Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services
Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services (KJFS) continues to proudly serve the Jewish Community and to reach out to those in need throughout Southern Maine. We have been providing all members of our community with critical health and human services, regardless of religion, ethnicity, cultural background, gender identification, ability, or age. Our programs are designed to meet compelling, immediate needs in ways that demonstrate the commitment to gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness) in the service of tikkun olam (repairing the world).
The life-changing and wide-ranging services are provided by professional staff, supported by our extended family of dedicated volunteers and generous donors.
KJFS is the first National Diaper Bank Network Participant in Maine.
As a member of the National Diaper Bank Network, we access diapers for 40% of the retail cost.
Unfortunately, diaper need is a significant issue in Southern Maine, with many families facing the heartbreaking challenge of deciding between buying diapers, food, or paying rent each month. We currently provide diapers to nearly 700 families on a bi-monthly basis (50 diapers per child). KJFS now also distributes wipes and menstrual hygiene products.
Volunteer
Volunteers allow the JCA to fulfill its mission to the Jewish community and the greater Portland community. Bringing light to those dark areas of our world, volunteering at the Jewish Community Alliance will impact your life as much as those you serve. If you are interested in being a part of this project, please contact our Volunteer Manager, Adam Seigal.
There are many ways to give back. Whatever your path to developing your influence on Portland’s Jewish community, we can guide you. By investing time, talent, treasure, or all three, through the JCA, your gift and involvement will do more good for more people — including you — than you may have thought possible.
Diaper Bank
The Diaper Bank distributes diapers that support children of all backgrounds. The JCA is the only diaper bank in Southern Maine that is affiliated with the National Diaper Bank Network. We distribute diapers and wipes directly to clients and also partner with more than a dozen agencies to reach even more families in need.
- Diaper Packaging, Labeling & Sorting: Prepare diapers for distribution to client families
- Storage Management: Move diapers to and from the storage unit
- Diaper Delivery: Deliver diapers to the homes of clients experiencing diaper need
Community Programs
The JCA offers diverse cultural, educational, and social opportunities for engagement with our community, through films, exhibits, music, book talks, adult-ed classes, children’s programming, informal clubs and discussion groups, and holiday celebrations and gatherings.
We welcome volunteers to share ideas, energy, and participation in JCA programs! If you have time and talent to share, or are interested in organizing or leading an activity, we want to hear from you! Potential volunteer roles include:
- Greet visitors at the front desk (particularly needed during evenings and weekends).
- Managing/supporting major events like the JCA’s Annual Meeting each September
- Teaching a class in an area of your expertise
Center Day Camp
Center Day Camp, located in Windham, was established in 1949 on 27 spectacular acres of woods, fields, and shoreline. Generations of campers have spent their days lakeside, forming lifelong friendships, learning new skills, and experiencing the magic of camp. Today, CDC is a non-denominational day camp of the Jewish Community Alliance, welcoming campers aged 5-15 of all faiths and backgrounds, while exploring Jewish traditions. Volunteers can support CDC by assisting with:
- Camp Preparation & Set-Up (April – May)
- Assist with weekly maintenance of camp buildings
- Camp Breakdown (September – October)
