by Mike Balaban, JFGA Chief Development Officer

When it comes to “Why support the Jewish Federation?” the answer is simple. We care for the needs of today and build for the community of tomorrow. The work we do has most likely touched your life or that of someone you know.

The funds raised in the community campaign help provide services for basic human needs. Through a network of local and global partners, we identify communal challenges and ensure that critical services are delivered. We distribute resources and lend our expertise to a wide variety of organizations that provide hands on support. From food and shelter, emergency assistance, trauma support, services for the aging, to family and career counseling, through our coalition of partners, we provide a safety net, help people get back on their feet, live more independently and live with greater dignity.

We also work to make life in our Jewish Community richer and more vibrant. Through our partners, we foster innovation in education, embrace individuals with special needs, and provide for countless opportunities for spiritual growth. We secure programs like PJ Library that ensure young kids have free Jewish books to read, deepen our children’s Jewish identities through summer camp and Jewish Student Union, and help support Israel experience programs like Birthright for young adults. We help engage with innovative programs by supporting the Jewish Kids Group, Moishe House and the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival.

We understand that there are many good causes to support. Give directly to the agencies and get involved in the causes you care about – but also include Federation in your annual philanthropy and volunteer activities. Giving to the Jewish Federation provides you a unique advantage that no other donation or involvement can provide. Through our strategic planning process our lens remains focused on the needs of the entire Jewish community – locally and globally. With a team of over 100 volunteers and a coalition of over sixty partner organizations, we identify issues that need to be addressed. We then develop solutions and work together to ensure individuals are served. We care for the needs of the community today and build for tomorrow.

Why increase your gift? We believe each volunteer is important and every dollar irreplaceable. This past year, with increased funds, we enabled 301 children to experience the joy of Jewish overnight camp, provided 2,300 families per month a gateway to Jewish education with PJ Library, and sent 550 young adults to Israel. We served seniors thousands of meals, provided counseling to tens of thousands and relocated 60,000 Israeli children out of harm’s way from falling missiles. And we can do more. Imagine the possibilities – the impact of transportation programs for the elderly, engagement opportunities for new couples, inclusion programs for those with disabilities. We ask for increases because you and those in our community deserve the best opportunities for a vibrant Jewish life.

On behalf of the grateful men and women, families and children you help each year with your acts of compassion and generosity – thank you.

Shabbat Shalom,

Mike Balaban

Chief Development Officer