Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City is proud to introduce the new members of its Young Adults Division (YAD) committee.
Members of the committee include Jason Kotlyarov, chair; Michael Portman and Greyson Rubin, event chairs; Becca Levine, Women’s Philanthropy liaison; Alex Kaplan, treasurer; Hannah Katz and Henri Gaeddert, outreach chairs; and Jacob Hjelmaas, philanthropy chair.
The goals of the YAD committee are to: Provide a fun, interesting and inclusive space for Jewish young professionals to connect and build community; educate the young professional community about Jewish Federation; and connect the young professional community to the larger Jewish community of Kansas City.
“I am excited to be a part of the Young Adult Division, because I believe that it is crucial for young Jewish people in Kansas City to embrace their Jewish heritage and community,” said Kotlyarov, YAD committee chair. “We want to build on the tremendous work done by TribeKC and the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and to continue to create a young adult community where everyone feels welcome, proud and included. We also hope to mold the Young Adult Division into a lasting institution that the young adults in our community will embrace and benefit from.”
YAD will work together with TribeKC to provide social and engagement opportunities. TribeKC was created in 2017 as an entryway for young adults to connect to the Kansas City Jewish Community. TribeKC is a joint program of Jewish Federation, Jewish Family Services and KU Hillel, now housed under the Federation umbrella.
Under the leadership of former TribeKC Community Connector Molly Hess, the program was immensely successful, bringing together more than 1,000 young Jewish adults for events, meetings and learning opportunities.
“We have big shoes to fill regarding continuing Molly’s legacy with Tribe KC. We want Tribe to continue to be a place to connect with other Jewish young adults and build community together in the ways that work for them,” said Leah Mueth, Jewish Federation’s Engagement & FRD associate. “YAD will also help encourage the other Jewish young professional activity that exists, like Moishe House, as well as future activities.”
In addition to providing social opportunities, YAD has also launched a monthly giving program designed to engage young Jewish professionals in philanthropic giving. Three giving levels ($5, $10 and $15 per month) allow young Jewish adults the opportunity to give on any budget. Members of the monthly giving program will enjoy special benefits, including access to select community and Federation events.
“Starting a monthly giving program was a priority for us because it strengthens the base of support for Jewish Federation, and in turn the larger Jewish community,” Mueth said. “No matter the size of the gift, our donors will see that they have a major impact in helping our community.”
Anyone interested in becoming involved with YAD or TribeKC can contact Mueth at . To become part of the YAD monthly giving program, visit www.jewishkansascity.org/yad-monthly-giving.