In 2021, We Were Here for Good

The Associated has been here for over 100 years. With your support, we will be here for generations to come.

Download the Report

In 2021, We Were Here for Good

The Associated has been here for over 100 years. With your support, we will be here for generations to come.

Download the Report

This was a year filled with
hope, recovery and challenges. 


Despite the many obstacles The Associated faced, we remained steadfast in our commitment to our community. This past year, through our collective network of agencies, overseas partners and community organizations — including day schools and synagogues — we have been Here for Good

We helped many Baltimoreans overcome their struggles, investing in programs that tackled mental health, domestic abuse, rising rent and more. We engaged our next generation in Jewish life by creating a welcoming environment for all who wished to participate. We protected our community through investments in security. And we supported our global communities in times of crisis, providing humanitarian aid for Ukrainian citizens and refugees, along with supporting Israel and Jews throughout the world. 

When the world began to gather in-person once again, we were Here for Good, providing opportunities for connection. Whether through Jewish camp that sparked the imaginations of our children, fitness or arts programs that built community among our older adults or experiences that inspired conversations across generations, we embraced the chance to gather, make friends and combat the loneliness of the past two years.

You, our generous donors, have helped us change lives. Your contributions to our Annual Campaign have been the driving force, allowing us to accomplish so much for so many. We invite you to see the impact of your gift.

Signatures of Beth, Yehuda, and Marc

Year in Review


Amidst a global pandemic, a rise in antisemitism, economic and physical insecurity, civic unrest and an ongoing commitment to our Jewish future, The Associated network of agencies responded in new and imaginative ways. We reinvented ourselves at times and expanded our services to meet the growing needs in Baltimore and around the world. Here is a snapshot of some of what we accomplished.

200

security consultations were provided by the Baltimore Jewish Council to synagogues, schools and other Jewish organizations across the state

585

tons of humanitarian aid were delivered to Jews in Ukraine and those who fled to Moldova

94

of JCS therapy clients made clinical progress toward their treatment goals

Young man staring into distance

Responding to a Mental Health Crisis

This year, we faced a mental health crisis of incredible proportions. In particular, an unprecedented number of young adults faced mental health challenges. 

The Associated responded with unwavering commitment to help our community cope during these emotionally difficult times. 

Jewish Community Services’ (JCS) therapists provided more than 14,000 telehealth and in-person therapy sessions. JCS also offered support groups to aid those navigating loss and coping with suicide and provided safe spaces for young adults to discuss the unique challenges their generation is facing.

We partnered with our local Hillels to provide suicide prevention trainings and wellness retreats.

From the Myerberg to the JCC, we offered fitness, arts and social programming to nurture our community’s mental wellbeing.

Aerial photo of the Jewish Museum of Maryland during Event
Headstones in Jewish cemetery

Combatting Antisemitism

In a year marked by increased antisemitic incidents worldwide, Baltimore was
not immune. Several Jewish cemeteries were vandalized with antisemitic graffiti. 

Our Jewish Cemetery Association responded immediately, removing all evidence of hate. At the same time, public officials — as well as community and faith-based leaders and organizations — joined us in a rally against antisemitism.

The Jewish Museum of Maryland (JMM) and the Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC) continued to convene Holocaust workshops for Maryland’s public and private school educators. And the BJC, along with our five area Hillels — Goucher College, Johns Hopkins University, Towson University, UMBC and the University of Maryland, College Park — met with campus administrators to include antisemitism into conversations on diversity and racism. 

Committed to the safety of our community, we secured more than $4 million in federal funding and $7 million in state grants for safety infrastructure.

Speaker at podium for BJC event

Supporting Ukraine

Through our global partner network, we distributed food, medicine and more for women, children, Holocaust survivors and homebound seniors and provided safe passage to the border for fleeing families and efugees who made aliyah. 

At the same time, the friendships created through our Baltimore-Odessa Partnership — now 30 years strong — brought hope to the many Odessa residents living through these unsettled times. We provided direct aid to local organizations that offered trauma-focused therapy, medical support and resources. 

Photo Credit: Eli Mandelbaum and Olivier Fitoussi for the The Jewish Agency for Israel 

Ukrainian woman with child

Taking Care of Our Community

As COVID-19 continued to surge, inflation grew and many pandemic safety nets were lifted, we remained steadfast in our commitment to help our community cope during these increasingly difficult times. 

98% of individuals receiving aging services through JCS were able to continue living in  their homes. 

CHANA provided workshops on healthy relationships and sexual abuse prevention to over 2,500 students in the Baltimore Jewish community. 

