Jewish Adolescent Behavioral Health Initiative
Across New Jersey—and the nation—adolescents are facing growing mental health challenges. Rising anxiety, depression, and social isolation have been widely documented, and Jewish teens in particular have been navigating these pressures alongside a troubling rise in antisemitism. Recognizing both the urgency and the opportunity to act, The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey (HFNJ) launched a targeted initiative to strengthen mental health support systems for Jewish adolescents in the NJ Greater MetroWest community, grounded in prevention, early intervention, and community-based care.
Following an extensive listening and learning process that included roundtables, interviews, and surveys with more than 50 professionals and community stakeholders, HFNJ awarded nearly $800,000 over two grant cycles in 2024 to launch the initiative. With renewals awarded in 2025, the Foundation’s total investment has now surpassed $1.3 million. Rather than funding isolated services, HFNJ intentionally fostered a cohort-based approach—encouraging grantees to learn from one another, share resources, and build a coordinated ecosystem of culturally responsive mental health supports.
Together, these projects are expanding access to care, reducing stigma, and building the capacity of educators, teens, and community leaders to recognize and respond to mental health needs. Early outcomes point to improved student well-being, stronger peer and adult support systems, and increased confidence among educators and families.
Funded projects include:
- Temple B’nai Jeshurun – One Community, One Goal: Youth Mental Health First
A cross-denominational collaboration that trains synagogue educators, staff, and teens in Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid, strengthening preparedness and connection across congregations. - Moving Traditions – MetroWest Teaching Assistant Wellness and Inclusion Program
An initiative empowering Jewish teens to serve as leaders and role models while developing communication, leadership, and mental health first aid skills within Hebrew school settings. - Jewish Educational Center – Thrive Together
A comprehensive social-emotional learning program serving students in grades 3–12, integrating SEL into curriculum and school culture while supporting students, faculty, and families through expanded guidance services. - Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy & Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School – Engage Minds, Inspire Hearts, Empower Well-being
A multi-layered approach that expands counseling staff, peer counseling, and embeds wellness programming to support resilience and healthy decision-making. - Rabbinical College of America – Office of Emotional Wellness
School-based, culturally aligned mental health services across multiple divisions, offering therapy, SEL instruction, staff training, and parent education to reduce stigma and promote emotional well-being. - Greater MetroWest NJ Day School Initiative – Mental Health Partnership
A year-long fellowship from The Stanley H. King Institute, which equips middle and high school teachers with deep listening and mental health tools, culminating in broad community learning through a regional conference.
By investing in coordinated, community-driven solutions, The Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey is helping ensure that Jewish adolescents in our catchment area have the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to thrive.