How else can threats, incidents, or suspicious activity be reported if online reporting is not available?
In an emergency, always call 9-1-1 first. If online reporting is not practical, follow established protocols to report suspicious activity – to include contacting local law enforcement and/or the relevant suspicious activity reporting authority – and contact the SCN Duty Desk at dutydesk@securecommunitynetwork.org or by calling 844-SCN-DESK.
Does the form replace being able to call or email a local security professional?
No. The Incident Reporting Form does not replace the ability for anyone to contact a local security professional directly using whatever methods of contact they have already established, or to call the Duty Desk at 844-SCN-DESK. The new form provides an enhanced ability to support the security professional with a 24/7 capability, allows the security professional to collect specific information, and for SCN’s national team to ensure information is properly passed to key federal partners.
What happens to the information reported through the IRF?
Information submitted through the form will go directly to the Federation’s security professional. A copy will also go to the 24-hour Duty Desk in SCN’s National Jewish Security Operations Command Center, where it is reviewed by intelligence analysts using best practices. The SCN Duty Desk will be available to assist and support the locally or regionally based security professional, and the Federation, including determining what people or facilities may be at risk while protecting the civil liberties of all parties. Credible threats are referred to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and Jewish facility leaders as needed.
Why is the Incident Reporting Form necessary?
The Jewish community is facing the most complex and dynamic threat environment in modern history. Each year, SCN receives reports of or identifies a record number of threats. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, nearly two-thirds of religiously motivated hate crimes in the U.S. target the Jewish community. Consistent and coordinated reporting of threats, incidents, and suspicious activity is a critical part of the security shield SCN is working with Federations and other partners to build over the Jewish community in North America.
What is the Incident Reporting Form?
The IRF is a standardized online form the public can use to report threats, incidents, or suspicious activity related to Jewish organizations, facilities, or community members.
What (or who) is JEWISHcolorado?
JEWISHcolorado is the result of a merger of three historic Colorado organizations: Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado, the Colorado Agency for Jewish Education (CAJE), and the Jewish Community Foundation of Colorado. Their legacies live on in JEWISHcolorado’s three primary areas of work. Our programs transmit timeless knowledge, education, and values. Our grants infuse significant resources into the local, national, and global Jewish communities. And our Philanthropy Department stewards the community’s financial resources for today and tomorrow. Learn more about how JEWISHcolorado came to be.
JEWISHcolorado envisions a thriving, diverse, and dependable Jewish community, one in which people feel connected to one another, to the people of Israel, and to Jews around the world. We build that community, guided by our Jewish values, through our programs, by mobilizing and disbursing resources, and by enabling opportunities to gather together in shared purpose.
What is JEWISHcolorado’s mission?
Building community and creating connections among Jewish people in Colorado, Israel, and around the world.
JEWISHcolorado supports a thriving Jewish community by facilitating lasting relationships built on common interests and shared values. We are a welcoming and inclusive organization that ensures anyone who wants to develop or express their Jewish values has a means and a place to do so. We help those who are vulnerable, come together in times of need, and unite our Colorado community with the people of Israel to ensure a lasting and thriving Jewish people for generations to come.
Where does the money that we raise go?
- Grants to support Jewish life in Colorado—Projects of Impact & Need (PIN), Community Support Partnership (CSP), allocations;
- Grants to support global JEWISH partners—Jewish Agency for Israel, Joint Distribution Committee, World ORT, and other organizations;
- Dollars to cover the cost of the Regional Safety & Security Initiative statewide;
- Dollars for emergency funding such as COVID assistance, the Boulder Fire Relief Fund, and the Ukraine Emergency Fund.
What programs are provided for the community by JEWISHcolorado?
- Shaliach and shinshinim adult and teen Israeli Emissaries Program;
- Israel and Overseas Programs;
- PJ Library & PJ Our Way;
- Early Childhood Education Scholarships
- One Happy Camper camp grants;
- Jewish Explorers for Jewish and multifaith families;
- Jewish Student Connection for high school students;
- Joyce Zeff Israel Study Tour for high school juniors;
- Advocacy efforts through the Jewish Community Relations Council
- Shalom Hartman Courageous Conversations Program;
- Safety & Security trainings, site assessments, microgrants, and Nonprofit Security Grant assistance.
How many grants does JEWISHcolorado provide each year to community organizations?
JEWISHcolorado made more than 70 grants in FY ‘22 through grantmaking programs including Projects of Impact & Need (PIN Grants), Staenberg Anything Grants, and Community Support Program (CSP Grants). Additionally, JEWISHcolorado allocates $100K in grants to the Jewish day schools, provides grant dollars for specific programs run by Jewish Family Service, and has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars for victims of the Marshall Fire near Boulder as well as for Ukranian War refugees.
Number of Donor Advised Funds
110
Grants Distributed in FY ‘22
1,766
Number of Endowed Funds
60
How can I discover events that are happening in the community?
Check out our 2 event calendars! One is dedicated to JEWISHcolorado’s upcoming events, while the other is a general calendar of local community events happening right here in Colorado:
https://www.jewishcolorado.org/upcoming-events/
https://www.jewishcolorado.org/community-calendar/
How do I donate to JEWISHcolorado and its programs?
You can find our donation page here: https://www.jewishcolorado.org/donate/
I want to partner/sponsor an event with JEWISHcolorado. Who should I contact?
You can submit your questions/requests to Renee Rockford: RRockford@JEWISHcolorado.org
What does it take to be a host family?
