Jewish Group to Give $43,700 in Grants

As part of an annual campaign promoting the establishment of innovative programs in the region, the Jewish Federation/Valley Alliance announced that it will distribute grants totaling more than $40,000 in 1997.

Eight grants, totaling $43,700, will fund a variety of educational and family programs that are run by synagogues, arts organizations and other nonprofit groups, said Bonnie Somers, a spokeswoman for the Valley Alliance.

“These are all worthy programs that otherwise would not be funded,” Somers said. “We’re hoping that this will serve as seed money to help the programs get off the ground.”

The Valley Alliance raises money to support social services programs and cultural activities in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, Antelope, Simi and Conejo valleys.

It is headquartered at the Bernard Milken Jewish Community Campus in West Hills.

Among the new programs to be funded in 1997 are Jewish theater troupes at Valley and Pierce colleges, which will be run by the group Hillel, and a Jewish book festival to be held next November and December under the auspices of several San Fernando Valley Jewish groups.

Other programs include an educational forum based in the Santa Clarita Valley, counseling for seniors in the Conejo Valley and specialized transportation for disabled people.

“The purpose of these grants is to encourage new and innovative programs in the region,” said Jack Mayer, executive director of the Valley Alliance.

“It’s not a lot of money, but the idea is to create something substantial and lasting for the community,” he said.

For more information, call the Jewish Federation/Valley Alliance at (818) 587-3200.