Max Bloom - Helping to Combat Domestic Violence!

Hello, my name is Max Bloom and this my first year participating on the Jewish Teen Foundation board. I am extremely thankful to be able to take part in this program where I can help to make a difference in our community by coming to a consensus on a mission statement and cause, fundraising for that cause, and researching/vetting organizations that we will make grants to. 

What I love about JTF, is knowing that, together, we have the power to help people live better lives. I find it important in times of struggle and hardship to reach out and help others who are in need of support.  It's sad to see how many issues there are in the world but is also critical to have the mindset that something can be done to stop these problems from becoming any more prevalent. 

Domestic violence is an immensely relevant issue that is plaguing our world. It has gotten exacerbated due to COVID 19 and the shelter in place orders. In 2021, JTF's goal is to support the many people affected by domestic violence in the Bay Area and beyond as well as help lower its frequency in our communities. 

The JTF Mission Statement:

The Jewish Teen Foundation is committed to supporting people affected by domestic violence through organizations/initiatives that provide direct services and preventative measures to ensure physical and mental safety for all.

About Domestic Violence:

According to Shalom Bayit, a domestic violence prevention and response organization here in the Bay Area, "Domestic violence is an abusive pattern of power and control where one person systematically controls the other. " 

This abuse can take many forms such as physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual. Furthermore, domestic violence doesn't only affect the person being abused. Other people in the environment, especially children, can be indirectly affected by this violence. Whether physical or verbal, domestic violence can majorly impact the emotional well being of others who are witnessing the abuse. 

Domestic violence has always been a major issue in our society but it has been intensified because of the Covid 19 pandemic. Due to the shelter in place orders, many victims are trapped with their abusers with no escape. In more normal times they may have safe places to go to or people that can help them but being quarantined has extinguished those options. This shows how this incredibly relevant issue has become even more relevant in 2020/2021. 

Statistics: 

• On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States.
• Domestic Violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime.
• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner domestic violence.

(According to The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, https://ncadv.org/)

We Need Your Help:

Domestic Violence is a major issue in our world. It is affecting many people and making even their home, an unbearable place. With your kind donations, we can help support vetted nonprofits who are tirelessly working to serve people who are being afflicted by domestic violence as well as help prevent it from occurring in the future. We are extremely grateful for any support and we thank you for taking the time to look into this serious problem. 

Remember the donation deadline is April 15th! 

If you would like to contact me with questions or to learn more, my email is maxmbloom23@gmail.com

Thank you so much!