Explore the Issues

JVS Response to the 2024 Election

Despite the outcome of last night’s election, Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) remains committed to our mission to engage, encourage and empower refugee and immigrant communities. As the largest organization in Kansas City dedicated exclusively to supporting refugees and immigrants from all over the world, JVS is steadfast in continuing our work of welcoming, providing safety, support and community to newcomers to our city.

“Given our experience with the previous Trump administration and the anti-immigrant rhetoric in this recent campaign, we expect challenges to refugee resettlement, asylum protections and the sense of belonging felt by the communities we serve,” said Hilary Cohen Singer, Executive Director of JVS. “But our experience also provides us with a roadmap for supporting our friends and neighbors in impacted communities. We have witnessed firsthand the outpouring of welcoming spirit demonstrated by so many in Kansas City. We are proud to be part of a community of faith organizations, businesses, schools and so many others who recognize the importance of providing safety and security to individuals fleeing hardship and the immense value that refugees and immigrants bring to our economic, civic and cultural life.”

JVS stands ready to work with anyone who wishes to demonstrate their welcoming spirit and work towards our vision of a Kansas City that embraces all our neighbors and provides everyone with the opportunity to achieve the dreams they have for themselves and their families.

“We will continue our work undeterred, recognizing the humanity in our newest neighbors and championing their rights, just as we’ve done for 75 years,” said Singer.

We do this because of who they are and what they need, and because of who we are and who we want to be.