JEWISHcolorado is looking for a warm, loving, non-smoking Jewish home eager to welcome a teenager into their family and to include them in meals, celebrations, everyday activities, and special occasions. The home should offer a dedicated bedroom—a guest room or other unoccupied space is ideal. We prefer that you do not displace a member of the family to make room for a Shinshin. Additional private space, such as a bathroom or living area, is desirable but not mandatory.
Why be a host family?
Hosting one of our Colorado Shinshinim in your home provides an opportunity to form meaningful and enriching relationships with the Shinshin and their family in Israel. By introducing them to our lives as Jews in Colorado, your family will gain an insider perspectives and enhanced knowledge of life in Israel today.
What are the benefits of becoming a host family?
Many of our past host families have shared that hosting a ShinShin was the highlight for the family and for their relationship with Israel. They not only feel they have gained a new family member, but also feel they have gained a whole new understanding of what it’s like to be an Israeli. Host families play a vital role in the success of the Shinshinim program. Host parents and siblings provide a great deal of support to Shinshinim and help them transition to living and working in our community.
How long is the hosting period?
Our hosting timeframes are approximately three months. The Shinshin return to Israel mid-February for a two week visit at home. We do have families available to host short term stays if necessary (e.g., if your family has booked a vacation) Shinshinim are allowed to travel (at their own expense or that of the host family) with their host families only if they have been given permission from their supervisor.
Do I need to provide my Shinshin with rides/transportation?
No. The Shinshinim will have cars and car insurance paid for by the JEWISHcolorado. JEWISHcolorado will also arrange for the Shinshinim to receive driving lessons to familiarize them with Colorado laws and driving conditions. Whenever possible, rides are always appreciated, particularly during the winter months, but not expected.
Will my Shinshin have health insurance? What happens if they need medical attention?
The Shinshinim will have health insurance coverage through David Shield, arranged by the Jewish Agency for Israel. If your Shinshin needs a doctor or dentist, the Supervisor will take care of setting them up at a doctor’s office for general care and will accompany them to appointments if needed. Should there be an urgent situation, we would ask that you take them to the closest Urgent care facility or the Emergency Room and call the Supervisor ASAP.
How often will Shinshinim be home for dinner?
While the Shinshinim do their best to be home as often as possible, they do have very busy schedules and as such, will not be able to join you for dinner every evening. We recommend you sit down with your Shinshin on a weekly basis to discuss his/her calendar. We try to have our Shinshinim spend at least one Friday night dinner at home, but there will be times when they may have to accept other invitations from members of the community or attend Hillel Shabbat events.
What should I do if my Shinshin is not home for dinner?
Please ensure that there is food for him/her to eat and that he/she is comfortable preparing the food him/herself.
Who will do their laundry?
It is up to the host family who does the laundry. Please discuss with your Shinshin and ensure that they know how to do laundry and work the machines in your home. If a housekeeper is doing laundry for other members of the family, it would be recommended that the Shinshin’s laundry is done for him/her as well. We encourage families to treat the ShinShinim as another member of their family.
Do the Shinshinim have a curfew?
The Shinshinim do have a curfew. Generally, they need to be home by 11pm. Furthermore, they are told that they must be respectful of the house rules and may need occasional reminders to be considerate of their families’ schedules. Please note that there are evenings when the Shinshinim will be working late at their institutions or with their partners, but they will let you know if that is the case.
Are Shinshinim allowed to babysit?
The Shinshinim are here to volunteer, and their visas do not allow them to work for pay. They are not allowed to babysit or tutor for pay. Beyond that, the Shinshinim will have very busy schedules volunteering in our community, and any available free time that they have should be time for them to relax and recharge.
Who makes lunch for the Shinshinim?
It is up to the host family to discuss with the Shinshinim who will be making lunches. If your kids make their own lunches, feel free to let the Shinshin make their own lunch, provided you are supplying them with food. Make sure they feel comfortable making it. Again, treat the Shinshinim the same as your own children. If a parent or a housekeeper makes lunches for your children, have them do the same for the ShinShin.
What is the best way to stay in touch with my Shinshin while they are here?
Each ShinShin will receive a SIM Card, phone plan and iPhone. So please ensure that you have that phone number. It is a good idea to give your Shinshin a list of phone numbers for everyone in your home, so they can get in touch with anyone at any time.
What happens if/when our family goes on vacation?
It is entirely up to each host family to decide if they wish to take their Shinshin along, and only if it has been approved by all of their site supervisors and by the Director of Israel Teen Emissaries. The Shinshin is not permitted to stay alone in your home, therefore we will need to make arrangements in advance if you are going on vacation without them.
Should I know where my Shinshin is at all times?
While you do not need to constantly keep tabs on them, host families should always know where their Shinshin is and when they are expected home just as you would for your own teens. Be sure to keep the lines of communication open.
Who provides Shinshinim with toiletries?
The Shinshinim receive a monthly stipend from JEWISHcolorado. It is recommended that the host family provide basic toiletries (soap, toothpaste, shampoo, toilet paper), and we encourage you to discuss this with your Shinshin when they arrive.
Does my Shinshin need a key to my house?
As the Shinshin is part of your family, they will need a key to your house (or a code to have access) and the code to the alarm.
What is required to be a host family?
All you need is a dedicated bedroom in your home for the Shinshinim, with a bathroom close by, and an extra chair at your table. You DO NOT have to be affiliated with a Jewish institution and you do not have to have teens in your home to host a Shinshin.
What are the COVID-19 protocols?
Our Shinshinim will arrive in Colorado fully vaccinated with full health coverage that includes Covid care. JEWISHcolorado strictly follows health regulations and protocols in assigning its Shinshinim to their tasks and in keeping their safety as well as of their host families, students and institution partners.