The Shofar Coalition, a "seed program" designed and launched by Sidran Institute in 2003, has now been successfully "planted" in the Baltimore Jewish Community to continue its mission. Sidran is grateful to THE ASSOCIATED for continuing the efforts of The Shofar Coalition.

Shofar seeks to build the capacity of the Baltimore Jewish community to prevent physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect in childhood; to identify, advocate for, respond and provide services effectively to children, adolescents and adults who are suffering from the impact of childhood maltreatment.

Most recently, the Shofar Coalition held a community-wide healing service on September 13, the week before Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. According to Elaine Witman, Shofar Director, the service was attended by about 200 community members, including abuse survivors, their supportive family and friends, and several community rabbis of all denominations.