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You are here: Home / Archives for Good News Update

Good News Update

Swiping out Hunger

https://vimeo.com/214125341

Did you know that 1 in 7 college students worry about where their next meal may come from? In California, that number is even more dire–1 in 3 struggle with hunger insecurity daily. Pretty sobering facts when you assume that people who can go to college could surely afford proper nutrition.

In 2009, Rachel Sumekh and her friends, all students at UCLA, used their meal cards to purchase sandwiches which they distributed to hungry people along the city’s streets. Eventually, the number of meals purchased with meal points reached 15,000. With so much unused funding left on students’ cards, Rachel and her friends uncovered an enormous resource that could be used to feed hungry people throughout the community and on campus. Swipe Out Hunger is the organization that Rachel now leads, dedicated to empowering students on campuses across the country to end hunger and homelessness.

We were introduced to Rachel a few months ago and learned quite quickly how this inspiring young woman has already brought the program to more than 26 campuses across the country (with more coming on board), as well as having successfully lobbied the California legislature to address the issue of hunger on campus through student meal sharing practices.

Our matching grant helped make possible a record-breaking $76,000 infusion for Swipe Out Hunger so that students like Emily, the focus of this video, will never experience hunger again.

Filed Under: Good News Update

Not Just for Barbecues…

Much as it is here, Independence Day in Israel is all about barbecues, family outings and the beginning of summer.

For the past few years, Avraham Hayon and our friends at S.A.H.I., an organization which focuses on helping troubled youth through a program that teaches compassion and giving, mark Israel’s independence in a poignant way that reminds everyone of the true meaning of the celebration. While barbecues and beaches are fun, S.A.H.I. participants visit thousands of elders, handing out flowers and hugs and thanking them for their role in building the country. This year, even more groups are involved as “the public is urged to add, each in his or her own way, new meaning to the day.”

It is difficult to watch this film and not get a little teary. It reminds us of the kaleidoscope of different cultures that make up Israel, and also how much strength is gained when everyone comes together.

Yom Huledet Sameach, Israel!

Filed Under: Good News Update

Personal Reflections on the Day of Remembrance

In Israel today, Yom HaZichoron, the country mourns the thousands of lives lost through war and terror attacks. In a place so small, there is no one untouched by these losses. To our friend and grantee, Anita Shkedi, co-founder of the Israel National Therapeutic Riding Association, today is a day of personal pain. Please take a moment to read how one person’s loss has turned into hope for others damaged by war.

Dear Friends,

Today, Yom Hazikaron, is a day of reflection here in Israel as we remember those who have lost their lives in defense of the country. For my family and friends, Yom Hazikaron holds special meaning as we remember my son, Jonathan, who joined the Israeli Army and served his country with pride and enthusiasm. Jonathan died from traumatic brain injuries after being mortally wounded on a rescue mission in the Lebanon. He was a fighter and a very brave soldier. I gave the State of Israel my most precious possession and was left with a choice; either to remain paralyzed at home, or go back to work and cope with this loss by dedicating the rest of my life to his memory. I consider one of INTRA’s most important projects – the mental health and well-being of those who return from war — to be my life’s work, and it is my response to the devastation of Jonathan’s death. It was the best way I knew to help soldiers who return home damaged by the horrors of war. 

Since the Yom Kippur War many thousands of soldiers have arrived home from campaigns with severe injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD is a severe mental health problem that causes intense anxiety, fear, helplessness, and often horror.) Sadly, since the second Intifada  and Operation Protective Edge in 2014 the numbers of soldiers with PTSD symptoms have escalated to tragic proportions. Veteran soldiers suffering from PTSD constantly re-experience the traumatic event, causing them to avoid activities of normal life. PTSD leaves many with a feeling they will always have a gun at their head. Unable to find peace and happiness, they become depressed, have difficulties falling asleep, and when they do sleep they frequently awaken after nightmares and anxiety dreams. The daily news, loud sounds and specific odors remind veterans of combat, and for some, safety is hiding under the bed covers or going no further than the end of the street. They lose contact with their families and friends, are unable to work or study and their quality of life regresses to emotional numbness and mental pain.

