Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Angelique, a Family Stabilization Program client, is an ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constricted Employed person). Since losing her job last year, she has been working day labor jobs as a temporary worker. In some ways this has been great, she has been able to spend time with her children and have flexibility in her schedule, on the other hand she still has many bills to pay. The day labor company pays using a local shopping store’s money card system. Her paycheck goes into an account which she draws funds from similar to a bank’s debit card system. When she recently went to use the card, she noticed her balance was lower than what she recalled. Further investigation led to the discovery that someone had used her card number for fraudulent charges. After contacting the card company and the police, she was directed to file a claim on line. Angelique does not have access to a computer at home, but knew she could come to JFS Orlando’s new computer lab for assistance because she had previously utilized the computer lab during her search for employment. Angelique immediately contacted her FSP case manager who was there to assist Angelique in filing the claim with the help of JFS Orlando’s new technology.

Last year, JFS Orlando received a grant for over $150,000, through the Orange County Community Development Block (CDBG) grant program used to create a new lobby space and upgrading the building entry to be ADA accessible. These renovations also allowed the agency to design space for a computer lab with 8 computer carrels. The computer lab was funded in part by a grant from the Frances and Joseph Victor Fund at Central Florida Foundation.

Executive Director Eric Geboff said, “with these funds we can create a working space to assist and educate our clients as they seek employment opportunities. With the new computer lab, JFS Orlando will provide computer related classes for the entire community.”  What he didn’t know was that the computer lab would also be used to fight identity theft of a client.

See the renovations and the impact JFS Orlando is making in the community by attending a tour, called Coffee Connection, of the facility. Tours take place the last Thursday of every month. The next Coffee Connection will be on Feb. 23 at 8 a.m. Coffee and a light breakfast are served. Reservations are requested to Mary Lee Walker at 407-644-7593, ext. 241, or by email to marylee.walker@jfsorlando.org.

After February, upcoming tour dates will be March 30, April 27, May 25, June 29, July 27, Aug. 31, Sept. 28 and Oct. 26.