Personal Reflections from the President & CEO
President & CEO
Week 9 In the Trenches
Hurricane Season starts in two weeks………………let that sink in. Most reports I have seen are predicting a very active Hurricane storm season. Typically, households are encouraged to ready themselves for the season by stocking up on non-perishables, batteries, and other essential supplies in preparation for whatever storm comes our way. For individuals and families still waiting for unemployment checks and older adults suffering from a reduction in their monthly income, I worry about how they will be able to adequately prepare for this year’s Hurricane season.
If we do end up having an active Hurricane season, an already stressed system is once again going to be overloaded. Where will households living in evacuation zones go since we will certainly be continuing to practice social distancing for the for-seeable future. Who will want to go to a Hurricane shelter and be further exposed to others who may be non-symptomatic COVID-19 carriers?
Right about now, among all the other challenges we are facing, JFS is planning for Hurricane Season – reviewing our policies and procedures and preparing for the season. All while we are in the mists of trying to figure out our own re-entry plans and continuing to process emergency financial assistance and food requests. I see trouble brewing and the best we can do is prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Now more than ever, community support is going to be required to support those individuals and families who are already struggling during this pandemic, and now must worry about how they will manage Hurricane season. An already stressed food delivery system, where pantries like the Jacobson Family Food Pantry, are seeing shortages of food donations provided by area food banks, must continue to be a source of sustenance for the community. Many questions remain unanswered and will require further thought and consideration.
The Hebrew word “Kadima” comes to mind……..Kadima is translated in English to “Forward” - a constant movement forward. It feels apropos for these times. Kadima!
Shabbat Shalom,
