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You are here: Home / Archives for 2014

Archives for 2014

    Fruit=Happiness!

    December 18, 2014

    GPMFruit
    Last August we reported that the Good People Fund made a grant to cover the cost of fresh fruit to Gabriel Project Mumbai, a program started by Jacob Sztokman and dedicated to fighting hunger, child labor, malnutrition and illiteracy for the children living in the Mumbai slums. Jacob wrote this morning and shared the following story:

    I was sitting with the women from the kitchen and asked them how the fruit program is doing. They told me that they love it because the kids are happy to receive fruit. Fruit, as opposed to their meals, make children happy, literally happy. I don’t know, I understood fruit being an important part of a child’s nutrition but I didn’t think about the fact that 1000 children receive a sense of happiness from receiving fruit. It’s really nice.

    Indeed it is nice, but even nicer was the rest of Jacob’s note which shared that the women in the kitchen (which the Good People Fund helped underwrite) who prepare the kids’ lunches in a micro-enterprise arrangement are about to receive cooking lessons from a nearby famous cooking school (including learning how to bake–something no one does since they have no stoves!) and after completing those lessons plan to prepare box lunches for workers in offices outside the slums.

    Talk about “giving a man/woman a fishing pole and teaching him/her how to fish”…we could not be happier about how our donations were used in both cases!

    Filed under: Good News Update

    Tzedakah Boxes

    December 16, 2014

    MenorahWhile reading my usual tzedakah blogs this morning I noted with some pleasure that Harold Grinspoon, the generous benefactor of so many innovative Jewish education programs like PJ Library, has just launched a tzedakah box project. 250,000 colorful tzedakah boxes have been sent to those very children who have been recipients of PJ Library books.

    What a great lesson Mr. Grinspoon is teaching with this creative idea; what better way to spread the idea of generosity and giving to our kids? Hanukkah is certainly a time of giving and in that spirit we offer some creative ways you and your families could fill any tzedakah box:

    • $54.00 will let Ruthie Sobel Luttenberg of Birthday Angels make a birthday party for an Israeli child who would otherwise do without.
    • $36 will help the Jack and Eleanor Borden Kosher Meal Fund provide kosher meals for elderly Jews throughout the U.S.
    • $18 will help Fran Held buy diapers for her Diaper Bank at the Mitzvah Circle Foundation.
    • $54 will provide some extra support for elderly Survivors in Eastern Europe who are fortunate to receive visits and help from Zane Buzby and the Survivor Mitzvah Project.
    • $30 will provide a struggling elderly Jew on NY’s Lower East Side with some extra credit to use at the local grocery store each month.

    So, take the mouse that is sitting nearby as you read this and scroll down to the light green border of this page. Click on DONATE NOW and teach your kids about the real miracle of Hanukkah—helping others! We can promise that you will all feel good.

    Chag Hanukkah Sameach!

    Filed under: Good News Update

    The War Not Forgotten

    December 12, 2014

    IMG-20141210-WA0002The long weeks of war in Israel this summer may be but a memory to us right now, but to the families in Sderot there is no end to the stress and trauma that comes from living so close to the border.

    Thanks to our friend, Rosa Naveh, a therapist working with mothers and children in a local clinic, we have been able to institute a new music therapy program which includes a bit of clowning as well. The therapist has been meeting with each age group separately and from the looks of the pictures we’ve received it seems as if everyone is enjoying the opportunity to relax and laugh for a change.

    How does one learn to cope with years of war and terror at your door? We hope the Good People Fund’s efforts will touch at least some people and create resilience to the events around them.

    Filed under: Good News Update

    Some More Atlanta Tikkun Olam

    December 10, 2014

    Picture a huge building filled to capacity with 750 eager kids, 450 volunteers, Santa Claus, a room full of toys, pizza, fresh fruit, homemade desserts and plenty of music to get everyone in the holiday spirit—that’s Amy’s Holiday Party, a signature event of Creating Connected Communities. At the age of 12, Amy Sacks (now Amy Sacks Zeide) was stunned to learn of the theft of holiday toys at a local shelter. She immediately donated some funds to help replace those toys and the next year, as a Bat Mitzvah project, organized Amy’s Holiday Party which gathers kids from local social service agencies and offers them a fun day ending with the gifting of toys and games. This year’s party was Amy’s 20th and we were thrilled (and a bit overwhelmed) to be present and experience what can only be called an extravaganza. Nearly 2000 volunteer hours go into planning the party which offers multiple activities like face-painting, cookie decorating, all manner of arts and crafts and so much more.

    What makes this event even more meaningful is that teens are responsible for much of what takes place. Amy’s organization, Creating Connected Communities, provides leadership training to local teens with a curriculum that focuses on homelessness and advocacy. The holiday party is part of the program.

