April 2026 JTeen Update for Parents
By Leah Stinson and Amy Fox
April 1, 2026
Wishing you a meaningful April!
From the celebration of freedom on Passover, to remembrance on Yom HaShoah and Yom HaZikaron, and finally the joy of Yom HaAtzmaut, this month reminds us of the strength and resilience of the Jewish people.
Leah Stinson, Director of JTeen and JCamping
lstinson@jewishatlanta.org
Amy Fox, Parent Engagement Manager, JTeen
afox@jewishatlanta.org
Rachel Valdman, Coordinator, JCamping and JTeen
rvaldman@jewishatlanta.org
Why JTeen Parents Matter
Traci Flome speaks about the impact JTeen parent programs have had on her and her family…
My name is Traci Flome, and I’m the mom of three kids, one in college, one in high school, and one in middle school. At any given moment, I’m living in three different chapters of adolescence. And if there’s one thing I can tell you, it’s this: parenting teens today is not what it used to be.
I grew up here in Atlanta’s Jewish community, as did my husband. Jewish life has always been central to our family, from the JCC and Camp Barney to synagogue life and even joining a Federation mission to Israel with my parents when we were newly married.
So, Federation has always been part of our story.
But a few years ago, I discovered something new…Click Here to Continue Reading.
Upcoming Events & Programs
Yom HaShoah: 61st Annual Community-Wide Holocaust Commemoration Honoring our Holocaust Survivors
Date: Sunday, April 12
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Greenwood Cemetery
Cost: Free
For: The Atlanta Community
Join us for readings, songs and prayers.
Women’s Philanthropy POP Up with jscreen
Date: Wednesday, April 22
Time: 7:00–8:30 PM
Location: Sandy Springs
Cost: Free
For: Women of any age
At this special POP Up focused on Women’s Health, we’ll explore the meaningful local impact of our work through our partnership with jscreen and learn how your support of Federation strengthens and protects our Jewish community.
Yom Ha’Atzmaut – Israel Independence Day Celebration
Date: Thursday, April 23
Time: 5:00–7:00 PM
Location: MJCCA Zaban Park
Cost: Free, no registration required
For: Families
Bring the family for a wonderful evening filled with activities and entertainment for all ages. Kids can enjoy crafts, games, and face painting, all while vibing to live music. It’s the perfect way to experience the spirit of Israel right here in our community. Food available for purchase.
J-Serve, BBYO’s International Day of Service
Date: Sunday, April 26
Time: 2:00–4:00 PM
Location: MJCCA Zaban Park
Cost: Free
For: Teens grade 6–12
This is the perfect chance to give back, earn community service hours, and learn more about BBYO in your area!
Upcoming Federation Opportunities and Programs
Atlanta Israel Gap Year Fellowship
Atlanta Israel Gap Year Fellowship applications are open! The Atlanta Israel Gap Year Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for Atlanta teens to expand upon their gap year experience with sessions developed to deepen leadership skills, connect with Israeli experts, and explore ways to apply what they learn after the Fellowship—Plus, receive up to $10,000 in scholarship support!
Questions? Contact Rich Walter at rwalter@jewishatlanta.org.
RootOne Summer Trip Vouchers
Calling all teens! Looking for a life-changing summer experience? Choose from 50+ different programs. Every teen is eligible for a $3,000 voucher to help cover the cost of their trip. Questions? Contact Lior Fridman (lfridman@jewishatlanta.org).
Read about Max Zhiss, who recently went on a RootOne-supported senior trip to Israel.
JCamping One Happy Camper (OHC) Incentive Grants
First-time campers can receive up to $1,500 off their first summer. These grants are first come, first served and not based on financial need. Atlanta families may also qualify for a second-year grant up to $750, and Jewish day school students in Atlanta are eligible!
Russian Speaking Jewish (RSJ) Camp Grants: We are proud to partner with FJC (Foundation for Jewish Camp) to offer RSJ camp incentive grants. If your camper is heading to Jewish overnight camp for their first or second summer, they may be eligible for a $750 grant toward camp tuition. Questions? Contact Leah Stinson (lstinson@jewishatlanta.org).
Bring Israel into Your Home—Host a Shinshin!
Open your home to a Shinshin for a semester and experience something truly special. Shinshinim are 18-year-old Israelis taking a gap year in Atlanta volunteering in our Jewish community. Hosting is a unique opportunity to build a lasting connection with Israel, deepen your family’s Jewish identity, and give back to our shared homeland in a meaningful way.
Questions? Contact Debbie Sasson (dsasson@jewishatlanta.org).
Learn more about becoming a host!
SCN—Secure Community Network
Want to learn more about the Secure Community Network and the work being done to strengthen safety, security, training, and antisemitism awareness across Jewish Atlanta? Visit our Secure Community Network page for resources, grant information, upcoming events, and more.