The current economic situation has affected countless companies and individuals. Giants of industry and titans of commerce have felt the stinging blow of the current recession, but it is the most vunerable among us who have the least resources at their disposal for recovery.

At the request of the Clergy and Professionals group, the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis has initiated a number of services targeted to the Jewish community. The Federation Board of Directors has allocated a limited amount of funding to the Albert & Sara Reuben Senior and Community Resource Center and the Community Social Worker to assist them in implementing the Employment Options Program. The program is being implemented with a three-pronged approach.

Social Services: expansion of hours for Julie Sondhelm, our Community Social Worker,
up to 10 additional hours per month, which will be dedicated to issues surrounding employment or unemployment matters. Julie will be the contact person for all intake on the Employment Options Program, and can be reached at 259.6822 or via email.

Employment Development: Ruthie Rifkin will be forming relationships with businesses and organizations where clients could be employed and/or trained.

Job Skills Training: Stacy Segal, a Human Resources professional, will be reviewing and updating resumes, conducting mock interview skill training, creating individual plans for employment searches, etc.

In addition to the above professionals, there will be community-based programming such as educational workshops, mortgage and credit counseling services, panel discussions, and more, held in partnership with other agencies.

We have also been contacting members of the community to offer pro-bono services in areas such as: medical, dental, counseling, legal services, bankruptcy, etc. In order to effectively and efficiently deliver these services we are asking all agencies and professionals to refer potential clients directly to Julie Sondhelm. Additionally, should you have any suggestions or ideas for potential community programming please contact either Julie Sondhelm or Lori Moss so that we can reach the entire community. Lori can be reached at 259.6822 or via email.

Main Number:                         317-259-6822
Fax Number:                       317-259-6823

Ann Allen, NORC Coordinator for ElderSource  ext 2

Cindy Wides, Community Resource Coordinator  ext 3

Lori Moss, ElderSource Director  ext 4

Christy Morris, Social Worker (65+)  ext 5

Julie Sondhelm, Social Worker (Community Services)  ext 6

Linda Dunn, Program Coordinator  ext 7