2021 IMPACT SUMMARY
Together, Federation is creating a stronger, safer, better Orlando.
We are in the business of BELONGING, creating spaces where everyone feels included. We EMPOWER, elevating our community through inclusivity, innovation, education, and spirituality. We embrace MUTUALITY, the interconnectedness of all in our shared future, in Orlando, Israel, and beyond. And finally, we strengthen COMMUNITY SECURITY through robust safety procedures and regular communication with local, state, and federal law enforcement.
See where we were able to make an impact this year with our 2021 Summary of Federation
Our Community
Culture of BELONGING // PJ Library
2021 COMMUNITY STATS
1,428 BOOKS
Monthly sending 1,428 books to 1,065 families (including 225 PJ Our Way books to older children)
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
New parent virtual meet-up for parents of kids born during COVID-19
BOOKS SENT SINCE 2010 TO ORLANDO FAMILIES
2,000 DIAPERS DONATED
Over 2,000 diapers donated across two diaper drives to Jewish Family Services and local diaper bank
Sent 100 “Hanukkah at Home Celebration” kits
Including activities for baking, music, reading, and Mensch on the Bench
Over 200 hygiene care kits packed
And donated to those experiencing homelessness, done in partnership with JAO
Welcomed 45 new arrivals
With mail “My 1st Rosh Hashanah” and “My 1st Hanukkah” merch
2022 COMMUNITY GOALS & DREAMS
- $50 to fund one child’s monthly PJ Library book subscription for one year
- $5,000 to fund 100 children’s subscriptions
- 25 new programs reaching 250 new families (total 40 programs reaching 400 families)
- You can’t put a price on belonging!
Our City
Culture of EMPOWERMENT // Women Together + More
2021 EMPOWERMENT STATS
OVER 250 ATTENDEES
For Brave Choices event honoring heroic women around our community, from doctors and nurses to cancer survivors and more
Over 200 attendees for our second Women’s Seder over Zoom
Over 100 attendees for Third Annual Pride Shabbat with City of Orlando (Zoom and in-person
JEWISH SINGLES EVENTS
Organized monthly Zoom Jewish Singles events and 3 in-person events around Orlando, with successful relationships already forming
EMPOWERING CONNECTIONS
A program for younger women to form connections and take workshops on finance, education, and more
%
Community Study says 89% of Jews in Central Florida believe community is an important part of Jewish life & we’re finding more ways to make that community happen!
2022 EMPOWERMENT GOALS & DREAMS
- More quality connections, relationships, programming
- More adult education to empower people to own and explore their Judaism
- Focus on self-care as we move on from the pandemic, caring for ourselves and promoting overall well-being across our city
RAISE IN 2021
RAISE was recognized as a Top Rated Greater Nonprofit of 2021, and rated at the Platinum Level by Guidestar for inclusion, transparency, and excellence!
Since RAISE began in 2014, 44 out of 47 participants have achieved clear, quantifiable success in their lives through RAISE. Success is measured through job placement, volunteer work, ongoing education, increased confidence, and living independently.
RAISE Your Skills and RAISE Your Voice, two online programs offered during the pandemic for additional support and training.
Our World
Culture of MUTUALITY // Israel
2021 MUTUALITY STATS
INTERNATIONAL TIES
Funded programs in sister city Kiryat Motzkin to support Holocaust survivors and at-risk youth
WOMEN
Helped send 15 women on Momentum Women’s Trip to Israel
PROMOTING EDUCATION & COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS ACROSS THE GLOBE
Equipped young adults and their parents to handle antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses
Funded high school programs to Israel to deepen international ties and support for Israel (Ronald Colman Israel Scholarship Fund)
2022 MUTUALITY GOALS & DREAMS
- Fund additional needs in Israel and Kiryat Motzkin, as well as strengthen our relationship with our sister city
- Lead a community mission to Israel
Send more men and women from Orlando on Momentum trips - Bring more Israeli art and culture to our community
- Bring Shinshinim back to Orlando (young Israelis who defer military service to do service abroad in Jewish communities and boost awareness/support of Israel)
Our Safety
Culture of Community Security
- Offer security resources to local Jewish organizations, including assistance securing federal Department of Homeland Security Grants
- Regular communication with local, state, and federal law enforcement
- Jake Silverman, Director of Campus Security — monitoring COVID and updating health/safety procedures, keeping us on the cutting edge of security technology so that we lead the Jewish community in America on how to keep our organizations, schools, and synagogues safe
- We also have Mike who’s on campus all day monitoring security and welcoming families and kids at pick-up/drop-off — we love that our students aren’t afraid of Mike and look forward to seeing him every day!
DRAWING ATTENTION TO THE ISSUES
In June 2021, JFGO partnered with Representative Stephanie Murphy to co-write an op-ed for the Orlando Sentinel. In this piece, JFGO and Rep. Murphy called upon leaders nationwide to condemn antisemitism and increase security funding at Jewish institutions nationwide.
2022 COMMUNITY SECURITY GOALS & DREAMS
- Help us continue being proactive in keeping our community secure and safe!