Economic Vulnerability in the Jewish Community
The 2018-2019 Greater Denver Jewish Community Study is the most recent compilation of data around economic vulnerability in the Jewish community. Over 2,500 Jewish households in metro Denver and the Boulder region participated in the survey which provides an in-depth look at the area’s Jewish population, demographic composition, philanthropy and volunteering practices, community engagement levels, connection to Jewish life, and more.
JFS was interested to learn that 17% of the households reported they could not manage or are just managing to make ends meet, and of that 17%, only 9% reached out to a Jewish agency or synagogue for help.
Overall Study
Approximately 91,000 Jewish people in 51,100 households
74% live in Metro Denver and 26% in Boulder
25% have lived in the area fewer than 10 years
Less than half of Jewish adults feel connected to any Jewish community and just over half feel disconnected, with 13% being dues-paying members of a synagogue
Jewish Economic Vulnerability
Defined as those who report they cannot manage or are just managing to make ends meet
8,700 or 17% of households
31% of these households have adults 65+, and 28% have kids under 18
Vulnerability by the numbers
Costs are barriers to engaging in Jewish life
How JFS is responding to economic vulnerability
Ensure our Jewish leaders and community know about our more than 30 programs and services and how to access them.
Build staff capacity and knowledge to serve the Jewish community.
Strengthen awareness of the Baskin Community Chaplain program for spiritual guidance for the unaffiliated.
Created Employment Services Department and participating in Project EM: Empowering and Employing our Community, in partnership with The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies (NJHSA), and the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). Project EM is a U.S. nationwide network that provides job seekers with the resources they need to find work.
Convene various stakeholders in our community to discuss Jewish economic vulnerability and uncover solutions to the systemic causes.
To learn more about Jewish Economic Vulnerability and resources available to address it, please contact Lisa Soicher, Jewish Community Liaison, 720.780.8728.