Community Needs Assessment Survey

We want to hear from you! Share with us what Jewish communities in the Puget Sound area need.

In a time when so much feels uncertain, one of the most powerful things we can do is listen. That’s why JFS is embarking on a Community Needs Assessment (CNA) to understand the unmet and under-met social service needs of our diverse Jewish communities.

The first phase of the CNA is this anonymous survey. The insights we gather will directly inform how we shape and strengthen our programs and services to better meet the needs of our Jewish communities. Once the survey is complete and the data is analyzed, we’ll publish the results and share what we learn with you.

The survey should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. All your responses will remain confidential and will only be used in the aggregate.

Do you consent to participate in this survey?

YesNo

This section will help us better understand your relationship to JFS.

How familiar are you with Jewish Family Service (JFS) as an organization?

I have never heard of JFS before this survey.I have heard of JFS, but do not know what they do.I know a little about JFS and some of their services.I am fairly familiar with JFS and the range of services they offer.I am very familiar with JFS and the range of services they offer.

Which of the following client services offered by JFS are you aware of? (Select all that apply)

Advocacy and legal services for survivors of domestic violence, with outreach and prevention services within the Jewish community Financial assistance Polack Food Bank and home delivery services Older adult services Refugee and immigrant services Services for adults with cognitive disabilities I was not aware that JFS provides any of these services

Which of the following volunteer opportunities offered by JFS are you aware of? (Select all that apply)

B’nai Mitzvah service projectsBulk food bagging Elder Connections Family friendly volunteer opportunities Group volunteer opportunitiesIn-kind donation opportunities Teen volunteering programming I was not aware of any of these JFS opportunities

In the past five years, have you received services or support from JFS?

YesNo

In the past five years, have you volunteered at JFS or attended a JFS volunteer event?

YesNo

In the past five years, have you donated to JFS?

YesNo

As a donor, what are your priority issues to support? (Select up to three)

Alleviating food insecurityCaregiver supportConnection and belonging (social support)Domestic violence education, prevention, and services for survivorsEviction prevention/housing stabilityMental healthRefugee and immigrant servicesServices for adults with cognitive disabilitiesServices for older adultsWherever there is the greatest need I do not have a preference

Error

The following questions will ask about the needs and priorities of your household. Your responses will help us understand what support and resources are most important to families in our community.

In the past 12 months, have you or anyone in your household struggled to pay rent, mortgage, or other housing-related costs on time?

YesNo

Have you or anyone in your household used JFS’ financial assistance program?

YesNo

What best describes your reason for not using it?

I did not know JFS provided this service I prefer another service provider I have concerns about using JFS’ services Other

If other, please describe:

What other financial assistance program do you use?

Why do you prefer the other program?

What concerns do you have about using JFS' financial assistance program?

Based on your experience, what if anything could JFS do differently to improve this service?

In the past 12 months, have you or anyone in your household faced any challenges in getting enough healthy, nutritious, and/or Kosher food?

YesNo

Do you or anyone in your household use JFS’ Polack Food Bank and/or home delivery services?

YesNo

What best describes your reason for not using it?

I did not know JFS provided this service I prefer another service provider I have concerns about using JFS’ services Other

If other, please describe:

What other food/nutrition service provider do you use?

Why do you prefer the other service provider?

What concerns do you have about using JFS’ Polack Food Bank and/or home delivery services?

Based on your experience, what if anything could JFS do differently to improve this service?

Do you or anyone in your household need assistance securing Kosher food?

YesNo

JFS is looking for new ways to ensure all Jewish individuals have access to the food they need. For example, would your household feel comfortable ordering groceries online through JFS, similar to using a service like Instacart?

YesNo

In the past 12 months, has your household had access to the transportation needed for medical appointments and essential shopping?

YesNo

In the past 12 months, how often have you or anyone in your household felt that you lack companionship?

Hardly ever Some of the time Often

In the past 12 months, how often have you or anyone in your household felt left out?

