Ella Ronen - NPJTF

I am honored to have the opportunity this year to participate in the North Peninsula Jewish Teen Foundation as one of 24 dedicated teens. The Jewish Teen Foundation (JTF) is a project of the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, and we are working to fundraise and allocate grants to aid both Jewish and secular nonprofit organizations internationally. I first joined in September following a fast move to California at the end of August which provided me with many new opportunities. I initially joined the Jewish Teen Foundation to meet other Jewish teens in my area and work to provide others with the same blessings and opportunities that I have been given. As a part of this foundation, I am learning about philanthropy and community service, and engaging with different organisations that aim to solve the different social and physical challenges that plague our world today. 

Our mission this year is to promote positive social change by protecting the environment and responding to the needs of people affected by environmental problems locally, globally, and in Israel. This is an issue that I care for deeply, as it affects everyone around the world, and specifically  my own new community of the Bay Area was recently affected by fires. The Tubbs fire began Oct. 8 2017 and grew to over 36,000 acres in 36 hours burning dried forests along its path. Around the United States as well as around the world, many different areas were struck with natural disasters as well. On September 1, 2017, one-third of Houston was underwater with two feet of rain falling in the first 24 hours, forcing 39,000 people out of their homes and into shelters. Uganda’s 2,000 Jews (Abayudaya) have long maintained a modest existence, thus relying on their own crops to survive, have been hit hard by the drought, leaving most of the community without food for long periods of time. The North Peninsula is considering many strong organizations that have projects addressing these needs in a proactive and effective way, and we will provide grants to aid in their missions.

Any amount donated is incredibly helpful and greatly appreciated; all donations are tax-deductible and all funds will go directly to helping environments affected by violence. By donating, you are funding communities locally, globally, and in Israel; as well as providing support to our education about philanthropy and leadership.

Thank you so much for your support! Your donation will be put towards incredible causes and aid our mission greatly!