Jewish Family Services

Supporting and strengthening lives throughout Greater Kansas City.

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Kesher KC Care Bags

Kesher KC Care Bags are an extension of the food pantry program at JFS. The Care Bags were intended for people seeking food assistance from the JFS food pantry without an appointment (“walk-in” clients). The bags allow JFS to meet the immediate food needs of potential clients while setting up an appointment to connect them with JFS’ full array of services.

Kesher KC Care Bags are now available for people to assist others they encounter who may be experiencing homelessness and/or need a meal. Keep Kesher KC Care Bags in your car or take them with you on foot to give out whenever the opportunity arises. Giving a Care Bag is an opportunity to provide food for another person who is struggling while treating them with dignity and respect.

KesherKC Chronicle Article

Care Bags were initially developed thanks to an innovation grant from the Community Legacy Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation.

Purchase Kesher KC Care Bags

What’s in the Kesher KC Care Bag?

Each bag contains food for a day that is relatively easy to heat, serve, and eat. No can opener needed. Items in the bag are common foods that most people enjoy and include fruit, vegetables, and protein. Each bag also includes a guide to local community connections that provide hot meals and other resources.

When you give a Care Bag…
      • Be respectful. This person may not need or be able to take the Care Bag. Recognize that every person and situation is different and they may not want what you are offering.
      • If you are in your car, open your window and say hi. Take a moment and slip the bag out your window to someone on a street corner or freeway ramp.
      • Smile. This person probably gets ignored by hundreds of people every day.
      • Make eye contact. It shows the person they matter.
      • Be available to have a conversation. If you are on foot, you can take the time to talk. Some people won’t want to interact, so be sensitive. Others will be delighted to tell you their story.
      • Be wise. The majority of homeless men and women in our community are not dangerous — they’re people just like the rest of us. But you should always be aware of your surroundings and avoid situations that you feel might put you at risk.
What you could add to your bag… (consider adding one or two of the following)
          • Water bottle
          • Warm socks, gloves, or hand warmer (in the winter)
          • Hand wipes or a pack of tissues
          • Personal hygiene items such as toothbrush & toothpaste, band-aids, chapstick, comb, brush, nail clippers
          • Mints, cough drops, or gum
          • Misc items like earplugs, batteries, sunscreen
          • A few dollars (this is a personal choice – there is no right or wrong answer)
          • A bus pass or gas card

CARE Bag TIPS – PDF

Volunteer Opportunities

Contact volunteer@jfskc.org to schedule a date to pack Care Bags or to host a drive for items in the Care Bags!

    • “All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors—in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.”

    • — Fred Rogers

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Upcoming Events

Apr
15
Thu
5:00 pm JFS L,L&L Virtual Yom Ha’Atzmaut...
JFS L,L&L Virtual Yom Ha’Atzmaut...
Apr 15 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Register to receive Zoom link for this FREE program Meghann Hennen, a Jewish preschool teacher, based in Cleveland, Ohio, discovered challah’s incredible impact on her life firsthand when she decided to start her own challah[...]
Apr
18
Sun
10:00 am JFS at The J Community Food Drive @ The J KC
JFS at The J Community Food Drive @ The J KC
Apr 18 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
5801 W 115th St., Overland Park. Help stock our Food Pantry! The mos t-needed items this month are canned fruit and vegetables and multi-purpose cleaner sprays. Drop off will be in the front circle drive where[...]
Apr
19
Mon
3:00 pm JFS Virtual Happiness Habits
JFS Virtual Happiness Habits
Apr 19 @ 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Start your week off with a habit to help foster happiness! As we face ever changing uncertainty in our daily lives, we know there are habits that foster happiness regardless of our circumstances. Join us[...]
Apr
21
Wed
11:30 am JFS Grief and Loss Support
JFS Grief and Loss Support
Apr 21 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Meets first and third WednesdayThe ongoing support group is for individuals grieving fromthe death of a loved one. The group provides an opportunityto address issues of loss and grief within a Jewish spiritualcontext in a[...]
Apr
22
Thu
11:00 am JFS Nurses Virtual Support Group
JFS Nurses Virtual Support Group
Apr 22 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Join a group of your peers along with a JFS licensed clinical professional and a registered nurse for: • Safe and confidential space • Peer support • Coping skills Space is limited. To join this[...]
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5801 W. 115th St., Suite 103 | Overland Park, KS 66211
913.327.8250 · info@jfskc.org

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