Female Hebrew Benevolent Society (FHBS): Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:29, 9 June 2020

Envisioning a World Where Jewish Women are Free from Financial Struggles and Can Move Toward Self-Sufficiency and Economic Security

Founded 200-years ago by the women of Congregation Mikveh Israel and guided by Rebecca Gratz, the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society remains the oldest Jewish charity in continuous existence in the United States. It is also the first independent organization established by Jews to serve Jews in the City of Philadelphia.

FHBS concentrates on four specific areas of assistance: emergency aid, including a small number of monthly stipends, personal emergency response systems for frail, elderly women, a pharmacy stipend program and camp scholarships. All cases are considered individually, taking into account any extenuating circumstances. Requests are filled as the treasury permits, often within a 24-hour period. Referrals come from communal professionals who screen the client to verify and prioritize her needs before making a recommendation to FHBS.

Note: The above descriptive information came from the organization's About page.

In The News

Jewish Groups Make Financial Resources Available Amid Crisis, Jewish Exponent, April 2, 2020.

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 {{toplink|url=http://www.fhbs.org|name=fhbs.org}}<blockquote>''Envisioning a World Where Jewish Women are Free from Financial Struggles and Can Move Toward Self-Sufficiency and Economic Security''</blockquote>
-Founded 200-years ago by the women of Congregation Mikveh Israel and guided by Rebecca Gratz, the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society remains the oldest Jewish charity in continuous existence in the United States. It is also the first independent organization established by Jews to serve Jews in the City of Philadelphia. In her chosen role as the first secretary, a position she held for nearly 40-years, Gratz set the stage for placing FHBS at the forefront of American Jewish social service.
+Founded 200-years ago by the women of Congregation Mikveh Israel and guided by Rebecca Gratz, the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society remains the oldest Jewish charity in continuous existence in the United States. It is also the first independent organization established by Jews to serve Jews in the City of Philadelphia.
-The Society is overseen by a volunteer board of 13-managers who assume responsibility for administration and almost all overhead. There are no paid employees. Future board members serve as observers at semiannual meetings and gradually take on tasks as their knowledge of and commitment to our mission increases. Former board members may choose to serve as emeritae, participating in an advisory capacity to the extent that they are interested and able.
 FHBS concentrates on four specific areas of assistance: emergency aid, including a small number of monthly stipends, personal emergency response systems for frail, elderly women, a pharmacy stipend program and camp scholarships. All cases are considered individually, taking into account any extenuating circumstances. Requests are filled as the treasury permits, often within a 24-hour period. Referrals come from communal professionals who screen the client to verify and prioritize her needs before making a recommendation to FHBS.