Why does your Federation gift matter? Here’s why:

Why should you donate to the Federation Annual Campaign?
The answer can be found locally and around the world. It even transcends age groups.
Individuals from all backgrounds depend on the Federation and the people who give to it.
But statistics don’t tell the Federation story the way that those affected by it can. Here are just a few stories:
The Federation supports BBYO in Louisville, the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in meaningful Jewish experiences worldwide.
“Ever since I have joined BBYO I have really felt like I’ve been more able to let my Judaism shine and I’ve been so much prouder of it,” said Ava Schumacher, an active BBYO teen. “[Without BBYO] I probably wouldn’t be the same person as I am today.”
On the other end of the age spectrum, senior programs at The J and Chavurat Shalom are also supported by the Federation. These programs give seniors a purpose and an opportunity to socialize, volunteer and exercise.
As one participant said, “To stay home alone is not healthy. If I sat home, I would not be around very long.”
If you are around people, you forget about your problems.”
Transportation is provided to ensure seniors who cannot drive can participate in the programs.
Federation’s reach is worldwide, supporting the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) to help Jews in need overseas. The JDC works in 70 countries to alleviate hunger and hardship, rescue Jews in danger and create lasting connections to Jewish life.
Tatyana Skorohod lives alone in a studio apartment in Moldova, where she’s been unable to afford repairs for over 10 years. Living on a monthly pension of $35 with a monthly utility bill of $53, she relies on winter relief support from the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) to avoid eviction and to help in paying for food and medicine.
“In these difficult times, especially in winter, I am so grateful to JDC … for the assistance they provide,” Skorohod said. “Without it, I wouldn’t be able to survive.”
In addition to receiving help, Skorohod also volunteers at the JDC Hesed’s Day Center program in Balti, Moldova, where she celebrates Shabbat with the city’s Jews. She also participates in a program called “Peer to Peer,” where she visits and provides companionship for another Hesed client, a bedridden woman in intense pain.
Those are only a few examples of the people who benefit from local donations to the Federation; there are many more – all who are being helped daily.
The Federation’s mission is to raise money to impact Jewish lives and sustain Jewish values in Louisville and around the world. When asked to give to the Federation, consider the lives you are changing with a generous gift.

(Julie Hollander is director of women’s philanthropy and outreach at the Jewish Federation of Louisville.)

Who we help
Besides the young and old, the Jewish Federation of Louisville annually supports many agencies and charities here and abroad that make Jewish living better for all. Here they are:

Israel and overseas
Partnership2Gether
Kivunim
Israel Religious Expression Platform
birthright Israel
JDC
JFNA Israel and Overseas Programs

National
Center for Learning and Leadership
Hillel Consortium
Israel Action Network
Jewish Communal Services Association
NCJW
Hadassah

Local
JFCS
High School of Jewish Studies
High School of Jewish Studies-Moot Court
The Temple Hebrew School
LBSY
Chavurat Shalom
JCL (Federation, The J, JCRC, Hillel, Community Paper)
One Happy Camper

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