A new strategic collaboration between JFS Desert and the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert allows for greater access of JFS services by residents who live in the Eastern Coachella Valley, and especially for those with limited Internet access, privacy, or whose “smart” device are not reliable. The alliance creates a formal relationship between the two agencies, which had previously made referrals to each other’s programs.
Staffs from both organizations are working together to provide training, reliable Internet services, and understanding on how to facilitate the needs of some of the most vulnerable clients in the Coachella Valley’s eastern communities.
Unreliable or non-existent broadband Internet service is an unfortunate reality for many Coachella Valley residents. For others, attempting to participate in an interactive telecare counseling session while holding a cell phone or dealing with children, whose activities may interrupt appointments, is far from ideal. Many clients find themselves in less-than-ideal settings when it comes to connecting with JFS Desert personnel. Through this partnership, JFS Desert and the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert (“The Center”) will be able to offer members of the community a private space that is conducive to counseling sessions or interactions with case managers.
Located at The Center Coachella (1515 6th Street, Coachella, CA), JFS Desert clients in the East Valley will be able to meet in private for services such as telecare counseling or providing case managers with important documentation.
“It’s an honor to collaborate with The Center to extend JFS services to Valley residents who live in and around Coachella,” says JFS Executive Director Kraig Johnson. “I greatly appreciate their willingness to collaborate to increase access for all Valley residents to needed services.”
All JFS Desert clients may utilize the space, and anyone who believes accessing it will improve their experience is encouraged to inquire about its use with their JFS contact. The Center staff in Coachella will be able to schedule appointments for JFS Desert clients needing services on a first-come, first-serve basis. If necessary, clients will receive instruction for the use of the computer and scanner equipment for their appointment from a representative at The Center.
Johnson extended his thanks on behalf of JFS Desert to LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert CEO and Executive Director Rob Wheeler and Lex Ortega, Director of Innovation and Engagement, for their vision and alliance.
Wheeler says that he is eager and excited about the partnership with JFS, expressing his immense appreciation for Kraig Johnson and the JFS team for their vision and collaboration.
“As two organizations that are deeply aware of mental health needs across the Coachella Valley, this is a unique opportunity to reach a community of people historically disenfranchised in medical and mental health services,” said Wheeler. “People with inadequate internet access, those who struggle with insufficient privacy when talking to a therapist or can’t drive 40 minutes to see a counselor or caseworker can come to The Center Coachella and access high-quality, private telecare from JFS right in the heart of the city.”
About Jewish Family Service of the Desert
Celebrating its 40th Anniversary, JFS is a non-sectarian agency founded on the Jewish principle of “Healing the World” (Tikkun Olam), and we currently offer that support through in-person and telecare mental health counseling, augmented case management that includes emergency financial assistance for necessities such as overdue rent and utilities, well-check phone calls to isolated clients, and special programming for our local Holocaust survivors.
Last year, JFS offered nearly 16,000 services to over 3200 Valley residents. If it touches the heart of the Valley, it touches the heart of JFS! Become a member of the JFS family by volunteering or donating. For more information visit www.JFSDesert.org.
About LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert
Based in the Coachella Valley, the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert is the only non-profit community center run by and for all LGBTQ people of all ages in the Eastern Riverside County with locations in Palm Springs and Coachella. We seek to end isolation and loneliness, connect LGBTQ people to resources and community, and enhance our individual and collective experiences through community engagement and partnership. The Center provides direct service programming in behavioral health and wellness, a community food bank, and a myriad of social-recreational opportunities. We serve over 65,000 individuals annually and receive support from across the desert communities, including individual supporters, local municipalities, foundations, business memberships and special events. To learn more, visit www.TheCenterCV.org.
