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Jewish Community Relations Council

We invite the RELIGIOUS, the SECULAR, the UNINVOLVED, the YOUNG and OLD to come together in service of a COMMON GOOD far greater than the differences that divide us.

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JCRC's Making a Difference One Day at a time

The Homer Davis Project needs supplies donated for the children of the Homer Davis Elementary School. When you are shopping for school supplies for your kids and grandkids pick up a few extra items and drop them off at Federation for the children at Homer Davis. Supplies that are needed are: pens, pencils, colored pencils, pencil boxes, highlighters, erasers, folders, 24 pack of crayons, rulers, glue, glue sticks, safety scissors, folders, tissues, spiral notebooks, composition notebooks, 1" 3 ring binders, large hand sanitizers, mini hand sanitizers, etc. For a complete list of school supplies needed please -contact Jane Scott at 577-9393, ext 114. Please drop off supplies at the Federation office by September 10, 2010.

JCRC’s Homer Davis Project - Volunteer Opportunities

Join with Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council as we continue to make a difference in our community.  This year, we are again focusing on youth at risk and are continuing our work with our “adopted” elementary school Homer Davis which is in the Flowing Wells School District.  Making a Difference Every Day: The Homer Davis Project provides many different opportunities for all members of our community to become involved.  Do you work well with children?  We need 10-15 weekly volunteers to tutor students in Math and English for one to two hours each week. Volunteers need to be able to commit to one study session (1-2hrs) a week for a minimum of 8 weeks during the school year.  Volunteers will need to be fingerprinted and processed. Fingerprinting date: June 15, 2:30pm on a first-come, first-serve basis, at the Flowing Wells Unified School District Administrative Offices, Human Resources, 1556 W Prince Rd. There is no charge for this service.  ID required.  Please RSVP to Jane Scott at 577-9393, ext 114 by June 14th.

Due to the time involved in the process, volunteer commitments are needed now. If you can help us make a difference in the life of a child, please contact Jane Scott at 577-9393, ext 114.

 

Jewish Community Relations Council
of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona
Statement on SB 1070 and the Need for Federal Immigration Reform

The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona has serious concerns about the new law, Immigration:  Law Enforcement; Safe Neighborhoods Act (SB 1070) and its potential impact on human rights and human dignity.  We acknowledge the need for a more secure border and comprehensive immigration reform that places priority on the safety and security of Arizona’s citizens, and thus urge Congress to immediately introduce comprehensive immigration reform that will address fair legal immigration policies and a commitment to enforcement that respects human dignity and human rights for all.

As members of the Jewish community who have been considered “strangers” throughout history, we know well the fear of living as “outsiders .”   The Torah (Hebrew Bible) states that we “shall have one law for the stranger and the citizens alike” (Leviticus 24:22), and tells us seventeen distinct times to “Love the stranger.”  In addition, we are commanded to establish a fair justice system and to “judge the people with righteous justice” (Deuteronomy 16:12).  These passages provide great relevance with respect to the rights of immigrants. 

With this law, local law enforcement officers who have “reasonable suspicion” about a person’s immigration status are required to demand immigration papers.  We are concerned that this will create distrust between local law enforcement and those they are sworn to serve and protect.   We are also concerned that members of the immigrant and Latino communities, both legal citizens and non-citizens, will be reluctant to report crimes or to cooperate with local law enforcement out of fear of discrimination for or separation from their families and themselves. 

We hope bipartisan support will address a fair immigration policy, as our nation is committed to enforcement that respects human dignity and human rights.

Help the Jewish Community Help Others - Make a Difference!

Not ready to join a synagogue or organization, but want to get connected to your Jewish Community? VOLUNTEER

Like to work with children, do historical research, be a docent, do office work? Whatever your interest there is something for you. Contribute as much time as you want. Local non-profit organizations need your help

Contact Brenda Landau

Tucson Holocaust Survivors Website

JCRC adopts Homer Davis Elementary School

Join the Jewish Community Relations Council in our adopt-a-school program, Making a Difference Every Day: The Homer Davis Project in our effort to reach out to underserved school children in our community at Homer Davis Elementary School, part of the Flowing Wells School District.

“Homer Davis Elementary has a high poverty population [in its enrollment]   that, at any given time, hovers around 86% at or below the United States poverty limits. This means that 86% of their children are receiving free or reduced breakfast and lunch at school,” says Liz Groskind, Co-Chair of the Homer Davis Project and a member of the JCRC.  “The JCRC was looking for a school to work with that was in a socio-economic area that required a true partnership, one that was performing, and one that was dedicated to improving the lives its students and the community,” she also said.

The Homer Davis Project serves Homer Davis Elementary through homework help for students, an outdoor beautification project, snacks and meal packs for the neediest students, as well as providing backpacks and school supplies.  The school is K-6 with about 450 students. JCRC plans to attract community partners from the Jewish community, the business community, individual donors and, especially, in the school district’s zip code, 85705, in an effort to make this an ongoing sustainable community wide project.

“Homer Davis Elementary School is proud to have a community partnership with the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona,” according to Brett Bonner the school’s principal. “Through this collaboration, sustainable programs are being implemented to provide direct services to students who reside in a high poverty demographic. Services involve revitalizing our school outdoor habitat, providing healthy snacks, academic tutoring, and supplying students with needed school materials.” 

 “With a combined effort, student needs are being met. The partnership with the Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona is valued and is truly making a significant impact,” Principal Bonner went on to say.

The Homer Davis Project needs your help. If you or someone you know would like to volunteer as a homework helper, donor, community partner, or sponsor, we would like to hear from you. For additional information, please contact Brenda Landau, 577-9393, ext. 134 or blandau@jfsa.org for more information.