Aventura nonprofit Jewish Latin Connection earned a spot in a competitive national program that will bring coaching, grant funding and mentorship to the organization through a seven-month curriculum.

The group, founded by Jessica Klein in 2019, was one of eight nonprofits chosen from 77 applicants for the Orthodox Union (OU) Impact Accelerator's seventh cohort, The Jewish Link reported. The selection followed a merit-based process that included an online application, interviews and a final pitch night before a committee of OU lay and professional leaders.

Jewish Latin Connection works with young married Latin Jewish couples and women through retreats, educational programs and leadership initiatives. The organization helps participants build relationships and create Jewish homes rooted in Torah values, according to the OU's announcement.

It is the only Aventura-based group in the class.

The accelerator, founded in 2018, has distributed $430,000 to 33 ventures over seven years. Cohort members take part in a nonprofit management curriculum covering strategy, operations, marketing and fundraising. The program includes monthly Zoom workshops and three in-person summits, plus networking with leaders from the OU and other major nonprofit organizations.

"Each new cohort brings fresh thinking and creative approaches to strengthening Jewish life, and we're excited to give these entrepreneurs the tools, mentorship, and support they need to take their organizations to the next level," OU Chief Executive Officer Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph said in the announcement.

Klein's organization is not the only South Florida group in the new class. SAMi, the Sephardic American Mizrahi Initiative based in Hollywood, also earned a spot. Manashe Khaimov launched that organization in 2021.

The seven-month program includes workshops, summits and mentorship from OU and other nonprofit leaders as Klein and the other founders build out their organizations.