For more than 100 years, The Associated has been the heart of the community when it comes to addressing the challenges of the day. Thanks to the Annual Campaign, we cover Jewish Baltimore and beyond … spanning the globe to take care of Jews from baby to bubbie.
Here are six ways the organization is helping our community today.
We are Combatting Antisemitism and Building a Secure Community
With antisemitism on the rise, we work across communities to combat hate.
Through our advocacy arm, the Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC), we bring speakers to businesses and public and private schools to educate Baltimoreans about the Holocaust and antisemitism. We also hold workshops for educators across the state to help them learn best practices for teaching the Holocaust to their students.
We advocate on the Baltimore Jewish community’s behalf in the Maryland General Assembly. This year, among other things, the BJC helping pass a bill to require teachers and administrators to learn about antisemitism and Islamophobia prevention so they can better address, and ultimately deter, incidents in schools.
Yet our work doesn’t stop there. Safety remains a top priority. We provide security audits for nearly 200 synagogues, day schools and other Maryland Jewish organizations. Every year, we also help these organizations secure security grants to make their buildings safer. And we collaborate with local and national law enforcement to ensure our community is protected.
We are Addressing Mental Health
We continue to face a mental health crisis fueled by an increase in anxiety, depression and substance abuse. In fact, one in five Americans suffers from a mental illness. And a recent Gallup and Walton Family Fund survey found that only 15 percent of individuals, 18-26, considered their mental health excellent.
Working with our agencies like Jewish Community Services (JCS), we not only provide therapy to those who are struggling, but we focus on prevention. We are in public and private schools, as well as preschools, with programs addressing topics like substance abuse and bullying. And we also are teaching strategies that help our children and teens deal effectively with stress.
We are Creating Diverse Opportunities to Connect Jewishly – and Spaces to Come Together to Explore our Jewish Identity
Since October 7, it seems that more than ever, Jews of all ages have felt an increasing need to connect to their religion and heritage. Through The Associated’s network of agencies, we offer multiple ways to explore Jewish identity, helping us create a basis for continuing our Jewish legacy.
Through The Associated’s Jewish Connection Network, young families with common interests can come together to explore Jewish holidays and meet new Jewish friends. At the same time, our Baltimore PJ Library program provides young families with free monthly Jewish books, music and more. Through the JCC, we piloted Jewish Grandparents Network Baltimore,* bringing together grandparents to share traditions and rituals with their grandchildren through education and social programming. And make sure individuals with disabilities can connect in meaningful ways to Jewish life.
We also support Jewish day schools, providing tuition assistance and making sure our teachers and students are supported through Jewish Education Services.
We are Supporting Older Adults
Older adults are living longer. That is the good news. Yet with older age, comes challenges. That is where The Associated steps in.
Through AgeWell Baltimore,** we provide access to more than 40 services and programs, including counseling and family support, housing solutions, care coordination, financial guidance and advice on benefits, social volunteer and wellness opportunities. And we help caregivers as well. Call 410-500-5328 if you would like to learn how we can help you or your parents.
We are Connecting Our Community to Financial Resources
Rent, childcare and food are expensive. And as a result, individuals and families of all ages find it hard to make ends meet.
The Associated, through JCS, is there to help connect individuals to benefits. We offer a financial wellness counseling program to help our community rethink their behaviors around money so they can successfully manage their finances throughout their lifetime.
We are There for Jews Around the World
When the Hamas terrorists attacked on October 7, we were there. When Russia invaded Ukraine, we were there.
Our work spans the globe, thanks to our international partners, who are on the ground in Jewish communities around the world. They are providing humanitarian aid and Jewish connection in good times and that means, when crises hit, we have the infrastructure to make a difference immediately.
At the same time, we are all about connections. Our Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership and Baltimore-Odesa Partnership, as well as our shinshinim (Israeli emissary) program, is leading to long-term friendships and a better understanding of our Jewish community in Israel and globally.
These six areas provide just a glimpse of how The Associated serves Jewish Baltimore and our global community. To learn more about our work or where to go if you need help, visit associated.org.
* Jewish Grandparents Network – Baltimore, a pilot partnership with the largest organization devoted to Jewish Grandparents in North America.
** AgeWell Baltimore is supported by The Associated and its network of agencies, CHAI, CHANA and Jewish Community Services. This Centennial initiative is supported by Irene and Robert Russel and Family and the Leonard and Helen R. Stulman Charitable Foundation. Special thanks to AgeWell Pittsburgh for their guidance, time and collaboration.
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