Good News Update

Gathering for Compassion, Healing, and Human Connection

Israel grantee Road to Recovery, founded by Yuval Rothand now led by Yael Noy, marked both the Jewish New Year and its 15th anniversary with a powerful gathering that reflected its enduring mission: fostering compassion, healing, and human connection across divides. Nearly 900 people came together to celebrate the organization’s remarkable network of volunteers, whose quiet dedication has touched thousands of lives. The event inspired 150 new sign-ups, demonstrating their growing reach.

Founded in memory of Yuval’s brother, who was killed in a terror attack, Road to Recovery’s mission is to build bridges of empathy and peace by transporting Palestinian patients to Israeli hospitals for life-saving medical care. These journeys are made possible through the generosity of thousands of Israeli volunteer drivers. Amid profound loss and grief following October 7th, the organization reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to carrying forward the legacy of volunteers who embodied love, courage, and hope.

Celebrating Sukkot—Sustainably

Good People Fund grantee Zumwalt Acres is an ecological farm in Illinois founded by sisters Gavi and Remy Welber, which provides sustenance, learning, and spiritual engagement for the Jewish community while modeling sustainable agriculture and climate stewardship. They recently hosted a joyful Sukkot gathering with more than 50 participants of all ages in a “mega sukkah,” featuring a weekend of farm-based programming and a Saturday night Sukkot Seder filled with ritual, a playful spiel, and fresh, homegrown food.

Collective Lavo B’tov Launches New Program

Collective Lavo B’tov, founded by Shoshi Margolin and Rachel Kolette Wheeler, launched a mentor training program. It was an engaging and learning-filled two days of in-person training in Tel Aviv that will be continued by Zoom. These newly-trained mentors join a growing community of mentors who are empowering and supporting people with disabilities to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.

GPF Visits Abrahamic House’s First Event of the Year

Last week Julie joined the first event of the year at Abrahamic House, founded by Mo (Mohammed) Al Samawi. The Abrahamic House, located in Washington, DC, is a residential fellowship program where young adults of different faith traditions live together and host programming that fosters interfaith dialogue, learning, and bridge-building. They have recently hired a new Executive Director and are hoping to expand their impact to additional cities!

Mo shared afterward:

“Thank you Julie. Having the support of The Good People Fund goes far beyond the financial, it is the way you and Naomi engage with us, show up in person, and share in the spirit of what we are building together. That kind of partnership is rare, and it’s exactly what I hope for Abrahamic House as we continue to grow.”

The Konnection Celebrates 4 Years and new Klosets!

We are proud of our grantee, The Konnection, founded by Sharnese Miller to help keep students in school by making sure they have the essential supplies they need. They are celebrating their 4th birthday and the opening of a brand new Konnection Kloset in a new school. In addition to our annual grant, GPF used funds from our Uplifting Lives Program to send an order of clothing to help replenish the Klosets as they kick off the school year!

Pictured above is the grand opening of the new Konnection Kloset. While this location will not house clothing daily, monthly clothing pop-ups (1–2 per month) will take place based on student need. Permanent items available here will include hygiene products, school supplies, underclothes, and more—resources students have said are most essential.

Sharnese shares more about the importance of Konnection Klosets:

“In Detroit, chronic absenteeism is one of the biggest barriers to student success. Often, the reason students miss school is tied to unmet basic needs—whether it’s hygiene items, clean underclothes, or school supplies. The Konnection Klosets were created to remove those barriers while also giving students a sense of dignity, love, and connection to their school community. Each Kloset is intentionally unique—its design, feel, and the resources it carries are shaped by the voices of the students themselves. By expanding, we are broadening the reach of this support and ensuring more youth have what they need to confidently show up, learn, and thrive.”

Thank You Video from 1in6 Support

Iris Mehler, co-founder (with Alma Schneider) of 1in6 Support shared a heartfelt thank you video with us acknowledging the many ways that GPF supported them during their very first year as an official nonprofit devoted to supporting the families of children with disabilities. Pictured above is a screenshot from Iris and Alma’s recent check-in with Naomi and Julie—Iris is holding up a mug she made at the (un)conference that she keeps on hand for inspiration!

Check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bE3vUyxuiU