Something strange was going on in this old Jerusalem neighborhood.

First, one neighbor had a visit from Margitte* asking if she could "borrow" a slice of bread. Then, another reported that she stopped in to "borrow" a little milk…and on it went. When her neighbors happened to compare their experiences it became clear that something was wrong and that Margitte, an elderly Holocaust survivor, was probably hungry and did not have enough money to buy food.

Rather than ignore what they assumed, the neighbors went to the local social worker and reported their suspicions. Margitte was not known to social services but the social worker and some of the neighbors visited and asked her if she was hungry. With great shame, Margitte admitted that indeed, she was hungry and even acknowledged that she had gathered the scraps of old bread others left outside for the birds, just so she could have some nourishment.

A proud woman, content to pass her days painting and writing, Margitte was but a child when she was taken away with her Mother. On the train to Auschwitz, she recalled her Mother trying to think of some way to protect her from the horrors that lie ahead. And horrors there were, for Margitte was one of the children with whom the infamous Dr. Josef Mengele found such fascination.

Darla Oz shared this story with us this morning. Darla and her husband began House to House in Israel to provide food, clothing, shoes, and other help for elders including Shoah survivors who would otherwise "fall through the cracks." We know that whatever funds we commit to Darla will relieve someone’s suffering – there is never any doubt.

How could we help Margitte? What was Darla doing to make life easier for this proud woman who had already been through so much? With some careful questioning by the social worker it was learned that food and housing were Margitte’s greatest problems. The Good People Fund has agreed to cover the costs of a taxi which will take her to the supermarket each week; a monthly food stipend and help with her housing costs.

It was the least we could do.

*A pseudonym

"I felt choked up and ready to cry from the emotional impact it had on me. With all my years of experience, I found that I really had no concept of what they actually go through."

These words were spoken by a long-time Israeli professional in the eldercare field after experiencing something called VDT or Virtual Dementia Tourâ„¢. VDTâ„¢ was developed by PK Beville, founder of Second Wind Dreams (www.secondwind.org), an organization dedicated to changing the perception of aging. People caring for those with dementia who go through the scientifically proven tour and training come away with important insights about how to provide better care. Only when you personally experience the overwhelming feeling of confusion and physical helplessness that comes with the tour can you understand the best ways to care for those struggling with dementia and growing old.

When PK called to tell us that there was someone in Israel who was interested in bringing VDT to that country we were excited and agreed to become involved. Having gone on the "tour" ourselves several years ago, we could attest to its power and how it could have a very positive effect on family and professionals caring for dementia patients. We were soon in touch with Zissie Gitel, formerly from St. Louis, and now living in Israel. It was Zissie’s own experiences caring for elderly parents as well as her work advocating on behalf of patients and caregivers that directed her to PK’s ground-breaking efforts.

We met Zissie on one of her trips to the States and were impressed with her understanding and compassion, as well as her desire to change the status quo for eldercare in Israel. She outlined her plans for In Their Shoes, her Israeli non-profit, and now has presented the tour to many hospitals, nursing homes and others involved in eldercare.

We are excited about our involvement in this fledgling organization and look forward to working with them as they grow and "change the perception of aging" in Israel. Our funds were used to purchase basic audio-visual equipment for their presentations as well as for work on their eventual English-language web site.

More than 20 years ago Katherine Freund, a young mother from Portland, Maine, learned first-hand the terrible consequences of elders who continue to drive despite failing health, poor eyesight and loss of quick reflexes. Her young son, was suddenly critically injured by an elderly driver.

What do we do when aging parents should no longer be driving? How do we take that last bit of independence from them? There is never a simple solution, but after her son’s long and difficult recovery it became Katherine’s quest – to allow elders to maintain their independence and dignity despite giving up their car and license. That quest became the Independent Transportation Network (ITN)), a national organization dedicated to finding solutions for transportation needs for seniors and others with vision problems. One of those solutions is the door-to-door, arm-to-arm program that offers transportation on demand, either at no cost or greatly reduced cost. Transportation is provided mostly by volunteers using private cars (instead of vans and buses), giving elderly riders more comfort and attention.

