2025 Annual Report – Our Accomplishments

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FY24 Annual Report PDF

Dear Friends,

This was a challenging year for our community. We’ve seen a dramatic rise in antisemitism, while increasing costs have placed new burdens on many individuals. Around the world, our extended family in Israel faced fresh trauma from ongoing war and vicious missile attacks launched by Iran, and our friends in Odesa continued to endure the toll of a third year at war with Russia.

Yet, amidst these challenges, we have reason for hope. More people are seeking connection through Jewish life. Teen participation in Jewish programming grew, and thousands across our community explored Jewish culture, history and religion through expanded opportunities to learn and engage.

Thanks to your support, The Associated and its network of agencies have been there every step of the way.

This report details our work and shares financial information about our operations. We enhanced security at our institutions so our community can feel safe and supported. We focused on Holocaust and anti-hate education for schoolchildren, helping them understand the dangers of intolerance and the importance of standing up against hate. We strengthened safety nets with resources to help individuals weather financial and personal hardships. We broadened Jewish programming to help our community connect with their identity and one another.

And for our Israeli family still living with trauma, we invested in mental health and humanitarian programs to help them begin to heal.

This year, we also moved into our new Associated headquarters on the Goldsmith Campus. In close proximity to most of our agencies, this new location will allow us to work more collaboratively and develop more effective solutions to support the needs of Jewish Baltimore. If you have not yet seen our new space, please come by for a visit.

None of this could have been possible without the support of you, our generous donors, who gave to our Annual Campaign, made a legacy gift or became a corporate partner. We also would not have succeeded without the dedicated professionals across our Associated network and the many volunteers who lent their expertise in helping us find answers to our challenges.

Throughout these pages, you will read about how we worked this year to strengthen our community, the impact we made and the stories of some of the people we helped. You will also see the list of donors who made all this work possible.

Thank you for your investment in our work. Your support makes our Jewish community stronger.

Bruce S. Hoffberger
Associated Chair of the Board

Andrew Cushnir
President & CEO

Moving Forward

The Associated has relocated its headquarters to a redesigned building on the Goldsmith Campus, creating a more connected and efficient environment for its agencies and the community. With centralized services, shared resources and improved collaboration, the campus is becoming a vibrant hub for Jewish life in Baltimore.

The site also includes the renovated JCC Sports and Wellness Center, community art and event spaces, and the newly expanded Jewish Library of Baltimore, which now houses more than 20,000 titles, dedicated children’s and teen areas, and a wide range of programs.

This year also saw the reopening of the reimagined Jewish Museum of Maryland, now featuring interactive exhibits, modern technology and a podcast studio that allows visitors to share their stories. With new rotating galleries and a planned permanent exhibit, the Museum highlights Maryland’s Jewish heritage while serving as an important downtown gathering place and bridge to other communities. Together, these initiatives reflect The Associated’s ongoing investment in strengthening Jewish culture, connection and community for generations to come.

Protect

Throughout the nation, antisemitism continues to escalate. From the attack on people marching for the release of hostages in Boulder, Colorado, to the brutal killing of two young Jewish leaders working for the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., we were shaken by the realization that this hate is becoming increasingly dangerous and more prevalent. The Associated responded by strengthening security, expanding education and ensuring Jewish Baltimore feels safe and supported.  
  • Invested in new security technologies, community-wide trainings and ongoing collaboration with law enforcement.
  • Secured significant state funding through advocacy in Annapolis and advanced Holocaust education in public schools.
  • Fostered dialogue programs that brought diverse communities together to build understanding.
  • Provided schools with books, discussions and speakers that helped students learn about propaganda, hate and the importance of standing up for others.
42

security assessments conducted at synagogues, day schools and Jewish organizations.

$10

million secured from the Maryland General Assembly to protect organizations at risk of hate crimes—a 100% increase.

2,300

students educated about antisemitism through community-wide programming.

Natalie, a Baltimore teacher, saw firsthand how little her students understood about antisemitism. After attending a Holocaust educator training, she reshaped her curriculum, brought students to survivor programs and helped them understand how hatred today mirrors historical patterns. Her students left with a deeper awareness and a stronger sense of responsibility to stand up against intolerance. 

