Cerebral palsy has kept Avi Ben-Jano confined to a wheelchair for his entire life. Until about 8 eight years ago, Avi never experienced independent living; the freedom to choose what he might eat for dinner, the color of the walls in his room, the simplest choices we all take for granted. When Avi was fortunate enough to join the Shalhevet community in Jerusalem his entire life changed. Begun by Miriam Freier, Shalhevet advocates on behalf of adult disabled people, provides opportunities to travel and socialize and has built a beautiful complex of apartments where several reside in their own individual units.

We have met Avi several times in past years when we used to visit Shalhevet. We knew of his interest in film and had heard that with Shalhevet’s support, he had produced several short films which had been well received.

When we got a call recently asking if we night help Avi we were, of course, interested in hearing the story. Avi’s latest project is a documentary featuring the moving story of Meir who was paralyzed following an accident. The movie tells Meir’s story and how he and the love of his life, Lee, are raising a family. The film shows that while we may not control what happens in life, we do have the tools to cope with what life brings.

While the film, "Through Thick and Thin", is nearly completed, Avi’s most pressing need was for funds to produce a movie trailer for marketing purposes, as well as for submission to a prestigious disabilities conference here in America. Could the Good People Fund help with a modest stipend to make this possible?

We agreed and have just heard that the film has been accepted to the Southwest Conference on Disabilities which will take place this Fall.

Tzedakah invested well…

There are times when we are approached with a situation that almost defies belief. Such was the case when we recently spoke with Liz Gitlin, co-founder with her husband Bruce, of the New York Center for Law and Justice. The Center’s focus is on helping the city’s indigent deaf and hard of hearing population with legal matters.

Liz shared the story of William*, now 52 years old. At the age of three, William was a normal toddler enjoying a day at the park. An accident with a swing resulted in severe head trauma and loss of hearing. Incredibly,William was placed in Willowbrook, then a residential treatment center for children with mental deficiencies. Willowbrook later became infamous for its inhumane treatment of residents and after much public scandal the center closed in 1987. William spent eleven years in Willowbrook.

When Liz met William he had several legal issues that needed resolution, but most pressing was his back rent. William has been a faithful employee of a fast food restaurant for many years and earns $7.65 hourly. And yet, with that and his SSDI he is able to survive, though barely. When he got behind in his rent, eviction became a real possibility.

Now that the Good People Fund has taken care of that crisis, William and Liz are working together on budgeting issues as well as the Social Security case. We have also agreed to cover the cost of equipment he needs in order to be able to communicate with people via telephone.

Our tzedakah investment in William will make a profound difference in what is surely a difficult life.

* a pseudonym

Who would have imagined that there would be a market for datil peppers, one of the hottest varieties ever grown. We’ve just returned from a visit to Veterans Farm in Jacksonville, Florida where we saw thousands of pepper plants flourishing in the greenhouse purchased by the Good People Fund this past Spring.

Adam Burke, Veterans Farm founder, was everything we imagined–a leader who radiates warmth and compassion to those around him. Adam returned from Iraq with severe PTSD, TBI (traumatic brain injury) and a Purple Heart. Despite those very serious injuries he vowed to help others and give back, if he made it home alive. Recovery was slow and difficult but when he returned to farming, something he grew up with on his family’s blueberry farm, a new calm and sense of well-being came over him. If working the land was therapeutic for him, why not for others?

Today, Veterans Farm grows not only those hot chili peppers, but also blueberries and other fruits and veggies. Working the land with Adam are several fellows who receive a stipend for a six month fellowship. We met a few of these vets and came away understanding just how effective and meaningful working the land can be.

With the ever-increasing number of soldiers returning stateside with severe emotional disabilities, Adam’s model offers a program that can restore a sense of well-being and calm. From our own few hours on the farm we would have to agree.

Naomi & Steve-

Thought this might brighten your day…it did mine.

We could not be happier that the thousands of dollars worth of food that was delivered to the McRoberts community is getting exactly where it is needed.

I once again am at a loss for words on how to thank you for everything that you have done for our small community. I am always overwhelmed at the love and generosity that is shown by all of you…

We delivered and handed out to 34 families yesterday…The food that you purchased fills the belly-but the love you share feeds the soul. To me, that means so much more. As both of you know, there are a lot of people here without a lot of hope in their lives, they go day by day just trying to survive the best way they know how and then suddenly ANGELS appear…and they are reminded, good people do exist.

A small group of volunteers returned to the tiny town of McRoberts, Kentucky last week to continue our work in this rural community, deep in the Appalachian Mountains. In addition to painting and repair of a modest home belonging to an elderly couple with many serious health issues, we also made an unforgettable trip to the local supermarket where we filled many baskets with thousands of dollars worth of much-needed basic food items.

Despite the length of the journey to reach the region, we do not doubt that everyone who joined us came away touched not only by the warmth and appreciation of those we helped, but by the fact that they really did make a difference.

Dear Naomi,

PS FYI – This is the girl you also have helped with her speech therapy. In fact we are going on Thursday so the therapist will help prepare her for her reading of the Bat Mitzvah speech. Something she could never have dreamed of pulling off without the therapy – thanks to all of you at the Good People Fund!

The kids who live at Beit Hayeled in Israel have not had an easy life. Removed from their families by the courts, each has endured abuse and dysfunction from an early age. It is only when they experience the love and the firm compassion of Yitz Feigenbaum and Irit Zucker, the home’s founders, that they have a chance to blossom. The Good People Fund is always happy to help out when we can and knowing that this young girl will be able to deliver her Bat Mitzvah message with confidence because of the speech therapy we underwrote, makes it all worthwhile. Mazel Tov to all!