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The Choice Foundation strives to give all people more choices in how they want to live their lives. They provide grants for organisations looking to create innovative projects and programs for the benefit of people living with a disability and their families in our community. Some of the incredible initiatives they have funded include Upskill and A Weekend Away and a men’s group home and J-Jobs through JewishCare. Keeping people active has also resulted in the surfing and dance programs through Maccabi NSW gaining traction and popularity whilst also being tremendous fun.
Supporting disability programs and projects through JCA Member organisations, The Choice Foundation nurtures ideas that prompt action leading to new education, vocation, housing, respite and social services that enable everyone to better contribute to and benefit from the community we all share.
We take this opportunity to thank Andrew and Taryn Boyarksy for their passion and vision that makes all these things happen for our community.
"Having an opportunity to provide choice to the Jewish Community within the realm of disability, is a luxury we do not take for granted, but it is the partnership with JCA that allows us to provide these opportunities, governance and structure . We are so grateful to have the JCA and to know that they believe in our mission."
- Taryn Boyarsky (Founder, JCA The Choice Foundation)
Established in 2015 the Giving Forum is a group of local major donors and their families who want to inspire philanthropy on a large scale and provide an enduring funding platform to guarantee the local Jewish Community’s financial security and growth over the next century. Their energy and passion for local causes and innovation have changed our community's face of local philanthropy. As the Kickstarter for JCA’s Jumpstart division (now in its sixth year), the Giving Forum has created a space and a platform for young adult engagement in our community where events and bespoke initiatives can be realised that cater to the new generation and their philosophy of giving.
At the end of 2021, Jumpstart’s Fight Night saw four real estate agents in our community battle it out for four JCA member organisations, pitching for programs and services integral to our community.
"Going forward we will continue our focus on providing leadership in and support for the prevailing issues and opportunities the day covering important areas such as education, advocacy and security and amongst others. A key focus will also be to continue inspiring new innovation and over time ensuring a smooth transition to the next generation and young leaders of the future who share our vision for sustaining and enhancing the Jewish community, underpinned by a culture of caring, philanthropy and creativity."
- Trevor Loewensohn (Chair, The Giving Forum)
The Australian Jewish Funders (AJF), the network inspiring effective philanthropy and strengthening community continues to be a strategic partner of JCA. Utilising the tools of innovation, collaboration and strong leadership, and driven by Jewish values, AJF enhances and nurtures strategic philanthropy, and explores philanthropic best practices amongst, and between funders, social activists and communal organisation partners.
Continuing on with our successful partnership with AJF, together with UIA, JCA launched the JCA and UIA Philanthropy Fellowship delivered by AJF. The Fellowship envisions a Jewish community where young Jewish philanthropists are partners in shaping a vibrant, robust, and inclusive community. It seeks to expand philanthropic leadership in the NSW Jewish community by harnessing the ambition, aspiration and passion of emerging philanthropists. The program offered participants the opportunity to explore how they can use their influence and actions to become agents of change whilst developing skills and a deeper understanding of strategic giving and one’s philanthropic aspirations.
"The Philanthropy Fellowship has been an incredible opportunity to grow my understanding of the philanthropic space, how it specifically applies to the Jewish community, and how to maximise the impact of my personal philanthropic journey and that of my family and friends. I'd highly recommend this Fellowship to anyone who is interested in philanthropy or in making the most of their giving.
I hope that you will consider creating Fellowship alumni events where alumni from across the years can meet and connect."
- Joshua Swift
With international borders now open, Y2i is anticipating its largest cohort of young people embarking on their Year 10 Israel journey. We anticipate 2022 will see over 400 students participate across 5 different inspirational programs.
These life changing journeys inspire young people to explore both their Jewish identity and heritage, a love for Israel, and create a sense of belonging. For many students, their Y2i experience, shared with their peers, is the launch pad for a stronger Jewish connection and their impetus for involvement in their Jewish community when they complete school.
Y2i’s partnership with JCA has been invaluable in ensuring that these trips are accessible and affordable for all Jewish young people across NSW and the ACT. To date, Y2i has provided $5,000 grants to over 1,500 students from all of the Jewish day schools and students from over 40 public and private schools on the BJE Israel program.
Y2i acknowledges that both the 2020 and 2021 Year 10 cohorts were unable to participate in their Year 10 Israel trips. In response, Y2i is exploring alternate subsidised five-week Post-High School Israel program options for them. The first program is planned to depart in January 2023 for current Year 12s. While Moriah, Masada and Emanuel are developing Israel programs for their current Year 11 students departing in November 2022, Y2i is also planning to make available a Post High School Israel program departing in January 2024 for those currently at non-Jewish day schools, or those who were unable to participate in their alternate Year 11 school program in 2022.
It’s been 8 years of success for The Observership Program. Founded in 2014 and modelled on a similar successful program in the United States, The Observership Program provides training and practical experience in not-for-profit board leadership and ongoing networking opportunities to create a passionate and motivated community of future leaders. With first-hand exposure to the role of the board, its decision-making and operations as well as targeted training and mentorship its designed to give Observers important skills to bring to the boardroom.
Working with JCA, the Program places young professionals on communal board to learn about board governance and create the next generation of communal leaders.
"The Observership Program is a way to connect talented emerging leaders in the Jewish community to the network of organisations within JCA. It is a wonderful way to ensure that the leadership of our organisations has a strong pipeline of passionate young people to keep our community vibrant and thriving."
- Jonathan Gavshon
