Families First Fund Offers Financial Relief to Local Families with Children
Local families with children in Boca Raton and Delray Beach now have access to one‑time financial assistance through the Families First Fund, a collaborative relief initiative of Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services (JFS) and the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County (JFSPBC). The fund is designed to help families manage rising household costs and maintain stability during challenging economic times.
The Families First Fund may be used for a wide range of essential expenses, offering families the flexibility to address their most urgent needs. Eligible uses include health insurance, as well as rent, car insurance, utilities, childcare, and other household expenses. “As more families struggle to keep up with unexpected expenses and the rising costs of essentials like health insurance and housing, emergency financial assistance has become not just helpful, but vital. This support can provide immediate relief and ease the overwhelming burdens families are facing during this challenging time.” Said Danielle N. Hartman, President & CEO of JFS.
“When financial pressure threatens a family’s stability, the community has a responsibility to respond thoughtfully and decisively,” said Igor Alterman, President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. “Federation’s role is to identify emerging needs, mobilize philanthropic resources, and work alongside trusted partners like Rales JFS to ensure support reaches families in a meaningful and timely way.”
Through the Families First Fund, Federation is deploying communal resources to address growing financial strain, while Rales JFS brings its deep expertise in direct service delivery to administer assistance and support families with care and dignity.
Eligibility Guidelines
Families may qualify for the Families First Fund if they meet the following criteria:
- Have children living in the household
- Household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
(For example, a family of three earning up to $66,625 annually) - Reside in Boca Raton or Delray Beach
- Apply for one‑time assistance, with a maximum grant of $2,500 per household
All assistance awarded through the Families First Fund is one‑time funding, allowing the program to reach as many families as possible during this period of heightened financial strain.
Families interested in applying or learning more about the Families First Fund are encouraged to visit ralesjfs.org/our-services/food-financial-assistance or contact (561) 852-5048 for additional information.
