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The Good People Fund

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Andrea Good

    Weaving Pathways to Independence

    The Good People Fund supports Sidreh, a weaving initiative dedicated to the socio economic empowerment of Bedouin women in the Negev. Because of our support, 15 women from underserved and remote communities were able to complete a structured 10-week weaving training program, gaining practical, income-generating skills. Despite the challenges of ongoing conflict and economic instability in the region, the program achieved remarkable results with participants actively producing and selling woven goods as part of the Sidreh weaving cooperative.

    The impact of this initiative provides women not only a source of income, but also confidence, community, and resilience during an extraordinarily difficult time. Tamam, a single mother of five  shared: “This opportunity changed something in me. I am not alone anymore, and I can support my children.” Support from the Good People Fund provides dignified pathways toward self-reliance, cultural preservation, and renewed hope for women who were virtually invisible.

    Planting Glenn’s Legacy of Goodness

    While in Israel, Julie and Larry visited Kaima Beit Zayit, a place that Glenn Rosenkrantz z״l (of blessed memory) loved very much. Together with founder Yoni Yefet-Reich, they planted a tree in Glenn’s memory. The sun was shining, and the air was filled with the sounds of a farm where young people are given new beginnings, hope, and a path forward. Glenn treasured the Good People working to make the world better. In a place he loved, we planted a fig tree to symbolize new life and renewal. As we return to watch this tree grow alongside the young people of the farm, we will think of Glenn and the powerful, lasting impact of his goodness. Join us on our trip in November when we will visit Glenn’s tree and the Good People he adored.
    זיכרונו לברכה Glenn’s memory is a blessing.
    Click the link below to watch a video of the tree planting:

    Responding Without Pause in Jerusalem

    When the crisis hit in Israel, JLM Food Rescuers didn’t pause for a moment.

    Founded by Itay Peled and Daniella Seltzer, this Jerusalem-based organization moved into full emergency mobilization as requests for food surged overnight. The working poor whose income had stopped. Elderly residents too frightened to leave home. Single mothers alone with small children. Isolated communities in East Jerusalem and Bedouin areas where infrastructure was already fragile. The needs were everywhere, and Itay and Daniella met every one of them with determination.

    Drawing on an emergency response plan built with the Jerusalem Municipality, they activated quickly, scaling from nine underserved communities to 14 high-priority neighborhoods in a matter of days. All of this while most of their staff was home with their own children.

    And then came Purim! Volunteers showed up to the market in full costume, sorting vegetables and packing food boxes as sirens interrupted the morning. In between alerts, they laughed, sorted, and filled crate after crate, for families waiting on the other end to receive these special and much needed deliveries.

    We are so proud to partner with them.

    Love in the Time of Sirens

    In the midst of war, when uncertainty fills the air and sirens interrupt the rhythm of daily life, Rachel Kolette Wheeler and Shoshi Margolin, founders of Collective Lavo B’Tov are busy doing what they do every day: helping people with disabilities build lives full of meaning, dignity, and possibility.

    Recently, that meant helping Michael and Ahinoam get married.

    With Rachel and Shoshi’s steady guidance and unwavering support, this beautiful couple was able to move forward with their wedding despite the chaos surrounding them. A simple dining hall was found and lovingly transformed into a place of warmth and celebration. Family and friends traveled from across Israel to share in their joy. And in that room, for that moment, there was no war. There was only love.

    This is what Collective Lavo B’Tov makes possible every single day. Through their work, people with disabilities find their way to fulfilling relationships, meaningful employment, independent living, and vibrant community connection. Rachel and Shoshi believe, with every fiber of who they are, that disability is never a barrier to a full and beautiful life.

    We are deeply honored to partner with them, and endlessly inspired by the world they are helping to create, one person, one milestone, one wedding at a time.

    Spreading the Good Word

    In March, GPF Board Chair Beth Gansky opened her home for a beautiful gathering alongside board member Jody Harburger and Julie Fisher. Together, they introduced the community to the tzedakah work of the Good People Fund in an evening that was warm and engaging.

    Guests asked thoughtful questions and were moved by the stories we shared of the remarkable people the Good People Fund is proud to support. Our deep gratitude to Beth for a lovely evening.

    Resilience During Operation Roaring Lion

    Many of our grantees are sharing on-the-ground updates from Israel during these challenging times. Here is an update from our grantee Ma’atzimot, Empowering Ethiopian Women:

    During these days of Operation “Roaring Lion,” we are all experiencing complex and challenging times. This is especially true for the women in our community : mothers, young women, and girls , who are dealing with uncertainty, anxiety, and concern for their children and families.
    At the Empowering Ethiopian Women NGO, we believe that it is precisely in moments like these that the importance of community strength, our connection to one another, and mental resilience becomes clearer than ever.
    Based on the understanding that emotional resilience is particularly critical during this period, Empowering Ethiopian Women has launched the “Minute of Resilience” series. This community initiative aims to strengthen resilience, featuring facilitators and women from the community who share a short, practical tip every day for coping with the situation.
    In addition, we held a special and joyful Zoom session with a professional dancer who led a shared movement experience for mothers and daughters.
    Over 70 women participated in a meeting filled with energy, connection, and joy. It offered a moment of release, movement, and smiles within the challenging routine, and we received heartfelt feedback on how meaningful and strengthening the session was during this time. Given its success and demand, we plan to continue offering similar sessions in the near future.