By Lisa Long
CEO, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The past year was somber for the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation and its agencies as Oct. 7 marked one year since the brutal attack on Israel by Hamas.

More than 159 donors raised nearly $509,000 for Jewish Federation of North America’s Israel Emergency Campaign. The Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation opened an emergency grant round for organizations in Israel with new or expanded programs dealing directly with the Oct. 7 Hamas attack: over $77,000 was granted.

The federation was founded in 1935 and employs 300 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees. It is the umbrella organization for Senior Living by Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, which includes Heritage Manor Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation, Levy Gardens Assisted Living, and Adult Day Services at Heritage Manor; the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Community Relations Council; and Jewish Family & Community Services.

In 2024, our agencies expanded the home-delivered meal program, producing and delivering over 10,000 meals monthly for older adults in need. We partnered with the Mahoning County Mental Health & Recovery Board to offer a 10-week survivors of suicide support group. And JFCS received $175,000 through Aging Well funds to assist adults 60 and over with technology, free aging-well programs and emergency food.

The Jewish Community Center saw an increase in membership, with more member units than ever. The Logan Campus on Logan Way was updated by adding new lounge chairs, a diving board and an aquatics climbing wall. The JCC also expanded its program of care and fun for children when schools are closed.

The Jewish Community Relations Council had a hand in advocating for and securing $1.75 million in public money for a variety of projects including Heritage Manor improvements, Holocaust educational programing, security infrastructure upgrades, and senior tech programs and services.

Approval was granted for Adult Day Services at Heritage Manor to begin offering intensive services, allowing for a higher level of supports, including showering.

This year the Early Learning Center at the JCC will open a new classroom in time for the 2025-26 school year and the JCC will unveil a newly renovated fitness center in March.

Pictured at top: Lisa Long succeeded Andrew Lipkin as CEO when he retired Dec. 31. She is the fourth CEO in federation history and the first woman to lead the organization.