Hardly ever Some of the time Often

In the past 12 months, how often have you or anyone in your household felt isolated from others?

Hardly ever Some of the time Often

In the past 12 months, have you or any other adult in your household experienced challenges related to mental or emotional well-being (such as stress, anxiety, depression, grief, or substance use)?

YesNo

When you've wanted extra help during difficult moments, in what ways have you sought help? (Select all that apply)

Attended religious services more oftenJoined a formal support groupJoined a group activity like hiking, dance, yogaLooked for books to readSought professional support, like a therapist Spoken with a rabbiOtherI have not sought outside help during difficult moments

If other, please describe:

Were there any barriers to getting professional help? (Select all that apply)

Cost or lack of insuranceDid not know where to goIt felt too overwhelming to take the steps to get helpLack of Jewish or Jewish-allied therapistsLong waitlistsServices not available in preferred languageStigma or fear of judgmentOtherThere were no barriers to getting professional help

If other, please describe:

Are there children or young adults (under age 25) living in your household?

YesNo

In the past 12 months, have any children or young adults in your household experienced challenges related to mental or emotional well-being (such as stress, anxiety, depression, grief, or substance use)?

YesNo

How old are they? (Select all that apply)

10 years old or under 11-13 years old14-18 years old Over 18 years old

If professional support was needed, were there any barriers to getting help? (Select all that apply)

Cost or lack of insuranceDid not know where to goIt felt too overwhelming to take the steps to get helpLack of Jewish or Jewish-allied therapistsLong waitlistsServices not available in preferred languageStigma or fear of judgmentOtherProfessional help was not needed There were no barriers to getting professional help

If other, please describe:

Are you or anyone in your household over the age of 65 and/or an adult with a disability?

YesNo

In the past 12 months, have you or anyone in your household needed additional support related to aging or a disability?

YesNo

What support would be helpful? (Select all that apply)

Dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease related supportGrief supportHealth care navigation Help accessing government benefits (e.g., Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, etc.)Help addressing elder abuse concernsHelp with daily activities (e.g., cooking, cleaning, bathing, dressing, etc.)Help with legal documents such as power of attorney and willsLong term care planningOther

Have you or anyone in your household used JFS’ older adult services?

YesNo

Based on your experience, what if anything could JFS do differently to improve this service?

What best describes your reason for not using it?

I did not know JFS provided this service I prefer another service provider I have concerns about using JFS’ services Other

If other, please describe:

What other services for older adults do you use?

Why do you prefer the other service provider?

What concerns do you have about using JFS’ older adult services?

If other, please describe:

Are you or anyone in your household an unpaid caregiver for an older adult or an adult with disabilities?

YesNo

In the past 12 months, have you or anyone in your household needed additional support related to your role as a caregiver?

YesNo

What support would be helpful? (Select all that apply)

Benefits navigation Caregiver counseling Financial assistance Respite Support groups Other

If other, please describe:

Have you or anyone in your household used JFS’ family caregiver support services?

YesNo

Based on your experience, what if anything could JFS do differently to improve this service?

What best describes your reason for not using it?

I did not know JFS provided this service I prefer another service provider I have concerns about using JFS’ services Other

What other caregiver support services do you use?

Why do you prefer the other service provider?

What concerns do you have about using JFS’ caregiver support services?

If other, please describe:

To help us understand your priorities, please distribute $100 across the areas where you need assistance. The more you give to an area, the higher its priority.

Access to food $

Housing related costs $

Mental health support $

Transportation $

Caregiver support $

In-home care costs $

Total $

Error

In the past 12 months, have you or anyone in your household struggled to pay rent, mortgage, or other housing-related costs on time?

