Federation Awards Six Inaugural J Impact Grants
Jewish Palm Beach is experiencing unprecedented growth, with more than 200,000 Jewish people projected to live in our community by 2026. With this population boom, we are already planning for the future, connecting our teens to their Jewish identity and preparing them to be the next generation of leaders.
To foster innovative ideas about Jewish teen programming, Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County created the J Impact Fund in 2022, which will provide grants for youth-serving organizations. Organizations throughout our community submitted 16 proposals, focusing on a range of areas including health and wellness, social engagement and leadership building.
During the summer of 2022 Federation announced the first recipients of the J Impact Grant funds went to six Jewish communal organizations. All programs created using J Impact Grants are open to any Jewish teen in our community.
- Alpert Jewish Family Service will expand its Relationship & Decisions teen training program to incorporate specific content about mental health that has been adapted from the international Mental Health First Aid curriculum.
- Chabad Lubavitch of Greater Boynton will empower Jewish youth to become leaders, mentors, and teachers as the teens staff Shabbat and holiday programs under the direction of its Youth Director.
- Mandel Jewish Community Center of the Palm Beaches will build a task force of teens from throughout the community to develop opportunities for teens to connect to Jewish life through events such as Shabbat dinners, a Hanukkah celebration and mitzvah projects (community outreach).
- Temple Beth Am will create quarterly events open to teens in sixth through 12th grades that are designed to cultivate Jewish friendships, encourage participation within kehillah (community), and create a safe environment and positive memories.
- Temple Beth Torah created “Chai School” for eighth and ninth grade students to learn about social justice issues and spend time familiarizing themselves with organizations involved in social justice causes.
- Temple Israel will establish a weekly safe space for students wishing to better understand their Jewish & LGBT identity, including a facilitator for homework, studying and social opportunities.
As grantees implement their programming, Federation will continue to provide professional support. In exchange, the six organizations will provide Federation with impact reports focusing on engagement, diversity and attendance.
To learn more or to support the next round of grants for the J Impact Fund, please contact Peter Eckstein, Vice President, Jewish Education, at peter.eckstein@jewishpalmbeach.org or 561.209.2611.
