IMPACT! Volunteer Initiative Launches

CLEVELAND – Jewish Clevelanders over 50 were invited to make an IMPACT! with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s new volunteer initiative for Baby Boomers. 400+ community members celebrated at the “Making an IMPACT! Launch Event” on January 7, 2016.

IMPACT!, which stands for “Individuals Making Powerful Active Contributions Together,” is an initiative of the Federation’s Jewish Volunteer Network, a one-stop shop for connecting Jewish Clevelanders to meaningful and rewarding volunteer experiences in Cleveland and beyond.

The 2011 Greater Cleveland Jewish Population Study found that nearly one-third of Jewish people in Cleveland were born between 1946-1964. With the realization that a significant segment of the Jewish community were part of the Baby Boomer era, the Federation reached out to community members within this demographic to learn more about their needs and aspirations for the next step in their lives. The focus group insight included: adults over 50 are looking to help the community, connect with like-minded individuals through social programming, use their professional skills and talents to aid others in need, learn new skills through workshops and certification courses, and travel to do good for others outside of Cleveland.

Bonnie Marks, who is chairing the new IMPACT! Initiative said, “As a Baby Boomer, I see tremendous value in coming together with others who are of similar age and share similar interests. Through IMPACT! we can connect with one another and make meaningful contributions in our Jewish and general community through important hands-on volunteering. Our capacity to do good is limitless.”

The “Make an IMPACT! Launch Event” featured keynote speaker Dick Goldberg, former National Director of Coming of Age, an initiative that engages adults over 50 to explore their futures, promote connections, and build stronger communities through volunteering. The evening will also included a panel discussion with Jewish Clevelanders Mindy Davidson of Solon, Ann Freimuth of Pepper Pike, and Zachary Paris of Shaker Heights.

Guests also learned about IMPACT! volunteer opportunities, social programs, certification workshops, pro bono services, and trips and travel.

To learn more about how you can “Make an IMPACT!” click here, or email Susan Hyman at shyman@jcfcleve.org or call 216-593-2887.

Check out the event photos on our Jewish Cleveland Facebook page.

A few moments captured

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