Hillel JUC Connects Students with Local
Families
The Hillel Jewish University Center is introducing a new program
this year called Family Ties. The goal of this pilot program is to connect Jewish college students with members of the
Pittsburgh Jewish community to create a special family experience for all participants.
Family Ties is designed for freshmen and
upperclassmen, and each student and family will be matched on an individualized basis to ensure that both the student and the family are comfortable
with the match and have common interests.
"As a parent of two college students myself, I
understand the tremendous value of this program. I envy parents whose children chose to attend college here, because the Pittsburgh
Jewish community embraces its students in a way that I believe is very unique. In Pittsburgh, no matter how far
a student is from home, he or she will not be alone. What a comforting feeling that must be!", states Lynn Snyderman, Chair of the Community Relations
Committee that is launching Family Ties.
"This program really expands and formalizes a process that has
taken place spontaneously for some time," states Linda Myers, Associate Director. She further explains that each
year, the Hillel JUC is contacted by families offering to open their homes to students for holidays and Shabbat. Hillel students
serve as youth advisors and Hebrew school teachers at synagogues, and as babysitters and tutors for families. Many students already
have found local families who have become their surrogate relatives in Pittsburgh, and a place that they can call their "home away from home."
Moreover, through these relationships, students become part of the community, enabling them to make contacts that can lead to internships or
even jobs. "It is truly a rewarding experience for both the students and the families," Myers adds.
Connecting through Family Ties is not only about
providing homes for the holidays. "It is our hope that families and their students connect regularly, for Jewish holidays, sporting events, shopping
trips or just relaxing together on a Sunday afternoon,"adds Snyderman. There is no cost to
participate in Family Ties, and the Hillel JUC derives no benefit other than facilitating a mitzvah. "We are just
the matchmakers," Snyderman confirms.
Sign-up now at: www.hilleljuc.org/familyties by August 30, 2009.
Questions about the program should be directed to Brad
Chotiner, Assistant Director at bradc@hilleljuc.org or 412 621-8875 x 110.
