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I’m writing in response to the article posted earlier this year by Olivier Uyttebrouck, “Jewish Family Service of N.M. Closes Doors.”
Although an attempt was made to contact Olivier offering our response, we were unable to connect with him, and we feel it’s important to share our story for your readers as many have publicly expressed their opinions as to how and why we closed our doors, without benefit of the facts.
Jewish Family Service was guided by the Jewish principle of Tikkun Olam – Repairing the World, Helping One Family at a Time. That was our mission!
Our programs included transportation for seniors, case/care management, a community food pantry, wellness programs, Jewish Community Chaplaincy, and housekeeping/companions to name a few – providing meaningful and important services to thousands of New Mexicans in need. We did good work!
Over the years, we were appreciative of the financial support offered by the community at large and were grateful for the ability to obtain grants and other funding in an otherwise challenging economy.
Last year we saw an increase of 18 percent in the number of clients served from the year before, with projections going even higher for 2013.
With the reality in the limit of funds available from all sectors this year and nonprofits vying for the funding dollars, it became apparent that Jewish Family Service could no longer continue to operate in the manner under these eroding conditions. We looked at our options and considered all scenarios, but saw no prospect of new funding to keep the service operating.
After weeks of meetings and discussions, Jewish Family Service sadly announced that after 28 years of providing services to families and seniors in the greater Albuquerque area and Santa Fe, our doors would be closing and all programs discontinued. Many of our programs have continued under other auspices.
We chose to dissolve our services in a responsible manner to avoid filing for bankruptcy. This allowed for our most vulnerable clients to be directed to other agencies for assistance, to make sure that all past supporters were contacted and thanked, and to direct some assets to other charities to continue programs similar to those offered by Jewish Family Service; we worked closely with the city on closing/ transferring existing contracts, and we worked with vendors to satisfy all debts.
In other words, winding down in a dignified, methodical and thoughtful way.
Needless to say, this process has been stressful – for the dedicated staff, the board, our valued clients and the community.
I’m hopeful that the legacy of Jewish Family Service of New Mexico will transcend any lingering questions as to our difficult decision, and perhaps in the future it may once again became a major source of comfort and assistance to those in need.
