What's Happening?
The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) has acquired two mental health organizations, BaMidbar and the Blue Dove Foundation, as these groups faced financial difficulties. BaMidbar, founded in 2016,
initially operated as a wilderness retreat in Colorado and expanded its services to include professional development and mental health workshops. The Blue Dove Foundation, established in 2018, was a volunteer-run nonprofit in Atlanta. Both organizations played significant roles in raising awareness about mental health within the Jewish community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as larger nonprofits began to incorporate mental health into their programs, funding for smaller initiatives like BaMidbar and Blue Dove dwindled. The acquisition by JFNA aims to integrate these organizations into its BeWell initiative, which supports mental health for teens and young adults.
Why It's Important?
This acquisition highlights the challenges faced by smaller nonprofits in sustaining operations amid shifting funding priorities. As awareness of mental health issues grows, larger organizations have absorbed much of the available funding, leaving smaller groups struggling. The integration of BaMidbar and Blue Dove into JFNA's BeWell initiative ensures the continuation of their work and expands the reach of mental health services within the Jewish community. This move also underscores the increasing prioritization of mental health, particularly in response to rising antisemitism and recent traumatic events affecting the Jewish community. By consolidating resources, JFNA aims to enhance the impact and sustainability of mental health support services.
What's Next?
With the acquisition complete, JFNA plans to expand its BeWell initiative by certifying 'Be Well educators' across the country. These educators will be trained using resources from BaMidbar and Blue Dove, aiming to amplify the reach and effectiveness of mental health services. The focus will be on creating a sustainable model that can adapt to the evolving needs of the community. As JFNA continues to integrate these organizations, it will likely seek to secure additional funding and partnerships to support its expanded mental health initiatives.
