Chabad of Rancho Mirage

The engagement of Jewish youth through transformative experiences is critically important in today's complex landscape. American Jewish youth face dual challenges: navigating adolescence while confronting unique pressures of Jewish identity amid rising antisemitism. The CTeen and CKids Network address these challenges by creating a comprehensive support system that offers youth and teens a safe, dynamic environment to cultivate leadership skills, strengthen cultural identity, and develop civic responsibility. Through creative activities, special events, community service projects, and engaging outings, our program provides structured opportunities for teens to connect, grow, and thrive.

Our CKids program is geared for children ages 3-13. Children participate in weekly fun interactive experiences that combine current event discussions with educational perspectives and team-building activities. Our CTeens program is geared for teens ages 14-17. Students meet weekly to eat, engage in learning and discussion, play games and take fun field trips around the region. Teens also have an opportunity to meet bi-weekly at the Kosher Food Club at Palm Desert High School, which engages Jewish and non-Jewish teens to learn about Jewish food and culture and promotes understanding and connection. Teens participate in community service projects such as visiting senior homes, delivering food to elderly, and supporting community events. Funds will help Chabad cover the operating costs for the program- including purchasing art supplies, covering staff costs, buying food, taking teens on fun outings and field trips, and providing transportation to conduct community service projects. We provide scholarships so that nobody is turned away. Grant funding will support our ongoing operational costs while allowing us to expand our programming to grow both CKids and CTeen.

We aim to encourage children and teens to be empowered to adopt leadership positions in their public schools and in their daily lives. There is a vital and immediate need to engage Jewish teens with transformative Jewish experiences that enable them to create a deep connection to and understanding of their rich heritage, Jewish pride, and connection to the land of Israel. Our teen and youth lounge creates a safe, relaxed and fun space that teens can call their own, bringing teens off the streets and providing them with a safe haven to do their homework, play games, watch sports, and feel a strong sense of belonging. The outcome is not only a strong Jewish connection, but an anchor and stability during an uncertain and confusing time of life.