Teen Wellness & Resilience
Teen stress, depression, and anxiety levels are all on the rise. What role can the Jewish community play to ensure our youth develop the resilience and grit needed to face these challenges and embrace their Jewish identity?
Federation has actively engaged the San Diego Jewish community over the past several years in critically thinking about engaging and supporting teens. Through our work with over 20 local Jewish organizations and more than 70 Jewish educators and engagement professionals, we have learned a lot about who our teens are, the challenges they face, and how they meaningfully connect to their Jewish heritage.
As a result, Federation partnered with the Jim Joseph Foundation and Jewish Teen Education & Engagement Funder Collaborative to implement new strategies and programs that address teen mental wellness and resiliency while supporting their parents, guardians and educators.
Our multi-prong approach to Teen Wellness & Resilience includes:
- Convening a mental health taskforce of Jewish communal professionals
- Providing microgrants to local Jewish organizations that engage teens and support their wellbeing
- Mobilizing teen leaders to conduct peer research
- Fielding community surveys to better understand the issues teens face today
- Providing professional development for teen educators and engagers
- Collaborating with a national network focused on Jewish teen wellbeing
National Mental Health First Aid Resources
If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or like you want to harm yourself or others, please call 911 or one of the national crisis resources found here.
Parenting In Turbulent Times
We know that navigating these times can be challenging for parents. Below is a video focused on youth mental wellbeing during times of crisis, drawing insights from Jewish agency professionals that will offer a unique perspective on cultivating resilience. The discussion centers on effective social-emotional strategies for enhancing resilience during turbulent times.
Thank you to the following community professionals for your expertise and insight:
- Julie Datnow, MFT
- Liron Goldring, ACSW - Lead Resource Navigator, Center for Jewish Care at Jewish Family Services
- Gabriel Nissan - Executive Director of the Ken Jewish Community
- Rose Orlovich - Director of Education at Congregation Beth Israel
- Rachel Shyloski, MSW - Camp Director, Camp Mountain Chai
- Rabbi Adam Simon - Director of Advancement, Southern California Yeshiva High School and Youth Rabbi, Beth Jacob Congregation
Contact Wendy McCreary if you would like to host this program at your Jewish organization.
