J.Team, the Jewish Federation's initiative for Seattle-area teens to learn about Jewish values of tzedakah and community-building, presented grants totaling $11,750 to six organizations on Sunday, June 10 at the Stroum JCC.
J.Team participants learn about the Jewish imperative of tikkun olam (repairing our world) by visiting local non-profits, raising funds, and collectively deciding how to allocate the funds available to them.
"J.Team has been an amazing experience," says Sami Dubow, who has been involved with the program for the past four years. "I can't believe how many people we've helped from my first year until now."
"J.Team has given me valuable life experience," adds first year J.Team member Ben Kahle. "Working with a diverse group of Jewish teens has helped me to learn about the role I can play in improving our community."
J.Team grants this year will benefit the following organizations:
- $2750 for Hope for Heroism – Benefiting severely injured and disabled Israeli combat soldiers restore their lives through vocational training and peer-based support.
- $2,000 for The Friendship Circle – Serving children with special needs by connecting them with teen volunteers around social and educational programs.
- $2,000 for International Justice Mission – Rescuing victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression via 15 field offices in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
- $2000 for PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) Foundation – Furthering research, advocacy and support to benefit people affected by Polycystic Kidney Disease.
- $2000 for Teen Feed – providing basic needs and support services to homeless youth in Seattle.
- $1,000 for New Horizons – Addressing the immediate needs of youth on the streets of Seattle
2011-12 J.Team participants: Nick Alkan (Bellevue), Jonathan Alkan (Bellevue), Julia Applebaum (Bellevue), Ashley Bobman (Mercer Island), Thomas Brown (Mercer Island), Ari Dahukey (Bellevue), Molly Dubow (Sammamish), Samantha Dubow (Sammamish), Yael Egnal (Bellevue), Robbie Ellenhorn (Bellevue), Maya Federman (Mercer Island), Ilana Hoff (Seattle), Ben Kahle (Seattle), Mia Lindheimer (Mercer Island), Austin Matloff (Bellevue), Bridget Matloff (Bellevue), David Robinson (Seattle), Olivia Rosen (Mercer Island), Hannah Stulberg (Issaquah).