    We knew Amy’s story from many years ago and were not surprised to finally meet a gracious young woman who hasn’t forgotten how small actions can have a significant impact.
    Photo Dec 07, 3 40 32 PM Photo Dec 07, 3 27 10 PM

    Filed under: Good News Update

    Atlanta’s War on Hunger

    December 9, 2014

    With more than 750,000 people relying on food pantries and other public food programs in the greater Atlanta area there is no wonder that the volunteers who commit their time to Second Helpings Atlanta are so busy.

    This past Sunday morning we were privileged to personally experience a typical SHA food run and what we saw both astonished and impressed us. Founded ten years ago by the now 87 year-old Guenther Hecht as a social action project for Temple Sinai in suburban Atlanta, SHA is today an independent non-profit organization that utilizes more than 300 volunteers to pick up food largely from local supermarkets and some restaurants, 364 days a year. Our “run” was to one of the many Trader Joe’s that donates daily. Within 15 minutes, two volunteers appeared with their cars and immediately loaded box after box of fresh produce, prepared foods, meats and even beautiful flower arrangements. After a short ride to Malachi’s Storeroom housed in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, the pantry volunteers helped us unload and weigh the day’s donation. Nearly 1000 pounds of perfectly good, nutritious food was picked up from that one location and while we were still unloading another SHA volunteer arrived with her haul from a nearby Whole Foods. Every Wednesday, the pantry prepares a meal for more than 200 families (which averages about 800-1000 people) and also provides a supermarket-like shopping experience in their pantry. Judging by what we delivered we know that one thing sure to be on this Wednesday’s menu will be a beautiful fruit salad filled with healthy melons, kiwi, pineapple, bananas, apples and pears.

    To know that Second Helpings Atlanta repeats this entire scenario several times each and every day is astounding. Even more amazing is the fact that they operate with one part-time employee and a minimal budget.

    We couldn’t help but wonder why this model couldn’t be developed in so many more places, eradicating or reducing the seemingly impossible problem of hunger once and for all.

    Photo Dec 07, 10 04 21 AM

    Filed under: Good News Update

    A Bounty of Clothes

    December 2, 2014

    GideonclothesWe often share stories about our friend Gideon Ben-Ami, who works hard each day to feed hungry people in Tel Aviv. With the help of generous businesses that donate their leftovers as well as Leket, Israel’s national food bank, that donates nearly one ton of fresh produce each week, and with the Good People Fund’s help Gideon has built a successful little organization that operates on a shoe-string and really does save lives in many different ways.

    In an email received from Gideon yesterday he described a surprise delivery that had just arrived–40 cases of brand new mens’, womens’ and kids’ clothes donated by one of Israel’s largest retail chains. We didn’t quite understand the scope of this bounty until this morning when pictures arrived. With a third of the 40 boxes already distributed to local agencies, by the end of the week Gideon expects to have everything in the hands of people for whom some new clothes will be a welcome treat.

    We now understand why Gideon loves his second career so much–imagine being able to spread so much “good” each and every day.

    Filed under: Good News Update

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ROSH HASHANAH BEGINS SEPTEMBER 22ND!

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Wish your friends and loved ones a Shana Tova U’Metukha (a good and sweet year) with a GPF Rosh Hashanah e-card. Send holiday wishes and support our Good People at the same time. Quick, easy, and impactful.

 

Purim is coming on March 13th …

And we have a no-calorie, no-stress holiday plan for you!

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Send your friends and family Purim greetings guaranteed to make everyone feel good by giving tzedakah in such a meaningful way.

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GPF Journal of Good 2024

Our Journal of Good 2024 could not have been published at a better time. As we struggle with so much–a war, widespread hatred and political dysfunction, its stories of visionaries driving positive change… and those of individuals, families and communities whose lives are altered for the better, will move you.


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November 17

The Good People Fund (un)conference

Join us virtually, Sunday November 17th, 7:00pm to 9:30pm Eastern for The Good People Fund Celebratory Program. Featuring … Ruth Messinger (Global Ambassador of the American Jewish World Service), John Beltzer (Songs of Love) and Naomi Eisenberger (Co-founder and Executive Director of the The Good People Fund). You won’t want to miss it!

 

You can still send a New Year’s Greeting

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Wish your friends and loved ones a Shana Tova U’Metukha (a good and sweet year) with a GPF Rosh Hashanah e-card. Send holiday wishes and support our Good People at the same time. Quick, easy, and impactful.

 

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Purim is coming on March 23rd …

And we have a no-calorie, no-stress holiday plan for you!

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Send your friends and family Purim greetings guaranteed to make everyone feel good by giving tzedakah in such a meaningful way.

GPF Live From Israel!

Sunday, March 3rd @ 12 PM Eastern Standard Time

Join Naomi, Julie and three of our visionary Israeli grantees for a special live Zoom event:

Good People Fund — Live from Israel!

