From left, Harve Mogul, president & CEO of United Way of Miami-Dade, Fred Stock, president & CEO of JCS, and Antonio Villamil, founder & principal of Washington Economics Group at JCS’ annual meeting. (Submitted photo)
By Sergio Carmona
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
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Jewish Community Services of South Florida recently hosted its 15th Annual Meeting at Temple Israel of Greater Miami.
During the event, the results of an extensive study JCS commissioned from the Washington Economics Group was made public. This report determined that for every dollar in donations and funding spent to produce JCS programs, the social service agency generates an annual economic impact of $32.47 for a total of $434 million. J. Antonio Villamil, founder and principal of WEG, was the event’s keynote presenter and during his speech, noted that the report details how JCS’ highly efficient operations and low operating budget through partnerships with funding agencies, community organizations and local leaders continuously strengthen its outreach and expand its social and economic impacts with successful program outcomes.
“Social service organizations provide a significant contribution to economic development,” Villamil told the guests at the event. “I have learned a lot about all of your work and all that you do. It really pleases me to be able to be here today and explain some of the data.”
Fred Stock, JCS’ president and CEO, noted “The importance of investing in our community’s future by investing in JCS can’t be overstated.”
“Our programs bridging the gap between those who are struggling and those who are self-sufficient has a very positive economic and social impact on South Florida,” Stock added. “A dollar invested in JCS today pays dividends for years to come in countless ways, such as moving people from dependency and taxpayer assistance to gainful employment; enabling seniors to continue to live at home rather than in government-subsidized healthcare facilities; building support networks that alleviate the economic and social consequences of addiction and violence; and providing kosher food and other assistance so that families can resume their productive place in society.”
The meeting’s highlights also included recognition of staff for long-time service, including Jeffrey Schoenfeld, who was honored for 35 years of work, and a presentation of the Employer of the Year Award to LSG Sky Chef, Inc. for making a substantial commitment to JCS’ clients by providing training, employment and new opportunities.
Videos of the event and a copy of the report are available at jcsfl.org/spotlight/annual-meeting-and-annual-report-focus-on-jcs-financial-impact/.