| Dear Friends, Like most of you, in recent days JQ’s Board of Governors and professional staff have been focused on the news of the evolving COVID-19 epidemic. This hits close to home for all of us. As a community-based organization with gatherings, celebrations, education, and support services, serving thousands of community members, we feel a special responsibility. From the outset, our leadership has been monitoring and following the recommendations and guidelines of public health agencies. At this time, all JQ community gatherings originally planned over the course of the next month have been postponed. As a community that experienced the AIDS epidemic, we know that action vs. inaction is the key to mitigating community health challenges. We feel that an abundance of caution is the safest and most responsible way to proceed. In addition to postponing in-person gatherings, we are creating online virtual gathering experiences. Beginning Sundays, our Tzelem for LGBTQ+ Teens group met via Zoom, ensuring continuity and consistency as a community of teens who rely on us to foster a healthy and safe space for them to make friends, learn Jewishly together, and grow their leadership skills for the future. Our professional team is working remotely from their respective homes; meetings for our countless volunteers, board members, and community partners will be happening via conference call and Zoom. The JQ Helpline will continue to be available to community members in need. If you or someone close to you is in need of support, we encourage you to contact us by phone 855-574-4577 or email Helpline@JQInternational.org. As more information becomes available from health care agencies, we will provide updates regarding in-person JQ gatherings and remote online experiences. As we all navigate this new terrain together, we are blessed to be part of such a strong and loving community. Thank you for your continued support! Wishing you and yours a restful Shavua Tov and good health in the days ahead, Asher & Team JQ |
JQ Updates Regarding COVID-19
