The Jewish Fertility Foundation has officially established a presence in Cleveland, thanks to substantial support from the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Endowment and Life & Legacy Program. This new branch marks the Foundation’s ninth location and is set to enhance its mission of offering financial aid, emotional support, and educational resources to Jewish families grappling with infertility.
Elana Frank, CEO and Founder of the Jewish Fertility Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the launch, highlighting the collaborative effort involved. “The establishment of our Cleveland office was a significant undertaking, made possible by the collective effort of many dedicated individuals. We successfully leveraged initial capital from the Federation’s endowment funds along with contributions from the Mount Sinai Health Foundation,” Frank told the Cleveland Jewish News.
Federation President Erika B. Rudin-Luria praised the new office for its potential to bolster the local Jewish community by addressing the specific emotional and financial needs of those facing fertility issues. “The addition of the Jewish Fertility Foundation’s Cleveland office is a valuable asset to our community. We are pleased to support this initiative and are eager to collaborate with them in aiding Jewish Clevelanders in their journey to expand their families,” Rudin-Luria noted in a press release.
The Cleveland branch, which operates without a physical office, is spearheaded by Tamar Poupko Smith. Previously the director of marketing and communications at Gross Schecter Day School in Pepper Pike, Poupko Smith now serves as the primary contact for Cleveland clients and partners. “Since our official opening on June 3, my role has been to connect individuals and families experiencing infertility with the Foundation’s resources and services,” Poupko Smith explained.
The Jewish Fertility Foundation is also partnering with local fertility clinics to offer up to a 20% discount on services, as well as reductions on genetic testing, medications, and laboratory fees. Grants available include one for intrauterine insemination and up to two for in vitro fertilization, each valued at $10,000. The Foundation adheres to the Reform movement’s definition of Jewish identity, which includes individuals with one Jewish parent.
“More than 16% of Jewish women will require fertility services at some point in their lives,” Poupko Smith emphasized. “Given our community’s size, it is crucial to have a dedicated organization like this that can provide support on the ground, helping individuals and couples build Jewish families and strengthen our community’s future.”
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