Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why does CommunityNEXT exist?
CommunityNEXT’s mission is two-fold: we serve as a directory for existing programming in the community, and also develop new opportunities and programs for young Jewish Detroiters. Our ultimate goal is to create a dynamic and vibrant lifestyle for young Jewish adults by offering resources they otherwise would not have access to.
2. What is NEXTGen Detroit (formerly YAD)? How is NEXTGen Detroit different from CommunityNEXT?
NEXTGen Detroit brings together a number of existing programs including Community Birthright,CommunityNEXT, and YAD, but it’s so much more. Our growing team of Federation lay and professional leaders is building an entirely new model for community-building within the 21 to 45-year old age group. Our goal is simple: Transformation. We are working to make our city a vibrant and meaningful home for young Jews of every age, a place where meaning can be found in every facet of life, from professional to social, religious to cultural and more.
While CommunityNEXT focuses its development of new programming on building a unique and active lifestyle, NEXTGen specializes in leadership development. NEXTGen Detroit and CommunityNEXT work as partners in achieving the same end: to provide avenues for young adults to connect to the Detroit Jewish community however they choose.
3. What is the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit?
The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit (JFMD) is the umbrella organization which serves as the major instrument of Jewish philanthropy and volunteerism in the Detroit area. JFMD is a person-to-person, community-driven organization dedicated to the health, education, spiritual, and cultural identity of the Jewish people worldwide.
Federation raises and allocates funds to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need, and to translate Jewish values into social action on behalf of the nearly 72,000 Jews in the Detroit area. Locally, Federation supports a family of 19 social service agencies and schools. Additionally, Federation funding impacts the lives of thousands of Jews throughout Israel, in the former Soviet Union, and in 60 countries around the world.
CommunityNEXT operates as an arm of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit.