Because of You, Haylie Found Her Family in Jewish ATL

“I moved to Atlanta from California before I got married, and over time, I built a life here that I truly loved. But when I became a mom, something shifted. I didn’t feel like anything was missing before—I was happy and grounded—but having children deepened my desire to connect more meaningfully with my Jewish identity and to find a community that could grow with our family.

With two young boys now, ages 3 and 1, I wanted to raise them in a home filled with Jewish values, traditions, and joy—but I also wanted support. I hoped to find other moms who shared my goals and who understood the messy, beautiful journey of Jewish parenting.

When my boys were infants, I discovered JBaby, and it was everything I needed. Federation’s JBaby program gave me more than just a place to go with my baby—it gave me community. It gave me Jewish connection. It gave me friends who were figuring it out right alongside me. JBaby made Jewish life feel accessible and fun, even in the middle of nap schedules and snack time.

Through that experience, I also started attending Tot Shabbat at Temple Emanu-El in Sandy Springs, and that quickly became a regular part of our family rhythm. My boys light up when they sing along and celebrate with their friends. And now that they attend Alef Bet Preschool in Dunwoody, they’re surrounded by Jewish values, songs, and love every day of the week.

Even though I’m far from my immediate family in California, I’ve built something really special here in Atlanta. Between JBaby, Temple Emanu-El, and Alef Bet, I’ve found my people. These Federation-supported programs and institutions have given me a local family—one that makes me feel safe, supported, and proud to be raising my children in Jewish Atlanta.

I’m so grateful to Federation for creating meaningful and joyful pathways for Jewish families like mine to connect, engage, and grow. This community has become home.” – Haylie, Dunwoody Mom