Because of You, JTeen Is There at the Moments Families Need It Most

By Traci Flome, Atlanta Parent
February 25, 2026

My name is Traci Flome, and I’m the mom of three children—one in college, one in high school, and one in middle school. At any given moment, I’m navigating three very different stages of adolescence, each with its own challenges, questions, and pressures.

I grew up in Atlanta’s Jewish community, as did my husband, and Jewish life has always been a central part of our family. From the JCC and Camp Barney to youth groups and synagogue life, Federation has long been woven into our story. Early in our marriage, my husband and I even joined my parents on a Federation mission to Israel, which was a meaningful experience for us before we had children of our own.

I first discovered JTeen almost by accident. A friend mentioned an event to me at the very last minute—so last minute that I almost didn’t go. I hadn’t heard of JTeen before, but I decided to attend, and I was truly blown away. I walked away feeling informed, supported, and energized. I remember thinking how easily I could have missed something that had such a powerful impact on me as a parent.

What immediately stood out was how relevant and practical the programming was. Parenting teens today is completely different from when we were growing up. Technology alone has changed everything. Our kids have instant access to information, social media, and constant comparison. There’s pressure to look a certain way, to be included, to succeed academically, and to start thinking about college earlier than ever. As a parent, it can feel overwhelming trying to monitor all of it while still giving your child independence.

JTeen brings in experts who truly understand what teens are facing today—mental health challenges, self-talk, social pressures, substance use, and safety. The conversations are honest and grounded in real experience. I’ve gained practical tools and insights that have helped me communicate more effectively with my kids and better understand what they’re navigating. I’m deeply grateful to those who invest in programming like this, because it truly supports families in real time.

Antisemitism has also become a growing concern. Even before teens reach college, they’re exposed to what’s happening on campuses and online. My children see and hear things through social media and their peers, and those conversations inevitably come home. Having guidance and context around how to address these issues has been incredibly important for our family.

One of the most meaningful aspects of JTeen is the sense of community it creates. The smaller breakout groups allow parents to connect with one another in a more personal way. You’re not just listening to speakers—you’re talking with other parents who are experiencing many of the same challenges. There’s comfort in knowing you’re not alone, and there’s real value in learning from each other.

One experience that stands out was a small gathering for parents whose children were transitioning from high school to college. It was intimate and deeply meaningful. Sitting with other parents who were in the same stage of life—processing the emotions, the anticipation, and the uncertainty—made a huge difference. It’s a transition you can’t fully understand until you’re living it, and being in that space together was incredibly grounding.

What I appreciate most is how responsive and thoughtful JTeen is. The programming evolves, the topics stay fresh, and there’s a clear effort to listen to what parents are asking for. With three kids at different stages, I’ve attended similar programs more than once, and each time I’ve walked away with new insights because my perspective as a parent has changed.

JTeen has become a resource I return to again and again. It’s helped me navigate the teen years with more confidence, more awareness, and a stronger sense of connection to other Jewish families across Atlanta. Thanks to donors like you, parents don’t have to figure all of this out alone.

For me, it’s not just programming—it’s support at exactly the moments when it’s needed most. Thank you for making opportunities like this possible for families like mine.

Interested in learning more about JTeen? Visit our page!