August 2026 JTeen Newsletter
By Leah Stinson, Amy Fox, and Rachel Valdman
August 10, 2026
Welcome to a new year of JTeen! While summer was in full swing, we were busy preparing for an exciting year ahead for our JTeen community.
Here’s what we accomplished:
- Nearly 80 parents shared their thoughts through our community survey.
- Nearly 30 partner organizations completed our partner survey.
- Over 10 local Jewish teen organizations met with us one-on-one to share their goals, challenges, and ideas.
Every conversation helped us better understand the needs of Jewish teens and their families, strengthen our partnerships, and shape meaningful programming for the year ahead.
We’re excited to bring you this monthly newsletter filled with upcoming JTeen partner events, helpful resources, and exciting opportunities. Plus, new this year, we’ll be featuring two amazing organizations that are making a difference in our teen community. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom of each newsletter to meet our featured partners and discover even more ways for your teen to connect, grow, and get involved!
Thank you for being part of the JTeen community. Wishing all of our teens, parents, educators, and partners a wonderful and successful school year!
Warmly,
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
Parent Survey Results
This summer, nearly 80 parents from across Greater Atlanta shared their experiences, priorities, and ideas through our JTeen Parent Survey.
These are just a few of the insights that will help shape the year/s ahead:
- Top priorities: Teen mental health, executive functioning, college admissions, social media, and friendships
- Preferred formats: Panel discussions, guest speakers, interactive workshops, and small group conversations
- Best time to connect: Weekday evenings
- Parents also shared: they’re looking for more opportunities to connect, learn, and build community alongside other parents.
Top priorities: Teen mental health, executive functioning, college admissions, social media, and friendships
What’s next? These insights are already helping shape this year’s JTeen Parent Engagement programming. We’ll also share key findings with our community partners so that, together, we can better support Jewish teens and their families across Greater Atlanta.
Upcoming Federation Events
Israeli Parents of Teens—From Kiddush to Cabernet
Date: Thursday, August 20
Time: 7:00–9:00 PM
Location: Alpharetta
Cost: $10 per person
For Israeli and Hebrew-speaking parents of teens
Join us for an evening of kosher wine tasting, beginning with a short talk by a rabbi about the role of wine in Jewish tradition. Then enjoy a guided tasting while learning about wine varieties, food pairings, and practical tips for choosing great wines.
Raising Children in the Age of Screens: Facing the Challenge Together
Date: Wednesday, August 26
Time: 7:00–8:30 PM
Location: Sandy Springs
Cost: Free
For parents only
Join Dr. Yoni Schwab for a timely discussion on the impact of smartphones and social media on children and teens. Drawing on psychological science, he’ll share practical strategies to help families build healthier relationships with screens, maximize their benefits, and reduce their risks.
JAccess Cohort Series: Inclusive Futures, Jewish Roots
There are six sessions, which run from September 2026 through February 2027
First Session: Wednesday, September 16
Time: 5:30–7:30 PM
Location: Sandy Springs
Join JAccess for a six-session leadership and learning experience for Jewish parents raising children with disabilities. Connect with other families, deepen your understanding of inclusion and belonging, and gain practical tools to advocate for your child’s future.
Save the Dates for the Following Webinars!
Monday, September 14, 7:00–8:30 PM: College Admissions 101: A Parent’s Roadmap
Monday, October 19, 7:00–8:30 PM: What Matters Most in College Admissions Today
More details in our next newsletter!
Upcoming Federation Opportunities
JTeen Scholarships are Now Open!
JTeen Teen Scholarships help Jewish teens in Atlanta (ages 13–18) attend immersive overnight programs and events. Scholarships cover up to 50% of program costs (up to $500). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and must be submitted before registering. Teens are eligible for one scholarship per school year.
JCamping
If this is your teen’s last summer at camp? Help his/her camp gear begin a new adventure! We’ll be collecting gently used bedding, sleeping bags, flashlights, duffel bags, clothing, and other camp essentials to help new campers get ready for an amazing summer. Not sure what to save or what to do next? Email us, and we’ll send you a reminder with all the details about when it’s time to donate. jewishcamp@jewishatlanta.org.
JTeen Supports Parents—Micro Communities
Parenting teenagers is both rewarding and challenging, and no one should have to do it alone. At JTeen, our goal is to help parents of Jewish teens build meaningful connections with one another while providing opportunities to learn, grow, and feel supported throughout the teen years.
One of the ways we’re bringing that vision to life is through parent micro-communities centered around shared schools and neighborhoods. This year, we’re excited to continue growing JWood, our Riverwood International Charter School parent community, while also expanding our Intown parent network and launching a new community for Dunwoody High School families. Through casual gatherings, educational programs, and opportunities to connect with other parents who are navigating similar experiences, these communities help strengthen relationships and foster a sense of belonging.
For more information and to get involved, contact Amy Fox at afox@jewishatlanta.org.
Partner Spotlight
Creating Connected Communities
Creating Connected Communities (CCC) empowers Jewish teens to become leaders through meaningful, hands-on community service. Teens can join the Leadership Development Program (LDP) from 8th through 12th grade. Participants build practical leadership skills, strengthen their Jewish identity, and volunteer directly with children and families experiencing hardship across Atlanta. The calendar-year program meets weekly at B’nai Torah, Temple Sinai, or The Temple and concludes with Amy’s Holiday Party. Applications for the 2027 cohort open in mid-October. The participation fee is $400, with sibling discounts, payment plans, and scholarships available.
Contact Details:
Amy Zeide, Executive Director & Founder
404-281-7170
amy@cccprojects.org
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Nashira
Nashira creates connection-based programs for Jewish girls, teens, and mothers, grounded in positive psychology, personal growth, and Jewish values. Its Rising Together program at The Weber School helps teen girls build confidence, strengthen friendships, and navigate social pressures through a non-clinical, values-based approach. Nashira also offers Bat Mitzvah and book donation initiatives, parenting workshops, and community events designed to support girls and their families at different stages of life.
Contact Details:
Debbie Derby, Founder
404-375-8928
debbiederby@d2cds.com
Website | Instagram
MJCCA – Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta
Explore MJCCA’s latest programs and opportunities for teens!