Find out how they’re meeting new challenges since Oct. 7, while staying true to their passions and missions of elevating good and uplifting the communities they serve. And ask your questions!

Our family in Israel is hurting,
can you help?

There has been significant loss of life, horrific injuries and deep, deep trauma from an unexpected attack on its soil and from the unprecedented kidnapping of so many civilians and soldiers. We are working hard to uncover needs on the ground that we can meet and help facilitate in our typical manner—person to person.

We have spoken with several grantees and the sentiments we hear over and over again are disbelief and shock … but more than anything, resolve. They foresee that many more lives will be lost and that life, as they knew it, has been forever altered.

As we have learned from earlier wars, the situation is fluid and each day new needs will be identified. We have joined together with two grantees and, conferring with local social workers, are developing a plan to assist at least twelve families directly impacted by the war, as well as families of kidnapped victims.

We would be grateful if you would be a part of our efforts to help in the way that we do best … our very personal way.

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GPF Journal of Good 2022

Our Journal of Good 2022 has just been published and it’s filled with stories of visionaries driving positive change… and those of individuals, families and communities whose lives are altered for the better.


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ROSH HASHANAH BEGINS SEPTEMBER 25th!

Wish your friends and loved ones a Shana Tova U’Metukha (a good and sweet year) with a GPF Rosh Hashanah e-card. Send holiday wishes and support our Good People at the same time. Quick, easy, and impactful.

 

In Their Words: The Pandemic

Read what our grantees are saying and how they’re responding to COVID-19 with the help of Good People Fund donors.

How the Pandemic is Changing Their World

It's Here!

GPF 2021 Annual Report

Our 2021 Annual Report has just been published and it’s filled with moving stories about ordinary people who have done extraordinary things to make our world a better place.

We need it now, more than ever … Read on!

Hanukkah begins November 28th, about the time we gather for Thanksgiving.

Send a few ecards to family and friends, and do some good at the same time.

 

We know you’re thinking beach, relaxation, barbecues and summer fun, but…

Labor Day will usher in the New Year so while you are still relaxing, think about all of your friends and family you want to wish a sweet, healthy holiday.

 

Good People Talk! is Everywhere!

Now you can subscribe to our monthly podcast — Good People Talk! — on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeartRADIO, and Podcast Index. Please subscribe, share, and comment on your favorite podcast network!

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April 11, 7:30 pm Eastern

How Good People Help Aspiring Americans Succeed

Join us for our second Good People Talk Live! event – Meet four of GPF’s Good People and learn about their unique experiences, observations, and approaches to uplifting newcomers seeking better lives for themselves and their families.

Our guests include:

  • Kristen Bloom, Founder & Exec. Director, Refugee Assistance Alliance
  • Sloane Davidson, Founder & CEO, Hello Neighbor
  • Kari Miller, Founder & Exec. Director, International Neighbors
  • Dr. Eva Moya, Assoc. Professor, Dept. of Social Work, The University of Texas at El Paso

Save the Date!

April 11, 7:30 pm Eastern

Don’t miss our second Good People Talk Live! event – as we explore front line challenges facing aspiring Americans across the country. Meet Kari Miller, Founder of International Neighbors; Sloane Davidson, Founder of Hello Neighbor; Kristen Bloom, Founder of Refugee Assistance Alliance; and Dr. Eva Moya, Associate Professor at University of Texas: El Paso, four women dedicated to helping newcomers adjust to their new home. Look for registration information on our website shortly.

Register now!

March 14, 7:30 pm Eastern

How Good People Help Detroit’s Youth Succeed

Join us for our first-ever Good People Talk Live! event – as we explore challenges facing inner city youth in Detroit, and how three of our GPF grantee organizations there are instilling hope.

Our guests include:

  • Courtney Smith, Founder of Detroit Phoenix Center
  • Sherelle Hogan, Founder of Pure Heart Foundation
  • David Silver, Founder of Detroit Horse Power

Save the Date!

March 14, 7:30 pm Eastern

Join us for our first-ever Good People Talk Live! event – as we explore challenges facing inner city youth in Detroit, and how three of our GPF grantee organizations there are  breaking cycles and instilling a sense of future. Our guests include Courtney Smith, Founder of Detroit Phoenix Center; Sherelle Hogan, Founder of Pure Heart Foundation; and David Silver, Founder of Detroit Horse Power. Look for registration information on our website shortly.

GPF 2020 Annual Report

Let stories from our Good People inspire you during these difficult days

During a year in which a pandemic is upending our already broken world—creating and revealing untold & unimaginable human, social, and economic challenges—our Good People Fund family has arguably never been so critical.

Our 2020 Annual Report reflects that truth and the immense nourishment and salve that our visionary grantees are bringing to their communities in the US, Israel, and elsewhere around the world.

2020 Annual Report

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