SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — The Hadassah Foundation has awarded a $35,200 grant to Jewish Family Service’s Girls Give Back to offset the program’s operating expenses for the next year. The Hadassah Foundation is an investor in social change for girls and women. Its mission is to improve the status, health, and well-being of women and girls; bring their contributions, issues and needs from the margins to the center of Jewish concern; and encourage and facilitate their active participation in decision-making and leadership in all spheres of life.
Girls Give Back is designed to address the challenges faced by Jewish young women in San Diego by engaging them in meaningful, self-directed, and ongoing service learning and leadership development activities. Through the use of a high quality year-long curriculum–crafted especially with Jewish teen girls in mind—the program educates girls on gender inequality, develops concrete leadership skills, and empowers young women to actively engage in the San Diego community through volunteer work and service learning projects.
These skills and experiences result in measureable change related to self-image, and build their confidence to take on future leadership positions and develop meaningful relationships with Jewish peers. About 25% of Program participants receive financial assistance to help offset the fee to participate in the program. The young women in the program represent diverse denominations of Judaism, including Orthodox, Modern Orthodox, Reform, and Secular (Jewish, but not religious). At the end of each academic year, program participants demonstrate an increase of knowledge of gender inequality connection to the Jewish community, leadership skills, and confidence.
“The Hadassah Foundation is honored and proud to be your partner in making a difference in the lives of women and girls, and we wish you every success with this project.” Rabbi Ellen Flax said in a letter to Girls Give Back announcing the grant.
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Preceding provided by Jewish Family Service
“It is a tremendous honor for Jewish Family Service’s impactful Girls Give Back to be recognized as a national leader in leadership development for Jewish young women. We are grateful for the Hadassah Foundation’s significant investment in Girls Give Back for the second year in a row, as it is vital to the program’s long term sustainability.” – Shana Hazan