2021: A Year of Change and Hope
It was a year filled with challenges, but also a year filled with hope. Although it began with COVID-19 cases surging, January brought an unprecedented vaccine roll-out that solidified our belief that tomorrow would be brighter.
Even though the pandemic continued to take center stage in 2021, our community began to get out there, reconnect and affect change. We worked to overcome challenges — whether it was soaring antisemitism, rockets fired on our partner city Ashkelon or a spike in domestic violence and mental health issues.
The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, through our network of 27 agencies, has been working behind-the-scenes to ensure our community stayed strong.
Here are the stories of the year — the personal tales of the people who were impacted and the people who stepped up to bring about change.
Go to associated.org to learn more.
When the pandemic began in 2020, life got scary for Marcia Glickman. Worried about COVID-19, she began limiting her social interactions, drastically changing her life to prevent getting sick.
So, this Weinberg Village resident was thrilled when a vaccine was approved for those over 65. Marcia remembers rushing to her computer to schedule an appointment, only to discover that nothing was available.
Then CHAI, an agency of The Associated, came to the rescue. Working with the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 vaccinations, they set up clinics in their senior housing communities. While friends who lived elsewhere spent weeks searching for appointments, Marcia quickly signed up to get the vaccine in her building.
“I can return to my ‘new normal,’” she says.
Schools in Montgomery County have recently experienced a wave of antisemitic incidents.
CCBC Honors scholars are discovering a level of academic rigor and opportunity typically associated with elite four-year institutions.
Filmmaker Justin Schein looks at wealth and inequality through the very real story of his late father.
This year’s Community Block Party at the JCC of Greater Baltimore will feature classic cars, giant inflatables, games, a rock-climbing wall and roller skating rink, and strolling entertainers.