ITNAmerica has grown tremendously since we first met Katherine. Today there are sixteen ITN affiliates scattered across the country with more communities in various stages of program development. The Good People Fund has offered support to one of the newest affiliates in Central Connecticut which began offering rides only a few years ago. Our offer to match new funds was quickly met and today ITNCentralCT offers 24/7 service to the area’s many seniors and visually impaired residents. As one woman mentioned, "I think it’s like having my own chauffeur."

Indeed it is.

Hello, Naomi –

Kate

Casting For Recovery is dedicated to helping women with breast cancer recover, both physically and emotionally, through the unique benefits of fly-fishing…a sport which uses just those muscles most affected by breast cancer surgery. The physical benefits of a weekend retreat in a beautiful natural setting, surrounded not only by other women experiencing the very same turmoil, but also a group of volunteers committed in every way to making the event transformative, create a perfect therapeutic experience.

This year The Good People Fund once again offered a challenge grant (this time) to the Vermont/New Hampshire chapter to enable them to hold their annual fly-fishing retreat earlier this month. The chapter’s volunteers held a successful online auction, ran a small fundraiser and managed to attract several new private donors-all of which propelled them well beyond the $2500 match we offered.

We wish we could have been there!

Back in 1999, Jack Hairston was not in the best of health. Walking was difficult and required not only significant effort but also special equipment. Until the day he spotted a young man riding on his street with a bike that had no working brakes, life was pretty dreary. Noticing that the only way the youngster could stop his bike was to put out his foot and hit the curb, Jack stopped the rider, retrieved some basic tools from his house and repaired the brakes with minimal effort. From that simple act of generosity developed a friendship, and from that came the program now known as Jack the Bikeman.

As word got out, more kids stopped by to get their bikes fixed and then friends and neighbors started dropping off used bikes for Jack to repair and give away. And, something else strange happened – Jack’s health began to improve as he became involved in the lives of his neighbors, largely poor, migrant families with few resources. In addition to fixing bikes, Jack became a confidante and mentor to many kids and in so doing prevented many from joining the "gang life" so common in the neighborhood.

When we visited Jack a few months ago we were quickly taken with his dedication and love for this project. What truly astounded us was the pile of bikes sitting in a nearby warehouse…all waiting to be repaired by volunteers so that they can be given away during the holiday season to many local kids who would otherwise not enjoy that special childhood pleasure.

While repairing bikes is an admirable activity, Jack the Bikeman is about so much more. Dedicated to the education, guidance and training of at-risk children of migrant workers and to their parents as well, Jack’s activities have grown. Today he is more like a one-man social service agency as he provides a free meal to local unemployed workers, disseminates critical health information and conducts HIV testing…and more.

The Good People Fund is happy to help Jack with this work and has just sent funds to purchase food for his free meals and for the purchase of the bike parts he needs to repair that mountain of bikes. If you happen to live in the West Palm Beach (FL) area stop by and offer your help. The bike workshop will be open regularly now that the holiday season is approaching and so many kids are waiting for that special bike.

Sgt. Adam Burke returned from Iraq with severe PTSD, TBI (traumatic brain injury) and a Purple Heart. Despite those very serious injuries he could never forget the promise he made during the earliest and darkest days of his recovery…if he returned home alive, he would help others and give back.

Recovery was slow and painful but when he recalled his youth growing up on a blueberry farm, Adam decided to return to farming and in time, began to heal from his trauma. If this work could help him, then why not others? Horticultural therapy is a well-respected complement to traditional medical therapies so could the physical labor performed outdoors surrounded by nature prove also to be therapeutic? Were there other skills involving cognitive therapy that could help? It seemed as if Adam had developed an effective and valuable way to help other vets returning with similar disabilities.

Today, Veteran Farm located in Jacksonville, Florida, has one operating blueberry farm with a second farm nearly complete. With Jacksonville home to multiple Armed Forces facilities there is no shortage of injured soldiers to avail themselves of this excellent resource, and with the national agricultural environment in desperate need of skilled workers and entrepreneurs, it seems as if Adam’s idea is a winner all around.

The Good People Fund was so impressed with Adam and his efforts that we underwrote the purchase of thousands of pots he will use to start the blueberry bushes for the second farm. Within the next few months we hope to visit Adam in Jacksonville (FL) and see the true "fruits of his labors".

For more details about Veteran Farm we recommend you view this YouTube interview with Adam…it’s worth the time.