Growing up, I didn’t realize how much the Federation impacted my life. I was always a part of the community – from Jewish Summer Camp to hanging out at the JCC, to visiting my grandparents at Montefiore – but it wasn’t until I went to college in Charleston, South Carolina, I realized I missed the sense of community that I experienced here in Cleveland.

Families from Puerto Rico are continuing to arrive in Cleveland, and the local faith community is stepping up to help children get a successful start in CMSD schools

Bradley J. Schlang, Chair of the Federation’s Community Relations Committee shares his thoughts on how Jewish Cleveland finds strength through the words and philosophies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:

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.

“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.

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.