8. Jewish Family Services

Project Description

Note: This project will take place online and in person

Context/Background

"...the hundreds of stories could be understood as descriptions of how unconnected local assets got connected. This understanding emphasizes the importance of ABCD work focused on connectors in contrast to leaders. While some leaders are connectors, most connectors are not thought of as leaders."

-John McKnight, Asset Based Community Development: The Essentials

JFS Food Security serves nearly 1000 food insecure community members in Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Coquitlam, North Shore, and Surrey through our Grocery Program, Meal Delivery, and Community Programs. More than 50% of our clients are Jewish, but we serve people of all religions, races, and culture. While food insecurity affects everyone, those who are elderly, LGBTQ+, people of colour, and those with disabilities are disproportionately impacted.

Food Systems Issue(s) Addressed in this Project

To help us understand the impact of our food programs from the perspective of our clients, we would like to hold one or two focus groups with interested clients. This will it will be an opportunity for us to learn from clients about their experiences with our existing programs and for them to provide input on programs that could be developed in the future.

Main Project Activities

• Work with JFS staff to develop a list of questions about food justice and food insecurity
• Facilitate one or two focus groups with clients to listen to, and document, their stories
• Draft a report including individuals' stories, as well as overall learnings and emerging themes
• Reflect on/share a written reflection of their personal learning (discuss with community partner whether the reflections are public-facing, or limited to small-group sharing)

Main Project Deliverable(s)

• 1-2 client focus groups with JFS Food Security clients (recruited by the community partner)
• 1 draft report that incorporates client stories, as well as overall learnings and emerging themes (the report is intended to be inward-facing, but discuss with community partner if some parts of the report might be shared with funders to communicate JFS' impact)
• A short written reflection on the students' learning and experience through the project

Student Assets and Skills (preferred or required)

• Respectful of client confidentiality
• Able to embody JFS Values (care deeply about people, treat everyone with dignity and respect, etc.)
• Good interpersonal skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Are there any mandatory attendance dates (e.g. special event)?

• Focus groups (dates to be determined with the community partner)
• We encourage students to come, as possible, to experience our programs in person. Most programs (packing groceries, cooking, meals, community kitchens), happen M-Th in the mornings

Is a criminal record search (CRS) required?

• Yes
• CRS should be initiated before the first community partner meeting
• CRS instructions will be posted on Canvas. Contact your TA or the Course Coordinator if additional support is required

How much self-direction is expected from the students?

• Deciding on the project deliverable(s): Mostly led by community partner, with some student input
• Developing the activity plan and timeline: Equal leadership between students and community partner
• Scheduling and initiating the communication plan (e.g. weekly Zoom check-in, biweekly email update, etc.): Mostly led by students, with some community partner input
• Implementing the activity plan (e.g. surveying stakeholder groups): Mostly led by students, with some community partner input
• Finalizing the deliverable(s): Mostly led by students, with some community partner input

Related Volunteering/Community Service Opportunities for Students

• Monday-Wednesday mornings (except for Sept 25-Oct 12)
• Packing grocery orders Mondays and Tuesday mornings (except for Sept 25-Oct 12)
• Cooking Assistant for our Meal Delivery Program Thursdays
• Occasional special events (please inquire if interested)

Required Reading

Project/Partner Orientation Materials

Students should review the following materials prior to the first partner meeting. Additional orientation materials may be provided at the first partner meeting.

• Check out our services on our website https://www.jfsvancouver.ca/services/food-services/
• Read our Food Security Brochure (request the .pdf from community partner)
• McKnight, John. Asset-Based Community Development: The Essentials (4 page document)
• Community-Centered Food Support and Care for All: A Convening Report (2021)

Additional Materials

• Reimagining & Decolonizing Charity (Indigenous Climate Action)
• Respectful Dialogues Guide (UBC Equity and Inclusion Office)
• Kretzmann, J.P. & Knight, J.L. (1993). Building Communities from the Inside Out: A Path Toward Finding and Mobilizing a Community's Assets (available from UBC Library)
• "Assessing Community Needs and Resources," Community Tool Box (University of Kansas)
• Riley, D.A. (2018). Place-based Storytelling as a Foundation for Neighborhood Planning and Community Development
• Resilient Neighbourhoods Toolkit (City of Vancouver)