This year, 12 local high school students, who serve as the Tallahassee Jewish Federation (TJF) Teen Philanthropy Initiative’s Teen Board, awarded grants totaling $12,500 to six organizations that provide important services to individuals in need.
Locally, the Teen Board invited the Big Bend Homeless Coalition and The Shelter to apply for a grant. The teens visited leaders of both organizations to learn more about the important work they do and about the specific projects for which they sought support. Both the BBHC and The Shelter have been delighted to work with the Teen Board. Stephanie Beckingham, Assistant to the Director of the Big Bend Homeless Coalition, shared:
“I cannot tell you what an honor it is to stand beside organizations in Israel as we meet critical needs in our communities, in partnership with the Tallahassee Jewish Federation. The TJF Teen Board has provided financial support to those we serve for the last six years and has played some part in helping over 300 individuals as they move from homelessness to stable housing. We truly could not do this without them. On a more personal note, I have truly enjoyed watching the teens grow up over the years, and know many of them will become our future servant leaders.â€
Jacob Reiter, Executive Director of The Shelter, congratulated the Teen Board for its work and thanked the Board for its generous support as well.