Last month we shared the story of Eli* and Isaac*, one of the "pairs" arranged by Big Brothers, Big Sisters Israel. Isaac is a young Ethiopian boy being raised by a single Mom. Despite many learning difficulties he is smart, positive and charismatic. When tested, it was apparent that dyslexia was causing his school difficulties. With Eli’s (his big brother) support and regular tutoring everyone hoped that Isaac would overcome the disability and succeed in school.

When the Good People Fund committed to funding a tutor we too hoped that changes would come. We never expected the great news we received this morning when Eli wrote to give us an update…

I’m glad to inform you that Isaac started the year with great progress, and his school is starting a process of fully integrating him in a regular class. I can tell you, that just two years ago in his previous school his teacher told me she doesn’t believe this will ever happen, but apparently, the teachers he has now believe a regular class is the place for him to be. I understand that a few of his teachers actually wondered what exactly is he doing in a "special needs class", and so it seems that the time has come for Isaac’s integration.

I have always believed Isaac should be in a regular class, but I have no doubt that your support had a lot to do with Isaac’s improvement and the school’s decision. Eli

Saving lives, one at a time…it’s what we do best.

*pseudonyms

There is nothing better than getting away from our desk and meeting one of our "good people" on their home turf. Our quick trip to Seattle was a chance to meet Jeannie Jaybush from Baby Corner. Despite working with her for years we had never actually met. We were not disappointed. Jeannie and her associate Liz could not have been more welcoming, and seeing the endless rows of baby supplies–clothing, diapers, toys, baby equipment and more confirmed for us what an amazing resource this tiny organization is for needy families in Seattle. While there, not only did Jeannie share story after story about the people they help, but a visit by one of the local public health nurses, coming to pick up some diapers and other baby equipment, confirmed what a valuable role Baby Corner plays in the community.

The shoes in this picture were part of more than 500 boxes of beautiful kids’ sneakers which Jeannie was able to retrieve from a local store that went out of business and were left by the side of the building. The landlord gave Jeannie a few hours to get them before they went into a dumpster.

Lots of very stylish little feet are sporting these high end sneakers today!

Gary Oppenheimer from AmpleHarvest.org just sent us a short newsletter which included a meaningful idea for next week’s Thanksgiving celebration. For those of you who will be hosting, why not forgo the traditional flowers for your table and, instead, make an attractive centerpiece of seasonal fruits and veggies which you can then bring to your local food pantry or soup kitchen after your feast is over.

Gary’s web site, http://www.ampleharvest.org/find-pantry.php, has a complete database of local pantries across the country. We are sure they would love to have your donation so that others who are less fortunate will benefit from the healthy food.

Nothing makes us happier than to finally finish writing our annual report and see it in its finished state. There is a spontaneous joy knowing that our particular tzedakah model not only works but also changes the lives of so many people as we go about our work. Thank you to everyone who helps make this all possible.

Start reading, be inspired and join us in this special tikkun olam work.

http://goodpeoplefund.org/assets/dyn/pdf/report-whole-single-pages.pdf

Lisa F. is a single Mom. She works hard at a good steady job and earns a bit below what is considered median income in this country. The fact that she lives in one of New York City’s five boroughs certainly explains, in part, why that income does not always cover her needs. She’s bright, independent and self-sustaining…and also profoundly deaf.

About a year ago the stable, well-ordered life Lisa had built started to unravel when she incurred extra expenses for childcare. Consumer credit cards, something she always managed carefully, took a hit and then she fell behind in her rent.

We learned about Lisa from Liz and Bruce Gitlin, founders of the New York Center for Law and Justice. Bruce, an attorney, and Liz, a social worker, began the Center in 2010 to help the New York indigent deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Working together with the Gitlins, it soon became apparent that there was no extra money to be found in Lisa’s already lean budget. Despite many legal maneuvers, this morning Lisa received what she had always feared…an eviction notice.

When Liz Gitlin called us at 3:30 this afternoon and shared this story we knew
we could help. A Good People Fund check for $1885 is on the way to New York and Lisa and her daughter will no longer live with the threat of eviction and homelessness. We hope our donors who make these kinds of things possible, realize just how important their tzedakah is and how many lives it really does save.

Postscript: Liz just called with the most amazing story about what happened when she told Lisa that the rent was being paid by an anonymous donor and that she would no longer need to worry about eviction. With the help of an interpreter, Lisa slowly explained the situation. Lisa’s face did not change–it was clear that the message was not getting through…was it the word "anonymous"? They tried again. Suddenly, the message did get through and this deaf woman’s eyes grew wide with understanding. Unable to utter words, only sounds came forth, but it was clear that these were sounds of joy. Liz then called Lisa’s daughter and explained what had happened, the interpreter signing the conversation for Lisa at the same time. When Lisa heard her daughter’s screams and laughter, she too broke into tears of happiness and relief…a mother now certain that she could keep her family safe and out of harm’s way.
It was a good day.

We awoke In the very early morning hours and recalled that this was the day that Gilad Shalit was to be released. We wondered if it would really happen and then this email from Phyllis Heimowitz who founded the Amuta (Non-Profit) for the Emotional Support of Fiancees and Girlfriends of Fallen Soldiers popped up on our screen. The organization provides emotional support to women (and occasional men) who have lost their loved one in an IDF-related incident. The emotional support comes in the form of weekly group therapy, as well as shared social engagements where the unique bonds that join each of these bereaved people are strengthened. Phyllis’ email provided not only a poignant back story to what was taking place in Israel today, but also emphasized the organization’s importance in repairing lives shattered by loss.

It is 5:45 AM. I am up since about 5 AM because my mind is full of thoughts. All of Israel is waking up today and … their first thoughts are of Gilad, who is being released today after more than 5 years in captivity…

The Amuta was crucial in helping these two young women piece together their broken lives and to go on. This is the aim of the Amuta.