From the very beginning, when the Federated Jewish Charities and United Hebrew Charities merged to form the Associated Jewish Charities (now The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore), the organization has been intertwined in the fabric of our community.

As the community grew, it grew with them. And, as it changed, The Associated changed with it –providing for new immigrants, helping families through the Great Depression and Great Recession, supporting Jewish continuity and being there for Israel and Jews around the globe. And, as the community moved – from East Baltimore to Forest Park, Pikesville, Randallstown, Owings Mills and beyond, The Associated changed and adapted, adding new programs and moving with them.

As the next century begins, The Associated is committed to continuing to evolve to meet the needs of a changing world. Whether finding new solutions for our family members who are aging, investing in our youth or building leaders of tomorrow, here are a few of the Centennial initiatives that have been or will be launching this year.

AgeWell Baltimore

AgeWell Baltimore is an exciting Centennial initiative that will be launching in the fall to help older adults maintain a high quality of life. An innovative collaboration between The Associated and partner agencies, JCS, CHANA and CHAI, AgeWell Baltimore will support individuals so they will “age well” and independently through improved access to the many services available to them, their families and their caregivers. Expect a dedicated phone line, website and coordinated person-centered community response that will re-define aging, help older adults overcome challenges, and encourage and empower each individual to achieve their full potential.

Insight Israel Forum

On November 13, The Associated launched Insight Israel Forum, an innovative new initiative to educate Baltimore’s Jewish leaders about the complex issues of the Jewish State, while encouraging candid discussion, honest reflection and diverse viewpoints about Israel. One of the first of its kind in the country, this Centennial initiative will promote civil discourse and increase connection to our Jewish homeland through small group education led by high-profile scholars and world-class practitioners.

The Center for Leadership

Our future depends on our leaders. That’s why The Associated created its new Center for Leadership, a Centennial initiative to engage, develop and inspire leaders. With lay and professional leaders learning and growing independently and together, we will ensure a vibrant Jewish Baltimore for generations to come.

Initiatives to Support the “New Jewish Family”

Recognizing that the Jewish community today is different from the Jewish community 100 years ago, two new funds will support programs that address this “new Jewish family.”

The Centennial Meyerhoff New Jewish Family Innovation Fund funded by the Joseph & Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds, will spur innovative community programming for families in the future. “We are trying to retain the attention of teens after b’nai mitzvah … and to develop cohorts of families that experience Jewish life together — and that may or may not include belonging to a synagogue. There are new things we haven’t thought of yet,” says Elizabeth “Buffy” R. Minkin, who serves as president of the Funds.

The SPARK: Richman Jewish Family Innovation Prize will award a $40,000 prize to be used over two years for innovative programming that encourages creative projects that have an impact.

Join Us in the Celebration

Our Centennial year is here, and we hope that you will join us in the celebration. To kick-off the festivities will be The Associated IMPACT’s Generosity Gala set in 1920, the year we were born. Follow that up with a special Centennial Block Party at the JCC on June 7 and a Birthday Bash on June 17. Other programs that bring together Baltimore will be scheduled this fall.

Recognizing that we are about giving back, Jewish Volunteer Connection (JVC), the volunteer arm of The Associated, will launch the 100,000 Acts of Service Challenge. Make a difference in someone’s life by volunteering at a school or soup kitchen, giving away clothes to someone who needs it or serving on a volunteer committee or board to make a difference. Details will be forthcoming.