Welcome to the Basic Resources Department of the Jewish Family Service Agency, Case Management Services. We can offer help with general basic needs such as food, bus, and medical expenses. If we can’t help you here, we can help direct you to the right resources. We can also help you plan what to do, and assist you in knowing and advocating for your rights.
Who This is For
If you are Jewish, between the ages of 0-64, and living on a low or fixed income, or experiencing financial difficulty, you should make an appointment to see one of our Basic Resources Case Managers. We know it is very hard to ask for help and we do everything we can to make you feel comfortable and welcome as a community member. In fact, our mantra is “to provide services, support, advocacy and tools enabling diverse members of the Jewish community to live independently and with dignity and respect.” Rest assured you will be greeted with Jewish warmth and compassion.
Who We Are
Jody Max is the full time case manager, working Monday to Friday and Guy Askadsky is the part-time case manager working Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Evening appointments available with Guy.
How it Works
We will meet with you to discuss your current situation and your needs. We will fill out some paperwork and will ask you to provide supporting documents, such as proof of income, or a copy of bill. We will then take the request to a committee that meets weekly, or in case of an emergency, to a supervisor. All decisions to approve requests are made by the committee or supervisor. We will let you know the decision as soon as possible.
What We Offer
Advocacy, Information and Referral
- Help getting Income Assistance and the related benefits, and navigating your way through that system
- Calling Ministry of Social Development on your behalf when you are having problems
- Connecting with other services to better help you
- Tips and Tricks that will save you money
- Support with domestic violence issues
- Support with addictions issues
- Support with a temporary crisis
Food and Financial Aid
- Food (Emergency non-perishables)
- Food Gift Cards to Superstore and Safeway Available at the end of each month
- Referral to our Jewish Food bank
- Passover Support
- Help with Medical and Dental costs
- One time Emergency funding to help with rent and housing related costs.
- One time emergency funding for other basic needs.
We always consider each person’s unique situation, and gather as much information as possible to best present your request. Aid may be offered one time only or for a limited period of time, depending on the situation. Should you need help again, it is always up to you to contact your worker.
The Basic Resources Case Management Service Cannot
- Provide a monthly income
- Be your only financial resource
- Visit you at home
Jody Max, BSW
Basic Resources Case Manager
604.637.3316
Jody currently works as the full time Basic Resources Case Manager, providing poverty relief, crisis counseling, support, advocacy and referrals to people in our community who are living in poverty. Jody is also the contact for ASTEH house, our housing for women escaping domestic violence. Jody graduated from McGill University with a BSW and has over 15 years experience working with people living with and facing poverty, mental health issues, addictions, abuse and violence. Jody worked as a crisis counsellor, advocate and facilitator for over 10 years in transition houses for women escaping male violence, has been active in anti-violence and anti-poverty activism and organizing and brings a strong feminist framework to her work. Jody is fluent in French, can speak basic Spanish and is thrilled to be working in a Jewish environment, with such a hamish feel. Jody is passionate about social justice, anti-racism and anti-oppression work and believes that hope and social transformation come from building community, cultivating compassion, connections and respect across differences. Jody works Monday to Friday.
Guy Askadsky, BSW
Basic Resources Case Manager
604.257.5151 ext. 1-224
Guy provides assessment, support and poverty relief counselling as Case Manager at the Basic Resources department.
Guy graduated from The Hebrew University in Jerusalem with BSW, and worked with new immigrants in Israel providing resettlement, housing, senior home care and mental health counselling as well as one-on-one therapy, combining CBT and phenomenological approaches in his social work practice. He also coordinated a large social housing complex for new immigrants in Jerusalem. Guy's fluency in Hebrew, Russian and Ukrainian languages, as well as some knowledge of Portuguese, German and Spanish have greatly contributed to his ability to work with clients from diverse backgrounds.
