As we start 2017, I want to thank everyone for the support you gave, through federation, to our community and to Jewish communities around. The federation truly touches more Jewish lives, directly and indirectly, here in Phoenix, across the country and around the globe, than any other Jewish organization. Your support makes an enormous difference.
In 2016, the federation continued to grow our core impact areas of Senior Services, NowGen and Israel Advocacy. We also expanded support to our strategic partners. Below are some highlights of the impacts you helped make happen:
– Allocation of $58,000 to provide rides for our community’s seniors so they can maintain their independence and attend social and Jewish activities. The need is so great that the federation is looking to significantly increase funding for the program through campaign growth and work with foundations. Also, the federation has helped connect more than 2,000 seniors to needed services.
– Creation of a regional IAC office, IACArizona. The federation partnered with the Israeli American Council to create the regional office located at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus. This collaborative effort will bring significantly more resources to our community and region to engage our local Israeli-American community and the general community around Israel.
– Engagement of hundreds of young Jewish adults who were previously not connected with any Jewish organizations or programs, as well as the launch of Shalom Phoenix, welcoming young adults new to our Phoenix Jewish community. The federation’s NowGen program has engaged over 1,000 young Jewish adults in 2016.
As we look forward to 2017, and beyond, federation leadership has created a seven-year “road map” to guide us in increasing our impact and to demonstrate to donors how the impacts can exponentially grow as our campaign grows. The road map outlines how, through your support, we can play a role in providing a strong foundation for our strategic partners, make major inroads into our core impact areas and add two more impact areas in coming years. We look forward to sharing this road map with the community and towards your support.
Be part of the excitement! Get involved, provide support and share in the joy of giving and creating.
Here is to a great 2017 for everyone in our community!
Stuart Wachs is president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix.
