Tami Kagan Abrams has been named the new Board Chair of Jewish Family Service Los Angeles (JFSLA), making her the youngest serving Board Chair in the organization’s history.

Kagan-Abrams has served as a board member of JFSLA for over ten years and has long been passionate about volunteerism and philanthropy, particularly programs and organizations that benefit women and children. She has extensive experience in the private and philanthropic sectors, having previously served as a program management director at Disney and Yahoo!. Currently, Kagan-Abrams works as a project manager at Abundant Housing LA.

“Over the course of its 170-year history, JFSLA has successfully adapted to many changes, some of enormous magnitude,” said Kagan-Abrams. “As board chair, I hope to continue the incredible work of the leaders before me to strengthen the agency and prepare it for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in both the next two years and the next 170 years.”

The JFSLA appointed Kagan-Abrams as board chair during an inauguration ceremony on July 14. Her term will last until 2026.

JVS SoCal, a leading social service agency focused on workforce development, awarded scholarships to over 200 Jewish students at an awards ceremony on July 25 at Sinai Temple. This year, scholarships ranged from $2,000 to $10,000, for a total of $914,000.

“The scholarship program was created to provide a bridge of opportunity for Jewish students and their families,” said the committee co-chair. Jonathan Karp said. “The success of this program is due to its volunteers and how much they care about their work and the scientists who benefit from it.”

This is the 53rd year the agency has awarded these need-based scholarships as part of its legacy dedicated to Jewish continuity. To date, the JVS SoCal Scholarship Program has awarded $14.3 million to more than 6,200 students.

Karp reminded scholars and donors that the cost of college and student loans has increased. The JVS scholarship program helps ease some of that burden for students and allows them to pursue their dreams.

Addee LearnerKeynote speaker and current scholarship recipient, thanked donors and supporters for supporting medical school at the University of California Los Angeles. “The JVS Scholarship is more than a typical scholarship, where generosity drives achievement and potential…I am eternally grateful to our donors for paving the way for me and other scholarship recipients.”

Jeff Carr, CEO of JVS SoCal, summed up the importance of the JVS scholarship program. “This concept of ‘generation to generation’ is truly our strength as a community,” he said. “I hope you’ll help us continue this tradition for the next hundred years.”

Repair the World Los Angeles recently partnered with Honeymoon’s local Israel branch on a community service project.

Together, they produced over 100 wellness kits for residents of Alexandria House, which provides safe and supportive housing for homeless and traumatized women and children.

Repair the World LA mobilizes young Jewish adults to advocate for the needs of the people of Los Angeles. The organization regularly offers community service opportunities in partnership with groups such as the Jewish Federation Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, Honeymoon Israel offers intensive trips to Israel to young couples – at least one of whom is of Jewish descent. According to the organization’s website, Honeymoon Israel creates “communities of couples building families with a deep and meaningful connection to Jewish life and the Jewish people.”