Below is a list of suggested program ideas that your congregation might consider to assist your congregants through these turbulent financial times. This list was created with the assistance of the board of the National Association of Temple Administrators (NATA) and also represents some responses from Union congregations. As always, any new programming ideas should be coordinated with key clergy and staff, and through the board or a board appointed committee. This helps to ensure that appropriate human resources (and, where necessary, financial resources) are allocated to these programs and that each idea that is implemented is consistent with the mission and vision of the congregation.

• Be in touch with members: By engaging the Board and other groups to call congregants to check in you may learn about issues and opportunities where the congregation can help members in need.
• Create a Job Bank: Collect the names of potential employers within the congregation.
• Organize an Outplacement Group: Find volunteers who might have expertise to offer in resume writing, career coaching, interviewing skills and/or job search assistance.
• Create a Congregational Networking Directory: Collect the names of members who are willing to be contacted for industry connections, business guidance and expertise in a particular field.
• Offer Financial Information workshop: Older adults in the congregation on fixed incomes may benefit from hearing from financial planning experts about how to manage through the current market fluctuations.
• Organize support groups for recently displaced workers, their spouses, and others affected by the economic situation.
• Consider a Volunteer Congregational Nurse Program: Using volunteer nurses offer free blood pressure and basic health screenings for individuals who may no longer have health insurance.
• Invite donors to give to scholarship funds for those unable to afford synagogue membership or religious school dues.
• Organize Family Program Nights:  Hold movie night, game night or other programs that bring families together for low or no cost activities at the congregation.