YesNo

Which of the following housing challenges has your household experienced in the past 12 months? (Select all that apply)

Affording rent Affording a mortgage Affording utilities (e.g., electricity, water, gas, etc.) Affording home/rental insurance Receiving an eviction or foreclosure notice Other

If other, please describe:

In the past 12 months, have you or anyone in your household faced any challenges in getting enough healthy, nutritious, and/or Kosher food? (Select all that apply)

It is not available at nearby stores or marketsWe are unsure where to find food that meets our cultural or dietary needsWe cannot afford itWe have physical or mobility limitations that make it difficult to access foodOther We do not face any challenges

If other, please describe:

Do you or anyone in your household need assistance securing Kosher food?

YesNo

In the past 12 months, has your household had access to the transportation needed for medical appointments and essential shopping?

YesNo

In the past 12 months, how often have you or anyone in your household felt that you lack companionship?

Hardly ever Some of the time Often

In the past 12 months, how often have you or anyone in your household felt left out?

Hardly ever Some of the time Often

In the past 12 months, how often have you or anyone in your household felt isolated from others?

Hardly ever Some of the time Often

YesNo

When you have wanted extra help during difficult moments, in what ways have you sought help? (Select all that apply)

If other, please describe:

Were there any barriers to getting professional help? (Select all that apply)

If other, please describe:

Are there children or young adults (under age 25) living in your household?

YesNo

How old are they? (Select all that apply)

10 years old or under 11-13 years old14-18 years old Over 18 years old

If professional support was needed, were there any barriers to getting help? (Select all that apply)

Cost or lack of insuranceDid not know where to goIt felt too overwhelming to take the steps to get helpLack of Jewish or Jewish-allied therapistsLong waitlistsServices not available in preferred languageStigma or fear of judgmentYouth/young adult was unwilling to engage in supportOtherProfessional help was not needed There were no barriers to getting professional help

If other, please describe:

Are you or anyone in your household over the age of 65 and/or an adult with a disability?

YesNo

In the past 12 months, have you or anyone in your household needed additional support related to aging or a disability?

YesNo

What support would be helpful? (Select all that apply)

Dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease related supportGrief supportHealth care navigation Help accessing government benefits (e.g., Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, etc.)Help addressing elder abuse concernsHelp with daily activities (e.g. cooking, cleaning, bathing, dressing, etc.)Help with legal documents such as power of attorney and willsLong term care planningOther

If other, please describe:

Are you or anyone in your household an unpaid caregiver for an older adult or an adult with disabilities?

YesNo

In the past 12 months, have you or anyone in your household needed additional support related to your role as a caregiver?

YesNo

What support would be helpful? (Select all that apply)

Benefits navigation Caregiver counseling Financial assistance Respite Support groups Other

If other, please describe:

To help us understand your priorities, please distribute $100 across the areas where you need assistance. The more you give to an area, the higher its priority.

Access to food $

Caregiver support $

Housing related costs $

In-home care costs $

Mental health support $

Transportation $

Total $

Error

The following questions ask about your interest in services and programs that are either not currently offered at JFS or are available only to a limited group of clients. We are exploring new possibilities and considering expanding access to certain services based on community needs and feedback.

Do you or anyone in your household need support finding affordable or subsidized housing?

YesNo

Do you or anyone in your household need support with applying for and/or learning about government benefits (e.g., Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, unemployment benefits, or other assistance programs)?

YesNo

Have you or anyone in your household used any benefits navigation services offered by other organizations (e.g., help applying for public benefits, understanding eligibility, or managing renewals)?

YesNo

Do you or anyone in your household need specialized case management services to support adults with lower needs autism spectrum disorder?

YesNo

Which services would be helpful? (Select all that apply)

Health care coordination Help with applying for and understanding public benefits Help with household chores and laundry Referrals to programs to reduce social isolation Other

If other, please describe:

Do you or anyone in your household need support regarding Alzheimer's Disease or other forms of dementia?

YesNo

Do you or anyone in your household need support finding referrals to Jewish or Jewish-allied therapists for individual counseling, couples counseling, or family counseling?

YesNo

Are you or anyone in your household interested in parenting and family support services?

YesNo

Would you or anyone in your household be interested in a JFS service that offers short-term, one-on-one coaching for parents of middle and high school students? This service would provide support on topics like child development, parenting strategies, behavioral challenges, and family dynamics.

