Here's the deal:

• Me, a 33-year-old, wants to become a Moishe House resident.
• Moishe House states that residents can be individuals between the ages of 21-32.
• I thought about reaching out to Moishe House directly for special permission (which I heard they do sometimes). Then I thought, I don’t want special permission. There are many benefits to expanding the age range of residents across Moishe Houses throughout the non-profit organization.
• I am proposing the age to live in a Moishe House be extended from 32 to 36 (Chai X 2 – as this organization is for individuals in their 2nd part of life). Doing this will expose a larger demographic of young adults to Moishe House resulting in a stronger sense of community as well as donation and philanthropic growth. 
   
• The 2018 evaluation of demographic-wide trends conducted by Moishe House, showed that nearly a quarter of participants (23%) are 30+, yet the primary age of residents is mid-20’s (22-27).
• Moishe house was founded for individuals who are “too young for the traditional young adult and family programming being offered.” While Moishe House has classified that age range as 21-32, young adults are starting families later in life; taking time to establish career goals, travel the world and discover themselves. Getting settled takes longer than it did in 2006 (When Moishe House was founded). With all the stress of the collapsing economy and loneliness due to the global pandemic, an appropriate social community is more necessary than ever.  
• Personally, I didn’t discover Moishe House and start connecting with my Jewish culture, until the age of 32. I know others in my community who mirror my feelings. Widening the age demographic to a slightly wider, yet still appropriate, range of young adults will create exposure and community outreach in all Moishe House locations giving those who might not have heard of Moishe House the exposure to the amazing organization.
• While the 2 Moishe House locations in my area encourage individuals well into their 30’s to participate, we are restricted from becoming residents, participating in retreats, camp Nai Nai Nai or 4HQ. While there is still the option for aged-out community members to participate in Moishe House without walls, it does not have the same impact as the ability to become a resident with a budget, more community outreach, and various resources through the organization.
   
• Moishe house is a non-profit organization, meaning its budget and growth greatly depend on monetary compensation from donors. Expanding the age range by just a few years allows more individuals the ability to experience all that Moishe House does resulting in gain for the organization as a whole.
• This change will promote a wider range of philanthropic reach, which is perfect timing for the “We Are” campaign.
• While there is an option to initiate a separate Jewish Community organization for people in their 30s, it seems more logical to extend the one already in existence and further establish a sense of community amongst a slightly wider, yet still appropriate, range of young adults.

I live close to the Moishe House headquarters and am willing to speak with the appropriate parties, in person or via Zoom, and address any concerns. I am willing to appeal to the board regarding this request.