Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland

YEAR FOUNDED: 1903

KEY CONTACTS: Stephen H. Hoffman, Executive Director; Harley I. Gross, Board Chairman

FOCUS AREA: The Federation serves people of all ages through educational, advocacy and social service programs that benefit Greater Cleveland's Jewish and general communities, and the worldwide Jewish community.

MISSION STATEMENT: The Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland provides a wide array of social and educational activities. These programs are made possible with the support of thousands of community members, as well as agencies, synagogues, schools and international humanitarian organizations.

TOP PROGRAMS: Through a variety of programs, the Federation helps thousands of people locally and around the world. Local programs include the Public Education Initiative, which utilizes volunteers of all faiths to tutor elementary-age children in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District to improve their reading skills. Through its Jewish Volunteers in Action program, the Federation feeds the hungry in soup kitchens and homeless shelters, helps maintain cemeteries, and beautifies the Cleveland Cultural Gardens.

 

In Israel, the Federation establishes programs to meet a variety of social service needs. For example, its members assist new immigrants — specifically Ethiopian-Israelis — through the Parents and Children Together (PACT) program; provide a second chance for "at-risk" youth through our work with the Israel Defense Forces; and build peaceful ties between Israelis and Jordanians through economic incentive programs. It also helps revitalize Jewish communities in St. Petersburg, Russia, and Argentina.

Members also advocate on issues and concerns of importance to humanity —  whether it's in Washington, D.C., or with interfaith neighbors around the corner. Members inform others on political, social and educational issues through the Federation's Community Relations Committee and Government Relations Committee. The organization works with ethnic and religious groups to learn from their differences, discover similarities and work together to make the world a better place.