Last week, Jewish Care had the honour of hosting the annual MIKE youth leadership awards at Jewish Care’s Betty and Asher Loftus Centre in Friern Barnet. The evening celebrated 70 inspiring young leaders from Jewish Care’s MIKE programme, which stands for Motivation, Inspiration, Knowledge, and Education. These are values that the programme, founded over 40 years ago, has instilled in over 800 young leaders to date, with many of its graduates leading Jewish communal organisations today.
This was the second awards ceremony for the new cohort in Stanmore and South Hertfordshire at Jewish Care’s Sandringham, marking an exciting new chapter in MIKE’s reach after 40 years of success in Essex at Jewish Care’s Redbridge Jewish Community Centre.
This year’s graduates from both Essex and Stanmore, ranging from ages thirteen to eighteen, have demonstrated what it means to lead with purpose, passion, and a deep commitment to their community.
It was truly inspiring to see so many young individuals exhibit such a strong sense of leadership, community and service, and support for one another, especially in a time when the values of community service and resilience are more important than ever.
Before each year group received their graduation certificates, the audience heard from participants who shared what MIKE has meant to them this year, how they’ve built new friendships, grown in confidence and developed a better understanding of what it means to be a leader.
Georgia Mathews was the winner of the prestigious Saul Keene Award for Excellence in Youth Leadership. The award was
Since then, the Keene family remains committed to continuing his legacy, recognising and supporting young leaders who embody the values Saul exemplified.
Presented by Nettie Keene alongside her son Danny, in memory of Nettie’s son and Danny’s late brother, Saul Keene. Saul, a dedicated community leader, tragically passed away in 2008 at the age of 41.
As Danny shared during the ceremony, “As a volunteer youth leader, Saul was inspirational and was the true model of someone dedicated to his community, which made him a truly unique and inspirational leader and figure for many of the club members. It is an honour to remember Saul’s name and legacy of great youth work by presenting a participant within the MIKE programme with this award.”
Gabrielle Adda, Jewish Care’s Youth Services Coordinator, announced Georgia’s win, praising her dedication and exceptional leadership. “Georgia is a former MIKE participant who now leads the programme in Redbridge with incredible energy, warmth and joy, always laughing, always showing up, and bringing so much positivity to MIKE each week. She steps in wherever she’s needed and has given more hours than any other staff member this year.”
When reflecting on her award, Georgia’s humility and gratitude were evident: “Receiving The Saul Keene Award is such an honour. MIKE has been a huge part of my journey, first as a participant and now as a leader. Being recognised in Saul’s memory motivates me to keep giving back to the community that has given me so much.”
The Above and Beyond Award won by Evie Rosen recognises her commitment to giving back and her exceptional leadership.
Ellie Baum, Youth Volunteer Coordinator, presented this award, sharing, “Evie truly represents the kind of passionate, committed young people we want to see involved across Jewish Care. Evie is not just amazing within the MIKE programme in South Herts, but also consistently goes the extra mile by helping every half term and school holiday at the Michael Sobell Jewish Community Centre in Golders Green. She warmly greets guests, serves breakfast and lunch, and supports daily activities with enthusiasm and great communication. She’s loved by staff, members, and volunteers alike.”
When reflecting on her achievements, Evie said, “Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things I do. I love being part of the MIKE youth leadership programme. Knowing that the members at the Michael Sobell Jewish Community Centre look forward to seeing me and that I can brighten up their days means so much. It means a lot to receive this award and encourages me to keep giving my time and energy wherever I can.”
One year since Marcus Sperber became Jewish Care’s Chair, he closed the evening with a speech, sharing, “I’d like to congratulate all the recipients of awards. Days like today are not only important in their personal journeys but also for the long-term future of our Jewish community. Whether working in the community professionally or voluntarily, it is a very rewarding experience on so many levels. Most importantly, it is about carrying on our great Jewish legacy, continuing the exceptional work of our parents and grandparents – who built an incredible network of Jewish organisations like Jewish Care that today still help those in their time of need. This is an opportunity to play our part and give something back.”
Marcus continued “MIKE has some fantastic alumni who are participating as trustees, executives, chief executive and leaders across the communal organisations.”
Notably, at Jewish Care, alumni include CEO, Daniel Carmel Brown; Director of Community Services & Volunteering, Richard Shone; Ellisa Estrin, Director of Fundraising & Marketing, Gayle Klein, Vice Chair on the Jewish Care Board, and many more.
“It is comforting for me to know when I look out at this room today that you are the future leaders of our community and it is in safe hands.”
Daniel Carmel Brown, CEO of Jewish Care, a former MIKE graduate shared with the participants and their families as he opened the evening, “I’m very proud of all of you here this evening. This is not just part of my work, part of my job, this is my community.”
To register interest or for more information about MIKE youth leadership programme in Redbridge or Stanmore/ Bushey, email youthservices@jcare.org or call us on 07391 738 281.