Teen Engagement and Wellness Initiative

A multi-year strategic philanthropy initiative designed to incubate and strengthen Jewish tween and teen programs in Orange County. The initiative includes both grant funding to organizations and professional development opportunities for Jewish youth professionals.

Total Funding: Over $240,000 in grant funding

Geographic Scope: Orange County, California

Focus Areas:

• Jewish tween and teen engagement
• Youth wellness programs
• Community building for Jewish youth
• Professional development for youth workers

Grantee Organizations (Inaugural Cohort):

• Chabad Jewish Center of Mission Viejo
• Congregation B'nai Israel
• Jewish Educators Association of Orange County
• Merage Jewish Community Center
• Orange County Hillel
• Temple Beth Tikvah & Jewish Collaborative of Orange County

Components:

1. Grant Funding: Multi-year investments to grantee organizations to design and implement innovative, meaningful programs for tweens and teens
2. Professional Development: Series of professional development sessions for Jewish youth professionals working with tweens and teens to build a community of practice and discuss topics such as teen mental health and wellness

Funding Source:

• Federation's Annual Campaign