Jewish Community Services distributed over $1.2 million in emergency financial assistance to help individuals and families with housing and food expenses.

AgeWell Baltimore Turns One

AgeWell Baltimore Turns One

In its inaugural year, AgeWell Baltimore — a Centennial initiative supported by Irene and Robert Russel and Family and the Leonard and Helen R. Stulman Charitable Foundation — boasted a number of success stories. Agewell helped older adults and their families plan for the future, find housing and pursue their interests, connecting them to a vast array of volunteer and social programs available through our system.

Finding Meaning in Jewish Life

Rooted in our values of tzedekah and tikkun olam, we worked toward making our community a better place to live. 

Whether through programs that supported area schoolchildren, the development of affordable housing or engagement in conversations that built mutual respect, we remained committed to creating a just and thriving Baltimore. 

Through The Associated’s partnership with OneTable, a national initiative, we saw a 116% increase in young adults hosting Shabbat meals and building Jewish community. 

This year,
 
2,344 volunteers and professionals participated in leadership learning programming through Na’aleh: The Hub for Leadership Learning. 

Now in its 13th year, PJ Library provided free Jewish books to more than 3,800 local families. PJ Library is often the entry point for tens of thousands of Baltimore Jewish families. 

Leading the Way in the Jewish Environmental Education Movement

Leading the Way in the Jewish Environmental Education Movement

Pearlstone merged with Hazon, the largest faith-based environmental organization in the world, reinforcing its position as a national leader in the Jewish outdoor food, farming and environmental education movement. Through its work, Pearlstone provides novel approaches of integrating Jewish wisdom with the earth.

Building Stronger Communities

Rooted in our values of tzedekah and tikkun olam, we worked toward making our community a better place to live. 

Whether through programs that supported area schoolchildren, the development of affordable housing or engagement in conversations that built mutual respect, we remained committed to creating a just and thriving Baltimore. 

3 Associated agencies — the Baltimore Jewish Council, CHAI and the Jewish Museum of Maryland — are working in Jonestown, Reservoir Hill and Park Heights to build strong communities
in Baltimore City. 

The Jewish Museum of Maryland engaged 1,009 public and private school children through programs that encouraged students to explore the themes of the Holocaust, Jewish history and immigration. 

57,046 meals and boxes of food were provided through CHAI, JVC and Pearlstone to alleviate food insecurity. 

Improving the Lives of Women

Improving the Lives of Women

This year, Associated Women launched the local chapter of Dignity Grows, a program that removes obstacles to self-esteem and health by providing women with personal hygiene products each month. The Associated joins other federations nationwide in addressing this issue. 

Supporting Jewish Communities Worldwide

Beyond Ukraine, we remained committed to the health of Jewish communities worldwide, working in more than 70 countries. Through our global partners, we supported at-risk Jews by providing financial assistance, food and medicine and invested in Jewish life. 

14,800 youth and young adults engaged with Israel campus educators, shlichim and shinshinim throughout  Baltimore this past year, building a closer connection with our Jewish homeland.

Over 80,000 older Jewish adults in the former Soviet Union received life-saving aid from The Associated through our partnership with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. 

Through the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership, 7,786 teens from our partner city participated in a wide range of programs to help them succeed, from leadership development to educational enrichment or therapy.

Creating Economic Opportunities for Israeli and Maryland Businesses

Creating Economic Opportunities for Israeli and Maryland Businesses

This year, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the MIDC, creating jobs, building entrepreneurial bridges and generating economic growth for three decades in Maryland and in Israel. With shared strengths in life sciences, cybersecurity and other high-tech industries, Maryland and Israel thrived through international trade and business opportunities.

Building Our Future


As we move into the next century, we are planning ahead with bold new ideas and a commitment to financial security so we can continue to inspire and care for our children and grandchildren. 

Family smiling at summer concert

Building for the Next Century

Thanks to our Centennial Campaign and our generous donors, we have raised $171 million. We have invested
in innovative solutions like AgeWell Baltimore — a collaboration between our agencies, CHANA, CHAI and Jewish Community Services — to better serve our older adult population. We established Na’aleh: The Hub for Leadership Learning, which is creating a cadre of knowledgeable and committed Jewish leaders. We also launched the Insight Israel Forum to engage our community in powerful and meaningful conversations about our Jewish State. And we are investing in Jewish futures through an array of visionary programs that will inspire our next generation to participate in Jewish life. 

As we move forward, our Centennial Campaign will allow us to dream big and create groundbreaking solutions while responding quickly to any new challenges we may face. 

