The United Way of Greater St. Louis has allocated nearly $167,000 to Jewish Federation for 2011 — $5,000 more than last year. Of the $167,000, designated sums will be distributed to various programs and agencies of Jewish Federation — the Holocaust Museum and Learning Center, the Naturally Occurring Retirement Community senior project, the Social Nutrition programs at Crown Center and Covenant/CHAI and the Homemaker Services through Covenant House/CHAI Apartments and Jewish Family & Children’s Service.

The United Way allocation comes at a propitious time when Jewish Federation’s fundraising has dipped because of the economy and deaths in the community. These funds — and all donations to Jewish Federation — support some 50 agencies, programs and services in St. Louis, Israel and worldwide that build and maintain a vibrant Jewish community – through programs for the next generations of Jews, Jewish education, care for the vulnerable and support for a strong Israel and safe Jewish world.

Cassandra Kaufman, United Way vice president, Community Investment, touted United Way’s long-standing partnership with Jewish Federation. “Jewish Federation is to be commended for its support of the needs of the Jewish community and the larger St. Louis community. Federation continues to demonstrate strong quality programming and services – and implementation of our quality standards in the areas of governance, finance, administration and programming,” she added.

Karen Berry Elbert, NORC manager, said the funds for NORC will be used to bolster programs and services for seniors. “As the senior population continues to grow in the NORC, the United Way allocation will enable us to help more seniors age with dignity and independence through enhanced activities, transportation, expansion of our volunteer program and outreach to younger seniors with cultural and educational events and outings.”

Barry Rosenberg, Federation executive vice president, praised Jewish Federation’s “long, deep and important positive relationship with the United Way. We are truly appreciative of the trust and confidence you have shown in our agency. We offer our most sincere appreciation for this generous funding and look forward to another year of a rewarding partnership.”