Youth who identify as LGBTQ+ can thrive if they have support and meaningful connections with caring adults and peers. Since 2017, Samost Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) has partnered with the Katz JCC to offer Project Rainbow, a monthly gathering for LGBTQ+ tweens, teens, and their allies. Inspired by the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to celebrate who they are, what makes them unique, and why they matter, Project Rainbow has built an affirming, supportive space for members to explore their identities and discuss the challenges and triumphs in their lives.
JFCS is thrilled to welcome Galia Godel as the Project Rainbow guest facilitator this winter. Galia is the program manager of the LGBTQ Initiative at Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia, where she provides LGBTQ cultural competency trainings, diversity and inclusion workshops for youth and adults, and directs J.Proud, the Philadelphia consortium of Jewish organizations committed to LGBTQ inclusion. In her spare time, she works as a communication coach and community mediator.
This winter, JFCS will host separate monthly groups for tweens in grades 6 – 8 and teens in grades 9 – 12. All meetings will be held at 7:15pm in the Katz JCC Teen Lounge. Teen group dates are January 9, February 13, and March 13. Tween group dates are January 23, February 27, and March 27.
Project Rainbow is a collaboration of JFCS and the Katz JCC, with grant funding by the Camden County Board of Commissioners. To learn more, visit jfcssnj.org/lgbtq-support/
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