Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts Announces New Beginnings with
Ride to Provide 2023 Fundraiser and New Dignity Grows Program
Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts’s Rachel’s Table program
becomes independent organization
SPRINGFIELD, MA June 30, 2023 — The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, the leading Jewish nonprofit organization in the region, is proud to announce that as of July 1st, 2023, its signature food justice program Rachel’s Table will be a stand-alone organization. This announcement marks a new beginning for both Federation and Rachel’s Table that will allow both organizations to better serve Western Massachusetts. For Federation, this change is part of an overall brand and program refresh that focuses on an updated mission and includes new ways for the community to do good that goes everywhere via fundraising and volunteering. For Rachel’s Table, being an independent organization with a Federation constituent agency status will allow it to expand its reach in Western Massachusetts.
“Federation is completing a decade-long transformation including updates to our mission and the way we work together with our network of agency partners,” said Nora Gorenstein, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts. “For the past thirty years, we have nurtured Rachel’s Table and like a proud parent, we are now seeing this program take off on its own journey. In assessing our strategic priorities, it became clear that like any business, the Federation has a responsibility to be efficient, sustainable, and driven by data while staying focused on our philanthropic mission to care for others and for our community. By directing our energy and resources in service to our mission we can all be more sustainable and effective, and that is our dream for Rachel’s Table and all our partners.”
In addition to a brand refresh that includes an updated logo, Federation is launching its Dignity Grows program on July 25th, 2023. Federation’s Dignity Grows program provides free hygiene products to neighbors in need while honoring the recipient’s dignity. The July 21st official kick-off event is a packing party where volunteers will put together individual kits each with a month’s worth of hygiene products, to be distributed through the Amherst Survival Center. Federation has also partnered with The Gray House in Springfield and will be announcing additional partners in the coming months. Organizations and individuals interested in volunteering, partnering, or making in-kind/cash donations to Federation’s Dignity Grows program can visit https://jewishwesternmass.org/dignity-grows/.
This Fall, our community will come together for the Jewish Federation of Massachusetts’ Ride to Provide 2023, a family-friendly bike ride fundraiser. Originally created by UMass Hillel, Federation was invited to take ownership and expand Ride to Provide beginning with this year’s event. The reimagined event will take place on October 15, 2023, and bring together community members and Jewish organizations such as day schools, synagogues, and student groups to participate in multiple bike route options, a 5K walk/run, and a NEW option to participate as a Virtual Rider. There will also be a post-Ride celebration that will include food, music, presentations, and opportunities for participants to learn more about the participating groups and organizations. Community organizations, individuals, and businesses interested in sponsoring or volunteering in Federation’s Ride to Provide can visit https://jewishwesternmass.org/ridetoprovide23.
The decision to spin off the Rachel’s Table program into an independent nonprofit was approved by the Federation Board of Trustees in 2022, beginning the process of preparation for this transition. As of today, the new Rachel’s Table organization is a fully independent entity as well as a constituent agency receiving support and partnering with the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts. Rachel’s Table will continue to serve the Western Massachusetts community six days a week from its new temporary location at Sinai Temple in Springfield, MA. To learn more about Rachel’s Table Western Massachusetts, visit www.feedwma.org.
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About the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts
The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts supports vital educational and social service programs to help those in need and create vibrant Jewish life in Western Massachusetts. Grounded in the values of justice, repairing the world, and Jewish unity, Federation connects people to a community that pursues social justice, fights hunger and poverty, rescues and resettles people in danger, and strengthens Jewish life. Federation offers life-long enriching Jewish experiences for people of all ages through a network of agencies, synagogues, organizations, professionals, and volunteers. To learn more about Federation programs visit jewishwesternmass.org.