FOR IMMEDIATE RELASE
October 03, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT
Melissa Goodson, Chief Development Officer, 734-769-0209 ext. 375
Anya Abramzon, Chief Executive Officer, 734-769-0209 ext. 351

Annual Ann Arbor “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” Fundraiser set to surpass $125,000!

Register to walk or donate today and help JFS Annual “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” 2022 raise $125,000 for refugee resettlement in Washtenaw County.

“It was always my dream to travel around the world and visit USA. From my little town in Ukraine, it seemed like a crazy dream, but I really hoped that it will happen one day. I watched movies and fantasized about winning a scholarship. And hoped that I would be lucky enough to visit someday.

I did get lucky. When the war started my family managed to escape. After months of hiding in basements and waiting for sirens to go silent… we escaped to Poland. My mom, my sister and I. My dad had to go back to defend our country. He made sure we were safe. Then we got lucky again when a kind couple from Michigan, people we didn’t know and will forever be grateful to, decided to sponsor us. They brought us to Ann Arbor and opened their home to us. They are helping us remember life before the war. But they need help too, as they don’t know how to help us best and what steps we need to take to get our own home and to manage our lives.

Two days after we arrived, we met Cynthia from an organization called JFS. We shared our story with her and it felt like we were finally in a safe place. “We are here to help.” These words meant so much to us. We feel so lucky again to be supported and guided through these first months of our new lives in Michigan. As our worker from JFS brings food and school supplies to us, helps us with phone calls and all of our appointments, we are learning every day. We are grateful for all of the assistance. But more than anything, we are grateful for the kindness. We know now what the world can look like without it.

Sunday, October 9 JFS hosts its second annual “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” fundraiser. The event provides an opportunity for participants to pause and consider some of the experiences, including the traumas, losses, fears, and hopes that our clients - refugees - face every day.

Typical costs for a family of three to four included an apartment, typically $1,200 per month, plus $400 for utilities and $250 per month for groceries. Currently, most apartment buildings require a six-month deposit to move in. Other household essentials needs such as furniture, lights, linens and dishes typically cost to provide a family housing can be $10,000! JFS is currently providing this level of funding for Ukrainian families exclusively through donations. We receive no government, state or other grant funds for these families and we receive no county support for these services.

JFS has a wonderful group of employees and volunteers who put in countless hours to provide an array of services for newly arriving families, including employment counseling, trauma therapy and youth groups. With 9 short days before the event JFS Sponsors, Donors and Community are rallying to surpass the $125,000 goal through large and major gifts, and an exciting $10,000 challenge. Funds raised will support all resettlement needs; housing, food & nutrition, employment services, transportation, and mental health. While registration for the event is free, you are encouraged to ask your friends and family to join your team or sponsor your journey and JFS' mission of creating solutions, promoting dignity, and inspiring humanity.

Donate or Register free online (https://jfswc.akaraisin.com/ui/WalkAMile2022) or at the Registration table the day of the event, Sunday October 9. Registration begins at 9:00am at Burns Park Elementary School (1300 Baldwin Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104). Plenty of parking is available in the school parking lot, on Wells Street, and on the side streets Granger and Olivia. The walk will kick-off at 10:00am, with a moment of silent reflection before the Grand Marshal starts the walk. Participants will enjoy music and refreshments. The event ends at 12:00pm. The event will be held rain or shine. Participants are encouraged to monitor the weather and dress appropriately.

About Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County

Serving our community since 1993, JFS is dedicated to strengthening family life, fostering individual self-sufficiency, and promoting improved social and economic conditions. JFS provides services for ALL residents of Washtenaw County. We are committed to providing affordable, accessible, holistically-oriented and culturally sensitive care to our clients, whatever their identification, affiliation, lifestyle, background, race, religious creed, or national origin.