
Supported by a Teen Initiative grant from Jewish Federation of Orange County
BBYO is officially partnered with the Merage JCC, bringing teens across the county closer together through programming and local events.
For over a decade, the Young Philanthropists program has provided Orange County teens (9th – 12th graders) with an opportunity to learn about taking responsibility for the needs of various populations in our community, in Israel, and around the world. Through a series of four sessions, the teens learn guidelines for meaningful philanthropy based on Jewish principles and are inspired to make a difference in the lives of others.
The Young Philanthropists visit local nonprofit agencies, hear guest speakers, participate in hands-on projects, and learn about the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world). At the conclusion of the program, the group engages in a thoughtful, lively process to determine how to allocate money (each participant contributes $54, plus a generous grant from an anonymous donor). Participants in Young Philanthropists develop leadership skills, earn community service credit (total of 12 hours), and enhance college resumes, all while having fun with a group of peers from across the Orange County Jewish Community.
If you have questions, please contact Heather Zucker, Director of Jewish Engagement and JCC Cares, at [email protected].
For more information on Young Philanthropists, contact Heather Zucker, 949.435.3400 x165, or [email protected].
The Global Teens program is a global initiative that brings American Jewish teens together with Israeli teens their age. The Merage JCC and our sister Matnas in Kfar Yona work in collaboration to give our respective teens a summer experience that few will ever have. By hosting Israelis in Orange County, and then in return being hosted by the same teens the following year in Israel, incredibly strong relationships form. This gives our teens personal ties to Israel and a better sense of Jewish Peoplehood.

Supported by a Teen Initiative grant from Jewish Federation of Orange County