Altoona Jewish Community School, The joint “Sunday School” is a partnership of Agudath Achim, Temple Beth Israel, and the Federation.  It is administered by a committee composed of three representatives of each congregation and the chairperson appointed by the Federation.  Parents, the congregations, and the Federation share the overall costs of operation. The Federation took over the clerical and accounting functions for the school beginning with the 2005-06 school year.

Celebrate Diversity, Established in 1993 to introduce diversity awareness programs into local junior highs to “erase intolerance and raise awareness about attitudes of prejudice.”  There is annual teacher training and four student education days, including a visit to the National Holocaust Museum.  Approximately 300 children per year participate.  Federation is a co-sponsor and one of the founders of the program.  We fund the transportation costs for the trip to the Holocaust Museum.

Cultural Enrichment Unit (AAHS), Funds have been contributed to the Altoona School District to share the costs of and help develop and implement the Holocaust curriculum, and programs on diversity.  Monies were used for speakers, books, teacher training, and transportation for teachers and students to the Holocaust Museum, Ellis Island, The Tenement Museum, etc.

Ecumenical Conference of Altoona-Interfaith Committee, This  local association works against racism and promotes interfaith understanding through dialogue, educational programs, and advocacy with local governmental agencies.
Federation funds are used for operating costs.

Family/Community Education, The goal is to increase religious observance; especially in the home. Federation funds are available for education and enrichment programs for the whole family.  Programs could include Shabbatons, parallel learning with paid presenters in Sunday school, teacher training, or a part time staff person.

Film Festival, The Altoona Jewish Film Festival was created in 2000 to bring the riches and diversity of Jewish content films to the Jewish and general communities in our area.  Typically four films are shown yearly, during the month of FebruaryMarch and vary widely in content.  A fifth film – a Sunday matinee for families was added in 2005. Funding is through admission charge- and the Federation funds the deficit. A committee from the Jewish community plans each year’s festival. A dinner prior to each film is utilized as a community building event.

Holocaust Remembrance and Education Programs, The primary focus is on promoting Holocaust education in local school districts. Holocaust survivors, videos and literature have been made available to Junior and Senior highs as well as colleges. In the last three years over 7500 students have heard directly from a survivor about the lessons of the Holocaust. An interfaith Holocaust memorial service is sometimes conducted in coordination with the Temple and Synagogue.

Jewish Memorial Center, The center opened in 1949 to serve the social, recreational and educational needs of the Jewish community.  In recent years it has mainly served the general community as a sports facility (mainly basketball) and for bingo.  Thousands of local children have used the JMC and it serves as our “face” to the community.  Some Jewish activities are still held there.  The Federation office is located at the JMC with no charge for rent or utilities. Federation dollars are utilized for the JMC’s general operating expenses.

Jewish YES, Developed by the Federation, the goal of this program is to help build and solidify Jewish identity for children through enabling them to participate in camps, retreats, and similar experiential programs with other Jewish kids.  Grants are given to any family upon requests and financial need based scholarships are awarded. Funding is provided through the Andy Jubelirer Camp Scholarship Fund and the annual campaign.

Leadership Development, Funds are available for training, workshops, speakers, and events etc. to stimulate interest and commitment and growth of current and future leaders of the Federation and the Jewish community.

Newsletters, Funding covers the cost of subscription to “Being Jewish” which publishes 3 issues yearly. (Pre-High Holy Days, Chanukah, and Passover) and printing of L`Chaim, the Federation’s newsletter that is created twice yearly.

Office/Campaign, This cost center covers Federation staff, including Senior Outreach, program development and the costs of operating the office.  All costs of the annual fund raising campaign are also included here.

Passport to Israel, A partnership of parents, congregations and Federation to enable local teens to travel to Israel.  Each of the partners contribute $100.00/year for 7years – from 3rd through 9th grades to fund the trip which can be taken anytime between end of 10th grade and graduation from college.  There is also a 3-year “catch up” option for students that enroll in 7th grade, at $200.00/year for each partner.

Penn State Altoona and Juniata College Outreach, Funding is available to assist Jewish students to increase Jewish life and activities.  Use of funding is under the direction of a Federation coordinator, and can be utilized for special events, books, tapes, etc.

SAVE Darfur: Central PA, This local committee was developed as a response to the genocide in the Darfur region of the Sudan. Our Jewish community along with other Jewish groups throughout the USA are active with this effort, based on the pledge of “Never Again.” The mission of the local group is education, advocacy and direct service to the people of Darfur.

Senior Outreach /Adult Social Club, Funds for the Adult Social Club cover social and educational activities – luncheons, picnics, entertainment, and programs for seniors in the Jewish community. Participants share in the cost with the Federation. Funds are also provided for holiday treats for shut-ins and individuals in institutions. Outreach involves visiting and case management for seniors in their own home or in nursing homes.

Social Activities/Community Building Events, Each year the Federation sponsors various family oriented events for the greater Altoona Jewish community including the picnics and Super Bowl parties etc. New members of the community are given special invitations. Other activities such as movies and holiday events could also be scheduled. The purpose of these activities is to increase a sense of community within our Jewish population.