By Stefanie Pervos Bregman, JUF News, May 31, 2016
For the third year in a row, the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago’s Breakthrough Fund is giving a boost to innovative, leading-edge initiatives that meet local human needs, engage Chicagoans Jewishly, and strengthen Jewish communities in Israel.
This summer, $1.06 million will be awarded to programs focusing on themes ranging from inclusion of teens with special needs; educational programs to raise awareness about mental illness; crisis intervention and self-sufficiency for at-risk Israeli young adults; professional development for those working in the Jewish community; and engaging new Jewish experiences for local bar and bat mitzvah students, college students and congregants.