Federation works with partners to create a long-term sustainable plan that increases clients’ self-sufficiency and prevents future crises. Each Jewish community member receiving support has one-on-one tailored services that focus on their goals, provide them with tools, and connect them to community resources to meet their needs. In 2019, Federation’s financial assistance network supported nearly 250 people, representing 170 households.

Our Community Engagement team and our Israel office worked closely with the California Legislative Jewish Caucus to lead a bi-partisan delegation to Israel in December that consisted of 16 legislators, several of whom had never been. We were especially proud to work with Jewish Caucus leadership and Rautenberg New Leaders Project (NLP) alums Caucus Chair Senator Ben Allen and Vice Chair Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel. The delegation met with members of Knesset from several parties including Likud, Blue & White, Democratic Union, and the Joint List as well as representatives of the Palestinian Authority. The group also met with Federation partners Unistream and Israel Trauma Coalition and traveled to the youth village Yemin Orde. It was an honor to travel with this esteemed group of legislators, and we look forward to additional opportunities to connect with them here and in Sacramento.

CSI trains professionals in local Jewish institutions on tactics to avoid and mitigate an active shooter scenario using strategies that have been credited with saving lives during incidents like the one at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue. In a first-of-its kind collaboration, our Federation’s CSI program — along with our partners — is providing ALERRT’s nationally recognized Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) methodology to the Jewish community. In 2013, the FBI named ALERRT as their standard for active shooter response training providing the community with comprehensive, standardized, and best-practice training. Law enforcement, United States Department of Homeland Security, and military experts have worked with the community to adapt this program specifically for Jewish institutions, and CSI is making sure to implement it here in L.A. to keep our community safe.

Working in concert with our Federation’s Jewish Camping Initiative that she helped bring to life, along with 13 local overnight summer camp partners, Julie has for years dedicated her energies to connecting kids to Jewish life through camping. The Fund will provide essential support through scholarships to make the invaluable Jewish camp experience accessible to more children in our community. The Federation once again thanks Julie for her extraordinary leadership and welcomes new Chair of the Board Mr. Albert Praw.

Jay and Lori examined topics such as common effects of technology addiction and neglect of emotional health and development. Lori presented ideas for solutions to these growing issues, including listening more intently to and making time to be present with those we care about.