Young adults planting tree at Pearlstone

Reimagining Jewish Life

Recognizing changes in Jewish engagement, as outlined in The Associated’s 2020 Greater Baltimore Community Study, we have created three new organizations to help us create a strong Jewish future. 

The Macks Center for Jewish Connections will create meaningful opportunities for involvement and discovery in Jewish Baltimore. Jewish Educational Services will support Jewish day schools, congregational schools and Jewish preschools, as well as their educators, so that children of all abilities can reach their full potential. And the Jewish Library of Baltimore will connect community members with educational resources to support them in their Jewish journeys. 

JCC camper and counselor smiling
JCC camper and counselor smiling
Aerial photo of Baltimore

Ensuring Our Fiscal Future

The Associated is committed to being around for generations, and as part of that effort, we have looked at ways to remain fiscally responsible.

To serve this purpose, we plan to move our headquarters to our Park Heights campus which will provide multiple opportunities for us to foster collaboration and efficiency. It will also ensure that we remain in Baltimore City — where we have built a long and committed history for over 100 years.

In addition, we are shoring up our financial future through the LIFE & LEGACY program, a partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. As we enter our final year of this four-year commitment, in which we have secured hundreds of legacy commitments, we are working to ensure that the Jewish future in Baltimore is engaged, vibrant and thriving.

Securing Our Future


The Associated maintains community investments through the Associated Jewish Charities, a nonprofit entity that manages the Jewish Community Investment Fund (JCIF). This diverse investment fund stewards The Associated’s endowments, foundations and donor advised funds, as well as the investments of numerous organizations and foundations throughout Baltimore. This collective strategy empowers the totality of our Baltimore Jewish community to access world-class investment options for our present and future.

Allocations to Associated Agencies and Partners


Baltimore*

Baltimore Hebrew Institute
at Towson $78,385

Baltimore Jewish Council $948,907

BBYO Baltimore $50,000

BHI Endowment Draw $259,273 

CHANA $292,525 

CHAI: Comprehensive Housing
Assistance, Inc. $818,362

Edward A. Myerberg Center $208,335

Hebrew Burial Society  $1,000 

Hebrew Free Loan $20,311 

Hillel – College Park $270,500

Hillel – Goucher $105,840 

Hillel – Johns Hopkins University $211,680 

Hillel – Towson $190,512 

Hillel – UMBC $141,561

Honeymoon Israel $53,300 

Jewish Cemetery Association $27,720

Jewish Community Center $5,557,664 

Jewish Community Services $6,388,883

Jewish Day School Scholarships*** $3,200,000 

Jewish Educational Services $783,394

Jewish Library of Baltimore $385,510

Jewish Museum of Maryland $551,318 

Local Hillels $30,000 

Family at the Center $20,000 

Jewish Poverty and Financial Fragility $20,000

Repair the World Baltimore $10,000 

Macks Center for Jewish Connections $1,606,644 

Meals on Wheels $120,000 

Moishe House $50,000 

Na’aleh: The Hub for Leadership Learning $224,082 

Other Community Programs $119,891 

Pearlstone Retreat and
Conference Center $1,170,742 

Total Local Allocations $23,916,339 

Israel and Overseas**

The Jewish Agency for Israel $2,118,106 

American Jewish Joint
Distribution Committee $1,059,054 

Birthright Israel Fair Share Allocation $196,000

JDC Hunger $294,000 

Maryland/Israel Development Center $121,659 

Insight Israel Forum $140,000 

Global Responsibility $5,000

Baltimore Connections Strategy

     Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership $669,770 

     Baltimore-Odessa Partnership $196,000 

     Shlichim $638,000

     Other Baltimore Connections $123,608 

Israel Education and Travel

     I&O Travel $219,000 

     Israel Education $296,000 

     Emergency Grants $40,000 

     Community Fund for
     Israel Experiences $100,000 

     Israel Advocacy $100,000 

Total Israel and Overseas $6,316,197 

National***

Jewish Federations of North America $810,000 

JFNA Israel Action Network Assessment $36,000 

Hillel (National) $35,280 

OneTable $25,000 

70 Faces Media/Jewish Telegraphic Agency $17,640 

JPro $5,000 

BBYO $3,000 

Network of Jewish Human Services Agency $3,000 

Total National Funding: $934,920 

*Primarily funded by The Associated’s Annual Campaign.

**National partners advocate and create programs on behalf of the Baltimore community.

***Includes $650,000 from the Charles Crane Family Foundation.

Interested in learning more?

For a more in-depth look at our recent work, please download a digital copy of the annual report.