By Lisa Long
CEO, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation
The year 2025 was one of growth for the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation and its agencies.
The federation, founded in 1935, is the umbrella organization for several agencies: 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; Jewish Community Center (JCC), Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC); and Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS). It helps provide for the social welfare, cultural, programmatic, recreational and fundraising needs of the region. The Federation employs 250 to 300 full-time, part-time and seasonal workers.
The Federation and Akiva Academy launched a campaign to raise $1.9 million dollars to expand. The new facility will house four classrooms for grades five through eight. This project will allow Akiva Academy to double its enrollment in the next five years.
The JCC continues to grow its Early Learning Center. It opened a new classroom for ages 16 to 22 months, helping to fill a need in the community. It also renovated the fitness center. The revamped space features state-of-the-art cardio machines, cutting-edge circuit equipment and fresh flooring. It’s been over 15 years since the last major renovation. It also grew Camp JCC – bringing a record 289 kids to the federation campus.
The federation’s senior living services added programs and services to enhance the well-being of those who participate. Heritage Manor launched a grief support group to help not only care for residents’ medical needs, but also their emotional wellness. The federation also invested in new equipment to improve clinical care and resident comfort. Levy Gardens enhanced security measures to ensure tenants felt safe at home. A “Better Together” program fostered meaningful intergenerational connections for Levy Gardens tenants and Akiva Academy students. Adult Day Services acquired a new bus, making it easier for clients to access appointments and community events. They partnered with community providers like the Kikel Dental Van and Sight for All United to bring ancillary health care services directly to clients.
The JCRC continued to advocate and educate. In response to rising antisemitic threats and broader security concerns, it strengthened collaborations with local and federal law enforcement. More than 1,200 students from 15 school districts heard firsthand from a Holocaust survivor. The JCRC sponsored a bus trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the Nova Music Festival traveling exhibit, bringing together Jews and non-Jews to learn more about the Oct. 7. 2023, massacre.
The federation also marked the two-year anniversary of the attacks in Israel with an event honoring victims and recognizing acts of courage.
Through Aging Well programs, JFCS reached more than 125 older adults, offering education and connection to help combat isolation.
Plans for 2026 include the opening of the new Akiva Academy middle school facility and growing the JCC’s membership and programs such as all-day care for children when schools are closed, Camp JCC and its early learning program.
Pictured at top: Akiva Academy, part of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, broke ground on an expansion last year. Pictured at the groundbreaking ceremony are Kathy Mioni, Akiva Academy principal; Judy Solomon, representing the Solomon family; Dr. Harriet Schor, co-chair of the Akiva expansion campaign; Alan Mirkin, co-chair of the Akiva expansion campaign; Atty. Mark Huberman, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation board president; Ohio State Sen. Sandra O’Brien; Ohio State Rep. Tex Fischer; Lisa Long, Federation CEO; Nancy Burnet, Commission for Jewish Education board president; and Atty. Michael Barr, Federation board president-elect.
