COMMUNITY RELATIONS

The Community Relations Committee fosters and manages the relationship between the Jewish community and the greater Wichita community by monitoring and reacting to the incidents which affect the security of the Jewish community; by reaching out to the wider community to provide information and education regarding the Jewish community; and by joining with other community groups to promote common goals.

Ongoing activities of the CRC include:

• Initiating and maintaining regular contact with the staff of the Wichita Eagle and other local media;
• Encouraging members of the Jewish community to contact their representatives regarding public policies of importance to the Jewish community;
• Updating board members and the community on current issues;
• Maintaining contact with other community organizations in order to keep abreast of current local issues and to build relationships;
• Contacting school officials to make sure they know when major Jewish holidays fall, to avoid scheduling conflicts;
• Maintaining contact with organizations including the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the Jewish Community Relations Bureau/American Jewish Committee of Kansas City (JCRB/AJC), the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the Consulate of Israel, and other Federations, in order to learn of national and international areas of concern.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The MKJF Community Outreach Coordinator visits elderly (or homebound)  and members in our community by phone and personal visit; recruits people to attend Federation and Jewish community events; helps to plan the monthly Café Chevre “not-for-seniors-only” lunch and education program; and provides referrals to social service and governmental organizations that work with seniors and others in the community.

Kimarie Funschelle serves as the MKJF’s Community Outreach Coordinator. Email: kfunschelle@mkjf.org

SOCIAL SERVICE ASSISTANCE

The Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation provides information and referrals, emergency social services, and emergency financial aid for Jewish residents of Wichita and the surrounding area. The social service policy includes the following criteria:

• Federation social services will be considered for persons personally contacting the MKJF office and requesting assistance from the director, president or social worker. Other persons may be referred to the office from other agencies or by the rabbis in the community.
• If a member of the Jewish community contacts the MKJF with a concern regarding the welfare of another in the area, the director or social worker will contact that person to determine what service is indicated. Results of that investigation remain confidential, as does all other social service casework.

Financial assistance is provided for immediate needs, including food, clothing, shelter, utilities and medical.

The MKJF is committed to respecting the privacy and dignity of each individual and their right to ask for and receive assistance in a professional setting.

CAFE CHEVRE

Café Chevre (Friendship Café) is our monthly lunch and education program, open to all who enjoy good company, lunch and an interesting program.

Remember! Café Chevre is “not for seniors only” … everyone is always welcome! We’re always looking for fun and educational programs for Café Chevre…all suggestions are appreciated.

YACHAD

Yachad, a group of Jewish singles, couples, and the “young-at-heart,” meets monthly (or so) in a casual social setting so members can form their own social networks and feel more comfortable attending community events. Now in its ninth year, this dinner/social group continues going strong. Yachad is an “outreach” group with members of all ages and is open to anyone who would like to attend! Newcomers are especially welcome.

Food, fun and friends keep Yachad going strong!