JDC's Turning Point program works with troubled teenagers who come from difficult backgrounds – some are from struggling immigrant families, some come from broken families and some have dropped out of school. In order to get these teenagers back on the right track and motivate them to complete high school studies, the program aims to give these teenagers an empowering vision of themselves and their futures. The program provides year-long Business Courses that offer participants the practical skills, knowledge and self-confidence needed to launch their own businesses. Through the program, the teenagers also gain important life skills necessary for success in the job market – including inter-personal communication, responsibility and teamwork. During the course, the participants prepare business plans and present them at local and national competitions.
Since 1914, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has given global expression to the principle that all Jews are responsible for one another. JDC is the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, working in more than 70 countries and in Israel to alleviate hunger and hardship, rescue Jews in danger, create lasting connections to Jewish life, and provide immediate relief and long-term development support for victims of natural and man-made disasters.
Wherever there is a Jew in need, JDC is there. With decades of experience, JDC works to provide the world's poorest Jews with access to medical care, food, and shelter and helps Jews reconnect to their heritage and to strengthen Jewish communities around the globe. JDC runs hundreds of programs in Israel that give hope and opportunity especially to the weakest citizens, like youth at risk.
Turning Point recognizes that troubled teenagers who are not helped are at risk of living as adults on the margins of society. The program's innovative approach uses the business world to attract dropouts and underachieving students and give them the skills they need to become productive and successful members of society.
Name of Organization:American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee - Israeli Teenagers
Number of Paid Staff:Approximately 750 full-time/part-time
Number of Volunteers:Thousands
Total Organizational Expenses:$333,685,386
% of Organizational Overhead Expenses:3.80%
Working since 1914 and today in over 70 countries, JDC has developed a wealth of experience and effective partnerships around the globe. JDC is the recipient of the Charity Navigator's highest 4-star rating and is among the Non Profit Times' Top 100 nonprofits.
More specifically, Turning Point uses a new approach – the business world - to engage and excite disengaged teens.
Michael, an 11th grader who finds school a struggle, has a goal in life. And through JDC's Entrepreneurship course in his school, he may soon be able to make his dream a reality. “The course let me take my first steps into the business world,” says Michael, who despite his difficulties in school has designed a Bluetooth-enabled portable switch that accesses a home’s power infrastructure, such as lights. “I contacted electronics and business experts who helped me design a device that I could market most easily, both from functional and business standpoints.”
Through the program, Michael developed a business concept, researched the market, and drafted a business plan. He also honed in on his public-speaking skills and took part in school, regional, and national business plan competitions. Michael’s electronic device won first prize in his school competition, passed two regional competitions, and made it to the program's National Business Plan Competition, where he earned third place.
“This project made me develop my personal and inter-personal skills, like convincing people and presenting to an audience,” says Michael. “I had to work on my business and creative thinking skills. I discovered hidden abilities that I never knew I had.” Michael also surprised his teachers. Thanks to the course, they saw a disinterested student who rarely spoke up in class evolve into a motivated young man with a newfound sense of confidence that amazed—and delighted—them.
Children
Education
Israel
Self Esteem
Get involved by donating now or by visiting www.jdc.org
Name:Renee Maoz
Title:International Relations Senior Associate
Address:711 Third Avenue New York, NY 10017-4014
Telephone:+ 972 2 655 7149
Email:reneem@jdc.org.il
Website:www.jdc.org