AMEN is a framework for youth to volunteer in Israel.

The program was started in Ashkelon in 2005 through a partnership of
the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and
THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore.

• In 2005, there were 900 youth volunteers in Ashkelon. Today, there are 5,600!
• In 2005, the Ashkelon municipality allocated $300,000 toward youth volunteerism. Today, that budget is over $600,000.
• In 2005, there were six Ashkelon teens serving on the city's Youth Council. Today, there are 60.
• Since AMEN started, there has been a dramatic decrease in youth crime in Ashkelon and a striking increase in scholastic achievement.

AMEN has created over 65 different volunteering programs for teens in the city. Volunteerism is now one of the top priorities of the city's leadership and the educational system. The AMEN program and the city of Ashkelon are the model in Israel for engaging youth in volunteerism. THE ASSOCIATED, with its strategic partners, JDC and the Jewish Agency for Israel, is supporting and inspiring a brighter future in Ashkelon and throughout all of Israel.

Learn more about the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership and the rest of our overseas programs, click here.

To learn how to get involved with THE ASSOCIATED Israel & Overseas initiatives, email Mary Drey at mdrey@associated.org or
call 410-369-9311.