Three years ago, Women’s Philanthropy launched Coaching Circles, a leadership development program aimed to offer women a supportive and motivating environment to connect through meaningful conversations and peer coaching.

They say a penny saved is a penny earned, but in this case, Mandel JDS students did a lot more than save their pennies - they donated 717 dollars worth to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Campaign for Jewish Needs.

“The Women’s Philanthropy Campaign raises more money than many other cities do in their entire campaigns,” said Federation Board Chair Gary L. Gross. Women in our community brought in $4,123,727. Thank you for your dollars, your time, and your involvement!

Welcome to all the Jewish Cleveland women who will be leading our strong, vibrant community in the coming year and thank you to all of our outgoing chairs for their dedication.

Babies, babies, babies! It seems like I’m learning of a new birth or pregnancy daily. I love hearing these couples’ good news, celebrating with them, witnessing the love and excitement, hope and anticipation of discovering who these new souls will become and what their future accomplishments will be. Each new baby brings new opportunities, new possibilities, new joys.

What's Jacki Bell's one piece of advice for young families? Be patient! "Kids are really smart, so often times I can talk through an issue with my 3 year old. Plus, it's all a phase and they don't last long." Meet Jackie and her family now:

There are two things in my life that define me – my Jewishness and baseball. I was born and raised in Jewish Cleveland and the values of Judaism were instilled in me from a very young age – from synagogue, Sunday School, Jewish Day Camps, BBYO, and activities at the Mandel JCC. Jewish Cleveland is everything to me – as is playing baseball. I’ve put so much into being able to play my entire life, including in college.

The Saltzman Youth Panel educates Jewish Cleveland high school students like me about philanthropy. Together, this year’s cohort of 40 high school juniors and seniors will make decisions about allocating $42,500 to worthy organizations in the Jewish and general communities.

The Federation's 2011 Population Study showed that 19% of Cleveland Jewish households are living in poverty. Based on this research, the Federation founded a Task Force on Financial Distress. Their recommendation: Establish a Chesed Center. Chesed, for kindness.

Find out how Carol Paull of Shaker Heights is making an IMPACT! by volunteering in our community.