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Care

Across our community, rising prices, job instability and growing anxiety created new challenges. Older adults needed more support and connection, and many families found it difficult to ask for help. Taking care of our community has always been central to our mission, and this year we ensured that every individual could access support with dignity.
  • Launched a new financial wellness website to make confidential help easier to find.
  • Expanded mental health services across schools and community spaces for children, teens, adults and families.
  • Engaged community leaders in exploring innovative ways to support older adults as they age.
  • Created employment pathways for individuals with disabilities through inclusive internships and skill-building opportunities.
3,560

sessions of education support services provided each month to students in Jewish schools.

3,235

community members educated about the dynamics and warning signs of abuse.

9,781

mental health sessions delivered through Jewish Community Services—a 28% increase over last year.

After stepping away from her career to raise her children, Judy suddenly needed to find a full-time job following her divorce. She turned to JCS for help updating her resume, building her LinkedIn presence and navigating her job search. With restored confidence and personalized support, she secured a meaningful role at Morgan State University. She credits The Associated network for helping her rebuild her life when she needed it most. 

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Inspire

This year, families, teens, young adults and grandparents all sought deeper and more meaningful ways to connect to Jewish life. The Associated continued to expand programs that bring joy, learning and belonging to people at every age and stage.
  • Engaged students on five campuses through Jewish environmental education, holiday celebrations, retreats and community-building.
  • Expanded the Jewish Connection Network with new Connectors for grandparents, LGBTQ+ families, single parents and more.
  • Strengthened community bonds through Partners Baltimore conversations rooted in the teachings of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l.
  • Deepened Jewish identity for children and teens through immersive camp programs and Israel-inspired activities.
4,000

students participated in Jewish programming through Hillels on our five college campuses.

100%

increase in participation in Partners Baltimore programming.

94%

of 4Front teen participants said their involvement helped them feel strongly connected to Jewish heritage.

When Eli transitioned from Jewish day school to public high school, he feared losing his Jewish foundation. Through 4Front, he found mentors, leadership opportunities and meaningful learning experiences that shaped his identity. His journey—through Israel travel, participation as a Diller Teen Fellow and campus involvement—gave him the confidence to stand up to antisemitism and a desire to continue leading Jewishly.

Support

Around the world, Jewish communities faced enormous challenges. In Israel, we marked one year since October 7, praying for the hostages, supporting families in trauma and mourning irreplaceable loss. In Odesa, the war continued into its third year, placing enormous strain on the Jewish community. The Associated remained a steadfast partner to Israelis, Ukrainians and Jews worldwide.
  • Delivered humanitarian aid, mental health resources, business support and trauma care across Israel.
  • Organized missions to Ashkelon and northern Israel so Baltimoreans could see the impact of their support firsthand.
  • Engaged thousands in local programming that deepened understanding of Israel and built community-wide solidarity.
  • Supported Jewish communities overseas with food, medicine, education and access to Jewish life.
100

volunteers joined Neighborhood Watch in Ashkelon, strengthening safety and resilience.

2,500

Baltimoreans connected with Israeli shlichim who lived and served in our community.

5,000

children and teens across the former Soviet Union participated in Jewish summer and winter camps.

On October 7, Elana spent hours taking shelter from relentless rocket fire in Ashkelon while alone with her children. The trauma left her overwhelmed and anxious. Through the Israel Trauma Coalition Resilience Center—expanded with Baltimore’s support—she received therapy and coping tools that helped her begin healing. Elana says the Baltimore–Ashkelon Partnership made her feel less alone and gave her family a pathway forward after an unimaginable year. 

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Associated HQ

Financial Summary

This year’s audited financials bring together The Associated’s operating fund and the Associated Jewish Charities (AJC), which manages our long-term assets, endowments and donor advised funds. AJC also oversees the real estate and investments that support our agencies and programs. Because of this systemwide stewardship, AJC manages more than 90% of our total combined assets ensuring stability, accountability and a strong foundation for our community’s future. View Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Activities. 

The Associated FY25 Allocations Chart

Securing Our Future

The Jewish Community Investment Fund (JCIF) manages endowments, foundations, donor advised funds, and agency assets for The Associated. By pooling resources, it gives the Baltimore Jewish community access to high-quality investment opportunities that support long-term community needs.  

Nourishing a Thriving Jewish Community in Baltimore

For the upcoming year, The Associated is distributing over $30 million across our network of agencies and partners to strengthen Jewish life and meet vital community needs. Download our Community Investment summary.

Woman browsing at The Jewish Library of Baltimore

Annual Report FY25

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