurant worker who has been furloughed for at least the next 30 days. Earlier this year, Joe was hospitalized with some major health issues which impeded his ability to work, causing him to fall behind on his March rent. He was just catching up on medical bills and getting back on his feet when the Coronavirus pandemic hit in Florida, closing  the restaurant.  He is anxious to get back to work as soon as possible, even though he has days when he works with much discomfort. In  the meantime, he is in the difficult position of deciding to pay for medications or rent and he has turned to Goodman JFS for some assistance.