YesNo

How likely are you or anyone in your household to attend workshops for parents on teaching kids and teens about healthy relationships (e.g., talking about boundaries, consent, bystander prevention around bullying, etc.)?

Very likelyLikelyNeutralUnlikelyVery unlikely

How often would you attend this type of offering?

Once per year Twice a year Once every few months

How likely are you or anyone in your household to attend a support group for parenting/raising infants, children, youth, and young adults?

Very likelyLikelyNeutralUnlikely Very unlikely

Are you or anyone in your household interested in programming for the LGBTQIA+ community?

YesNo

Would you or anyone in your household be interested in attending any of the following group events for the LGBTQIA+ community? (Select all that apply)

Adult programming Family friendly activities Teen programming None of the above

Would you or anyone in your household want support finding information and referrals to LGBTQIA+ affirming services and providers?

YesNo

Are you or anyone in your household interested in attending support groups?

YesNo

Which of the following support group(s) would you or anyone in your household be interested in attending? (Select all that apply)

Addressing antisemitism Family members of individuals struggling with addiction Grief and loss Impacts of social media on young people Unpaid caregivers of older adults or adults with disabilities None of the above

Are you or anyone in your household interested in Jewish learning opportunities?

YesNo

Which of the following would you or anyone in your household be interested in learning about? (Select all that apply)

Building a Jewish homeDeath, dying, and mourning in the Jewish traditionJewish values and traditions None of the above

Would someone in your household be interested in teen volunteering opportunities?

YesNoI do not have a teen living in my household

JFS is considering developing a more formal teen volunteer service program. Do you feel that your teen's community service needs are being met by existing teen groups outside of JFS?

YesSomewhatNo

How often would your teen participate in a JFS led community service program?

Once a year 2-4 times per year5-6 times per year My teen would not participate

The following questions will ask about the needs and priorities of your household. Your responses will help us understand whether your household would prefer to receive these services from our organization or from other social service agencies outside the Jewish community.

Would you come to JFS to receive support for any of the needs you have identified in this survey?

YesNoI did not identify any needs during this survey

What are the reasons you would not turn to JFS for support?

Which needs would you seek support for at JFS (Select all that apply)

Case management services for adults with autism Coaching around parenting strategies and family dynamics Community education workshops Finding affordable/subsidized housing Food accessFormal teen volunteering program Jewish learning opportunities LGBTQIA+ community programming Mental health system navigation for adults Mental health system navigation for youth Parent support for teaching youth about healthy relationshipsPublic benefits navigation Support groups Support related to aging or disability Support related to Alzheimer's Disease or other forms of dementia Transportation support needsUnpaid caregiver support

In this final section, we will ask some basic demographic questions. All of your responses will remain confidential and will only be used in the aggregate.

Do you consider yourself to be Jewish in any way (e.g., religiously, ethnically, culturally, based on your family’s background, etc.)?

YesNo

Which religious denomination do you identify as?

Conservative Culturally/Secularly Jewish Just Jewish Orthodox Reconstructionist Reform OtherNone of the above

If other, please describe:

What is your age?

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-79 80+

What gender identity best describes you?

FemaleMaleNon-binaryTransgenderAgenderGender-queerOther

If other, please describe:

What race/ethnicity best describes you?

American Indian or Alaskan Native AshkenaziAsian or Asian American Black or African American Hispanic or Latino/a Middle Eastern or North African Mizrahi Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Sephardic White Multi-racial Other

If selected, please describe:

If other, please describe:

Including yourself, how many people live in your household?

12345678910 or more

Thinking about the other members of your household (not including yourself), which race/ethnicity categories best describe them?

If selected, please describe:

If other, please describe:

What is your annual household income?

Less than $25,000 $25,000 to $49,999 $50,000 to $74,999 $75,000 to $99,999 $100,000 to $149,999 $150,000 to $199,999 $200,000 to $249,999 Over $250,000

What is your zip code?

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