Jewish Newcomers Program:Transforming New Orleans through Domestic Aliyah

Michael WeilJewish Federation ofGreater New Orleans

The Transformation

• Since 2006, more than 2,000 Jews have moved to the Greater New Orleans area.

• …how did we do it?

The Context• Prior to August 29, 2005,

the Jewish population of New Orleans was slowly dwindling – and aging.

• Within six months of Hurricane Katrina, the community’s Jewish population dropped from 9,500 to 6,500.

The Rebuilding• Through a strategic planning process,

our community replicated parts of Israel’s incentive program for new olim.

• The Jewish Newcomers Program was created to actively recruit newcomers and to ease their transition into a rebuilding community.

The RebuildingIncentives for newcomers included:– Moving grants– Rental grants– Interest-free loans– Free memberships to community organizations

(the JCC andsynagogues and others)

– Professional networking outreach

– Social events to introduce them to community members

The Organization

• In addition to an incentives structure, we dedicated a staff professional to meet with each newcomer and to administer/evaluate the success of the program.

• The program was funded from Katrina relief monies, grants and recycled (repaid) incentive loans.

Initial Outcomes• By surveying and monitoring program participants, we learned:

– What worked? Advertising, media coverage and word of mouth

– Who came? Mostly young professionals from the northeast

– Why did they come? As part of a highly mobile demographic, they came for work, to make a difference and because they appreciated the local culture

– What else did we learn? Financial incentives weren’t that necessary to attract newcomers

Unintended Consequences• Our newcomers were part of a surprisingly

young demographic• While a huge boost to local morale following

an arduous rebuilding process, some veteran locals felt resentment

• The population has shifted to a younger, less conservative demographic

• Newcomers boast eclectic professions—not just doctors, lawyers and accountants

• They came thru the Federation front door

The Program Shift

• Eliminated the loans• Combined/reduced grant monies• Transitioned to a voucher booklet program• Attempted a less successful outgrowth for

area graduate students called J-Grad• Semi-annual welcome parties• Affinity/professional networking meetings• Holiday hospitality• Welcome baskets

Today• 2,300 newcomers represent

nearly 23% of our Jewish population

• Their presence is felt everywhere (synagogues, agencies, events and more)

• They’ve initiated a demographic and geographical shift within Jewish New Orleans

• They’re more religious• They’re post-college, but we’re

experiencing a wave of both young returnees and retirees

Today

• We retain 75% of our newcomers (most cite jobs and family as reasons for leaving)

• The program is now integrated in Federation’s operating budget/calendar

• Our total investment to date of approximately $1 million has been well worth it.