Mark Rubin from JCRS (Jewish Children's Regional Service) joins us for our annual Social Action Shabbat.  

For 165 years, JCRS has served at-risk, dependent and financially challenged Jewish children and families from seven Mid-South states - Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Tennessee - by providing college scholarships, grants for Jewish summer camp experiences, special needs assistance, and other vital outreach programs that are pivotal in building one’s Jewish identity.

Today, JCRS remains vital, impactful, and more necessary than ever. In 2018, over 1700 children and families were served from more than 200 communities across our region.

More about Mark:

Mark Rubin joined Jewish Children’s Regional Service (JCRS) in September 2012 as the agency’s first-ever development director and became executive director in August 2021. JCRS provides needs-based scholarships to Jewish youth for summer camp, college aid, and financial assistance to children with special needs. This year, JCRS will impact more than 275 Jewish youth in Houston with its programs and services. Mark is a nonprofit professional with more than 22 years of mission driven experience. He has worked for national and local organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the Arthritis Foundation and Tulane University. He has made a tremendous impact on the agency in growing its reach in terms of fundraising, impact, and outreach to the Jewish communities throughout the agency’s seven-state region. Last year, JCRS hosted its first annual Latkes with a Twist - Houston, a community-wide Hanukkah celebration at Kenny and Ziggy’s. The inaugural event sold out and a 2nd annual event is planned for December 15, 2024 at Congregation Beth Israel.