Jewish groups may receive funds from Mass. state budget
By Kristin Erekson
The Jewish Advocate
In a tight budget climate, two local Jewish organizations have succeeded in taking the first steps to receiving state funding for programs utilized throughout the Commonwealth.
The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston and the Massachusetts Association of Jewish Federations achieved their initial goal of finding state representatives to sponsor amendments in the House budget that would provide financial support in 2008 for several initiatives aimed at helping area seniors, Russian teens and disadvantaged women, according to Irit Tamir, director of government affairs at the JCRC.
The House passed its version of the budget last week which included the requested funds, and it has now moved on to the Senate for approval.
"With a lot of talk in cutting down on programs and the fact that we were successful in getting the programs funded in the House is a testament to the fact that these are good programs that help people," Tamir said.
The House stated that it would fund $525,000 for natural occurring retirement community (NORC) programs, which allow seniors to age in place by providing services to them in their homes. Currently run by Jewish Family and Children's Service and Jewish Family Service of Metrowest, the NORC program could also be brought to Jewish Family Service of the North Shore and Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts if the budget is passed by the governor.
"The [NORC] program is so pivotal for many of my constituents because it helps them…stay out of nursing homes," said state Rep. Christopher G. Fallon (D-Malden), who was one of six legislators that sponsored an amendment for the NORC service in the House budget.
Financial support for the Outreach to Russian Teens at Risk program, which helps Russian youth deal with societal issues, was also passed by the House.
In addition to helping people at risk, House legislators approved funding for the Jewish Vocational Service's Women's Career Mentoring program, which provides guidance and encouragement to women with little or no work experience.
Jerry Rubin, president and CEO of JVS, said he was "thrilled" by the House's decision to provide financial support to the mentoring service.
Rubin added: "This program is extremely important because it gives [women] the opportunity to get the support they need and opportunities to move up in their careers.