Many of these vulnerable veterans come to INTRA wanting to participate in the equine therapy program but we must turn them away as we can only offer places in the program when we have sufficient funding. Currently, only eight veterans benefit from our equine therapy.

 The soldiers of the IDF protect the Land of Israel and, by extension, Jews around the world.  They put their young lives on the line, and many come home damaged by the traumatic experiences they endure. Our responsibility is to make them whole again, but we can only do that with your help. Can you help us rebuild these lives so that fear and pain are no longer part of their daily life?  It costs $2500 to provide one soldier with a year of equine therapy and a chance to live again. 

Thank you,

 Anita

 Dr. Anita Shkedi, Director,  INTRA- Israel National Therapeutic Riding Association

 

 

 

Filed Under: Good News Update

For Want of a Refrigerator

We recently checked in with Joe Labriola, executive director of Second Helpings Atlanta (SHA), one of our Georgia-based grantees making a significant impact on hunger in Atlanta and its suburbs. In the past few years, SHA’s growth has been enormous, as they attract more food donations–from local corporate cafeterias, supermarkets and beyond–and utilize dedicated volunteers, who deliver those leftovers to nearby pantries and soup kitchens, where healthy food is distributed to hungry Atlantans.

In the course of our conversation, Joe mentioned the many food deserts that exist within greater Atlanta. Yes, even today there are places where fresh food is just not in abundant supply. Joe’s comments made me wonder what modest investment could be made so that one of these small local pantries could better avail themselves of SHA’s bounty. After some investigation, Joe shared that a tiny food pantry in nearby DeKalb county could not afford proper refrigeration, which would allow them to accept more fresh food items. With our modest investment of $3,200, Sarah’s Closet, a pantry that struggles to provide for its hungry neighbors, is now the proud owner of this beautiful commercial refrigerator–soon to be filled with lots of dairy products, veggies, and meat.

A tzedakah investment with a significant pay-off–well worth making!

Filed Under: Good News Update

Three Days Is Not Enough!

                

Did you know that in Israel the Pesach school break lasts about three weeks? Can you imagine having kids underfoot for all of that time—especially with the cooking and cleaning that goes with the holiday celebration?

Check out these pictures taken earlier this week at the inclusive Pesach Camp run by Shutaf, our Israeli grantee that offers kids with disabilities and without, the joy of camp and after-school activities.  It was The Good People Fund’s honor to underwrite the cost of camp for teens in the Etgarim program. Climbing trees, swinging from ropes and experiencing the fun and excitement every one associates with camping—what could be better? It was no wonder that one participant exclaimed, “Why can’t we stay all week?!? Three days is not enough!”

Filed Under: Good News Update

Food as a Tool For Changing Lives

This picture was taken some time ago after The Good People Fund helped outfit a kitchen in the Kalwa slum in Mumbai. Working with Gabriel Project Mumbai and its passionate founder, Jacob Sztokman, the new equipment has made it possible for 16 women to prepare hot lunches for 500 kids (keeping them well fed and in school), as well as earn their own money–something they have never done before.

In an update that was received today, we learned that some of the women have used this experience as a springboard to further entrepreneurial ventures, thus helping their families, their communities and most of all, themselves. Empowering women can “change the world through food and love” and how proud we are to be part of it all.

Filed Under: Good News Update

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Tzedakah Diaries

The Good People Fund is all about stories that share the goodness within each of us and the way that goodness can change the world, bit by bit. Read on and find out why we love our work, helping extraordinary people. . . .

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    August 11, 2025 12:11 pm

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ROSH HASHANAH BEGINS SEPTEMBER 22ND!

Good People Fund Rosh Hashanah e-Card 2024

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!

No Calories, Just Good - Good People Fund Purim 2024 e-card image

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

It’s Here!
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.


Empower More Good

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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

Good People Fund Rosh Hashanah e-Card 2024

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!

No Calories, Just Good - Good People Fund Purim 2024 e-card image

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.

Our Spring Sale Has Started

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It’s Here!
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.


Journal of Good 2022 cover

Empower More Good

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!

Register now!

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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