Jewish Relief Agency
 | This article contains promotional content. (June 2018) |
 | |
| Abbreviation | JRA |
|---|---|
| Founded | Incorporated April 14, 2008[1] |
| Founders | Marc Erlbaum, Rabbi Menachem Schmidt |
| 26-2578017 | |
| Legal status | 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization |
| Headquarters | Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, United States |
Region | Greater Philadelphia area, Chicago, Greenwich, Connecticut, Pittsburgh, MetroWest New Jersey, South Jersey |
| Services | Helps needy Greater Philadelphia area individuals by providing monthly food packages and assisting with home repairs and daily tasks they are unable to do on their own, enabling them to live successfully in their own homes. Provides support, leadership, and resources to assist other communities throughout the country to build hunger relief programs.[2] |
| Marc Erlbaum[3] | |
Treasurer | Greg Jaron |
| Revenue | $1,086,329[2] (in 2014) |
| Expenses | $906,238[2] (in 2014) |
| Employees | 6 (in 2018) |
| Volunteers | 15,500[2] (in 2013) |
| Website | www |
The Jewish Relief Agency (JRA) is a charitable organization and independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which serves over 6,000 diverse low-income individuals across Greater Philadelphia.
JRA's work is fueled by volunteers who serve those in need in a variety of ways – including, packing and delivering a box of food, giving seniors and the disabled rides to the doctor and grocery store, making friendly visits to isolated members of the community, and more. JRA volunteers come from many backgrounds, age groups, and abilities. This includes a wide range of community organizations including Jewish camps, Hillel branches, synagogues and churches, colleges, schools, corporations and others. On an average, 1,000 volunteers participate monthly to pack and deliver food packages at JRA's Food Distributions.[citation needed]
Founding and history
[edit]In an attempt to fill the aid gap they saw in the Greater Philadelphia Jewish community, the Agency was founded in September 2000 by Marc Erlbaum and Rabbi Menachem Schmidt. They began with three volunteers serving 19 Russian speaking families with just one U-haul truck and purchased food from BJs. Today, JRA serves over 6,000 individuals of all backgrounds in more than 3,200 households.[citation needed]
Services and volunteer opportunities
[edit]JRA provides many services to its recipients, and primarily through volunteer participation. JRA recipients are eligible for services if their household income is within 150% of the Federal Poverty Level and they live in JRA's service area (some exceptions may apply based on need).
JRA services include the following:
- A monthly supplemental box of Kosher pantry staples and fresh produce (from September through May)
- Donated household items, toiletries, kids' apparel, diapers and adult incontinence supplies.
- Other services, dependent on volunteer availability.[citation needed]
JRA expansion locations
[edit]Various communities, inspired by JRA's work in the Greater Philadelphia region, have opened JRA programs in their locations including Chicago, Greenwich, Connecticut, Pittsburgh, MetroWest New Jersey, and South Jersey. These programs are operated independently of the Philadelphia organization.[citation needed]
References
[edit]- ^ "Jewish Relief Agency". Business Entity Details. Pennsylvania Department of State. Accessed on March 7, 2016.
- ^ a b c d "Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax". Jewish Relief Agency. Guidestar. August 31, 2014.
- ^ "Board Members Archived 2016-03-07 at the Wayback Machine". Jewish Relief Agency. Accessed on March 7, 2016.