Explore the Jewish Assistance Network (JAssist)
When someone needs a little extra support — as we all do from time to time — locating resources to meet that need shouldn’t feel like an additional burden. The Jewish Assistance Network (JAssist), powered by CJP in collaboration with organizational partners and local social service agencies, makes it easier for community members to anonymously identify and access services nearby. It reduces barriers to finding help and empowers individuals with the knowledge and support we all need to thrive.
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Legal
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Financial
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Housing & utilities
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Transportation
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Food
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Health & wellness
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Employment
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Family & care
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Jewish life
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Frequently Asked Questions
Contact usYad Chessed provides support to the Jewish community in three primary ways:
1) Emergency financial assistance for housing, utilities, clothing, medical expenses, and other essentials, including Jewish burials.
2) Grocery gift cards.
3) Compassionate care, advice, and referrals about available resources. Depending on an individual’s unique circumstances they may receive any or all the above forms of assistance.
Yad Chessed is located in Waltham, MA, and is a regional Jewish social services agency. The majority of our clients live in Greater Boston; however, we also provide assistance to Jewish individuals and families living throughout Massachusetts and surrounding regions.
Our typical client has an annual income of less than $15,000 per year, or less than $120,000 a year for a family of 4. Though we have the flexibility to offer assistance to people who have a higher income who may need emergency support.
We know it can be difficult to ask for help. We assure you that your discussions with Yad Chessed and any information you provide will be confidential. Those seeking assistance need to fill out our intake form – click “Get Help” above. A social worker will ask you to fill out an application and provide information about your situation, income and any government aid you receive. To speak with someone in our office about getting help, please call (781) 487-2693 or email us at intake@yadchessed.org.
Yad Chessed assists more than 1,000 households, approximately 2,000 individuals.
To speak with someone in our office about getting help, please call (781) 487-2693 or email us at intake@yadchessed.org.
Yad Chessed’s programs are funded exclusively by individual donors and foundations from our caring and compassionate community. This means we have a lot of flexibility in how we distribute our funds, but also that every dollar we raise is critical to ensuring we can remain a safety net for our Jewish community.
Yes! Our goal is to have as many people know about our work as possible. We’d be happy to come speak to your synagogue, group, or organization. Together we can ensure that Jewish people in our community know where to turn to for help, where and how to fulfill mitzvahs (good deeds), and how to refer people in need to services.
People give to Yad Chessed throughout the year to support people in need, including gifts to honor life cycle events like birthdays and weddings, on Jewish holidays, to honor a loved one’s passing, and more. Yad Chessed relies on donations of all sizes to continue our work – last year, 64% of all donations were $100 or less.
Yes! If you provide reduced cost or pro bono services our clients may need (dentist, lawyer, etc.) please fill out our contact form (linked above) to let us know your area of expertise and availability. You can also volunteer as holiday meal delivery driver or helping us with in-office tasks.