Growing Jewish Families

For an individual or couple facing fertility challenges, being part of the Jewish community can be very painful. To realize the dream of parenthood, many experience daunting medical, legal and social pressures that those closest to them cannot fully understand.  In the struggle to grow a Jewish family, too often individuals feel alone, overwhelmed, and financially and emotionally drained.

In 2009, the Priya Fund was established in Dallas, Texas by Rabbi David and Annie Glickman following their personal struggle with secondary infertility.  The original Dallas fund was established to “give back” in gratitude for their children and to help raise awareness about the stigma associated with infertility.  At the time, there were very few national resources available that addressed the needs of Jewish families dealing with infertility.

In 2015, Annie Glickman established a second Priya Fund in Kansas City, thanks to a Jewish Theological Seminary Seeds of Innovation Grant.

The Kansas City Priya Fund, now enhanced by the generosity of many local funders, is a restricted fund where donations and grants are reserved for the purpose of providing financial assistance with infertility treatments or costs associated with adoption. It resides at The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City. Priya Kansas City works closely with Jewish Family Services to provide information on local resources and emotional support.

Priya also presents and participates in programs to educate the broader Kansas City community about issues relating to infertility and adoption with the greater goal of reducing the stigma associated with challenges in expanding Jewish families.

Priya has already helped eight children enter the Kansas City Jewish community by providing local families with funding to help with the costs of fertility treatments and adoption.  

To learn how Priya can help your family, contact Molly Hess, Priya Program Manager at [email protected].org or at (913) 327-8250.