“We have reached a point where any further reduction on our budget would not only mean curtailment of many important functions, but perhaps result in a change in the character and objectives of our organization,” declared George Z. Medalie in his annual president’s report to the Jewish Board of Guardians last night at 99 Park avenue.
Medalie deplored the lack of funds which has resulted in the inability of the Board to move from its “antiquated quarters,” or to provide for retirement of its social workers.
Expressing gratitude to the Federation of Jewish Charities for its aid, Medalie recommended that the Board emphasize “a preventive program, which is the chief objective of the organization, rather than to spend millions and millions of dollars upon criminals and the effects of crime in later years.”
Dr. John Slawson, executive director of the Board, reported that about 6,000 persons were rendered service by the Board during the past year, an increase of 6.5 percent over the preceding year.
A report prepared by Mrs. Sidney C. Borg, chairman of the Jewish Big Sisters, and read by Mrs. Leonard Wallstein, stated that “the attention of the Big Sisters has never deviated from its original program of care for the normal child with behavior difficulties which create for it unhappiness in its particular environment.”
Dr. Bernard Glueck, psychiatrist, spoke on “Reflections on Crime and Criminals.” Other speakers were James Marshall and Arthur Goldsmith.
New officers elected last night include George Z. Medalie, reelected president; Harold L. Bache, Mrs. Cecil R. Borg and Walter Mendelsohn. vice-presidents; Arthur J. Goldsmith, reelected treasurer, and Paul F. Warburg, re-elected secretary.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
