David Baron was born in Baltimore, Maryland but in 1983, his family moved to Israel after his father accepted a job opportunity in Israel at the American Embassy.

For the next several years, David and his family made the city of Ra’anana, Israel their home. But in 1991, when he was a teenager, David’s parents filed for divorce. Packing up the kids’ belongings, David’s mother returned to Baltimore with her children.

Returning to Baltimore meant that David and his family had to start over.

“We depended on the different financial assistance programs The Associated had at the time,” remembers David.

From those teenage years to today, The Associated and its network of agencies has been a part of David’s life. Now, David and his family are able to return the kindness, giving back to their community so others can have the same opportunities.

“If it wasn’t for The Associated and all the different programs they had at the time, our family wouldn’t have the opportunities that they have today.”

Below are just some of the Agencies and programs that have been a part of the Barons’ lives over the years.

• Big Brother, Big Sister Program | Jewish Community Services – The Big Brother, Big Sister Program is overseen by Jewish Community Services (JCS). JCS provides programs and services that help people of all ages and across diverse needs. The Big Brother, Big Sister program provides one-on-one mentoring, support and friendship to Jewish children and teenagers ages 7 to 17.

• The Maccabi Games | Jewish Community Center – The Maccabi games offer a life and personality shaping experience to Jewish teens and have been doing so since 1982. Every summer, around 6,000 teens from around the world participate in a five-day Olympic style sporting event. In Baltimore, the Maccabi games are overseen by the Jewish Community Center.

• Pearlstone – An agency of The Associated that leverages its 180-acre campus of forest, fields and rolling hills, Pearlstone creates intimate and personal connections between people of all backgrounds, all through the lens of Jewish values.

• The Associated’s IMPACT Group – IMPACT is The Associated’s young adult group, offering a way for other Jewish young adults in Baltimore to connect. The group hosts programs and events ranging from fundraising to educational, leadership development to social, and much more.

• Jewish Professional Women – JPW provides career-minded women a platform for professional connections, personal growth and community engagement. Events include lunch and learns, breakfasts, happy hours and an annual event.