Leah M. - Helping youth affected by foster care

Hi guys!

I am Leah Minkoff, a 10th grader at Jewish Community High School in San Francisco, and this year I joined the Jewish Teen Foundation (JTF) to gain philanthropy and fundraising skills for the future as well as support a good cause. The most inspiring part of JTF for me is seeing other Jewish teens work hard to help others in need and hopefully use these skills in the future to help the Jewish people as a whole- especially those living in the Diaspora.

This year, the Jewish Teen Foundation's North Board is committed to supporting youth impacted by the foster care system through organizations/initiatives that provide aid enabling them to have secure and sustainable futures.

 The youth experiencing foster care don't only struggle with finding a home itself, they struggle mentally, as they feel abandoned and unstable, academically, as they are constantly moving schools, and physically, as they may not be getting the health care they need. Additionally, cultures/religions may be lost.  For example, Jewish kids may not be placed with a Jewish family therefore losing exposure and connection to their traditions and beliefs. 

Here is some startling information from our research:

-Because childhood development is so crucial "Children who grow up with instability in their family life are more likely to experience emotional and behavioral problems, get involved in criminal activities, or drop out of school"(Rezvan Foundation For Excellence).

Additionally,

- Teens in the foster care system are more likely to fall pregnant "This is because they may lack support from their family and friends, as well as have a lack of knowledge about how to avoid pregnancies" (Rezvan Foundation For Excellence).

Another unfortunate statistic is, 

and the longer the stay in the system the more issues one will experience. 

Please join me in helping many children feel loved and supported. It is a huge mitzvah to give some tzedakah to help change a kids life around forever. Our goal is to raise $42,000 by April 10th, 2023.  After the deadline, every dollar will go to organization which the Board has carefully reseached, so you can rest easy knowing your donation will have the greatest impact!  We will do the work, so you don't have to!  Together, we will support nonprofits working tirelessly to equip youth with the resources they need to live happy and self-sufficient lives, which is the highest level of giving. 

As I mentioned before, these children don't have connections which can support them, so I need your help to change the lives of these kids. I am so grateful that I have such an amazing community that has supported me and that I was raised with Jewish values and going to Jewish schools so I know the importance of giving tzedakah, and so we can help these kids get back on their feet. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to learn more about the needs of these kids and for your generous gift of tzedakah! I can't wait to hear from you, with feedback, comments, or questions. 

My email is: leahminkoff@gmail.com for any questions and if calling works better for you my number is: 510- 301- 2594.

Thank you!