THE JEWISH FEDERATION of Greater MetroWest NJ will allocate up to $1 million from its Emergency Reserves Fund to help meet the growing needs in the community due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This crisis requires a response unlike any before it,” said the federation’s UJA Campaign chair, Michael Goldberg. “In this time of unimaginable uncertainty, we’re on the front lines with our partners, serving those in our community who are counting on us the most.”

The leaders of the federation, whose board of trustees voted to allocate the funds on March 18, have been in constant contact with its partner agencies to determine the most pressing needs as they evolve. Among them: the need for provision of groceries and food, including kosher goods, for the elderly, people in financial distress, and those who are physically isolated; support to ensure that those currently receiving or in need of mental health counseling can access a licensed provider; and funding for coverage of care workers in the homes of older adults who require extra assistance. The federation board has empowered a lay task force to swiftly approve direct payments to its constituent agencies to meet these and other needs.

“This is what your federation does,” said its president, Scott Krieger, in a video message to donors. “We are always here. We never close. It is because of your support of the UJA annual campaign that we are able to react in this emergency in a manner that is necessary and right.”

For resources and additional information, visit jfedgmw.org/covid-19response.