From the Desk of CEO Judy Halper: June 2018

Supporting the well-being of children and families is a central focus of the mission of Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis. Providing support, guidance, and resources is a privilege and an honor, and we offer this with boundless compassion. Not only do we offer assistance with empathy, but also with tremendous skill and experience, and this is exhibited by our exceptional staff and our committed Board of Directors.

That is why we are strongly expressing our concern regarding the treatment of children and families at our southern border. In alliance with our national organization, the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies, and in collaboration with our local Jewish Community Relations Council, and with our national representatives in Washington, D.C. who advocate on behalf of the populations we serve, we are urging our elected officials to stop the immoral and destructive acts of separating children from their parents as they enter the U.S.

Please see the letter we have signed on to addressing this issue and feel free to join us in this effort. You can reach out to your local and national representatives and make sure your voice is heard. I often state the famous words of the late U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone who said “We all do better, when we all do better.” Helping refugees and immigrants to find safety in an adopted new home, and providing the support to aid them in becoming productive citizens is important and essential.

As we approach the birthday of our great country, I hope we will have much to celebrate. Ensuring that children and parents who are currently separated are reunited, and that the United States of America is once again welcoming people seeking freedom would be a great start to the holiday.