George Floyd’s brutal murder in 2020 shocked our country and inspired a renewed determination to promote greater equality throughout our society. For Andrew Walker it was a wake-up call that reminded him that it was the time to “not only talk the talk, but also to walk the walk.” He created Elevate+ to break this cycle of inequality for underserved students, offering them paid internships and mentoring with both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, and an opportunity for hands-on learning, making connections and setting a path for a future career. Andrew says, “These young adults are smart and motivated, only needing a chance to gain experience and confidence. Our role is to open the door to opportunities they would not get otherwise.” Participating nonprofits and businesses, meanwhile, get access to smart, motivated talent at little to no cost to them.
United States
Rekindle
Charmaine Rice, a Black woman trained in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices, and Matt Fieldman, a White Jewish social entrepreneur and nonprofit professional, created Rekindle to bridge the ever-widening gap growing between two communities that at one time worked side-by-side to effect social justice and equity. Rekindle engages young leaders from both communities in frank and intense conversations and shared social action efforts to build greater understanding and mutual respect. First started in Cleveland, Rekindle has expanded to other communities throughout the country.
Our matching grant which was partially met by donations from participants themselves, is directed to general operations.
STREETSCAPE
Jen Livovich has a deep personal connection to homelessness. An abusive marriage and alcoholism left her with very little until she found herself homeless on the streets of Boulder, Colorado, a city better known for its affluence and high cost of living. Homeless shelters and sleeping on the streets became the norm, with countless unsuccessful efforts to break out of this endless cycle. It was only after getting frostbite on her left foot, that a Court Navigator successfully connected Jen to a sober-supported transitional housing program, where she received treatment and enrolled at Colorado State University.
When Jen returned to Boulder, her first initiative was “Save-a-Toe,” supplying warm socks to homeless people. Her new organization, with the help of other formerly homeless individuals, is dedicated to effective solutions to end homelessness in Boulder.
Our funds purchased necessary items like sleeping bags, backpacks and household items for individuals transitioning to housing.
Civic Spirit
As the political climate in America took a sharp turn in 2016, Rabbi Robert Hirt, Virginia Bayar and Dr. Tamara Tweel brought a group of concerned citizens together to try to address this alarming development. The result – Civic Spirit – an organization dedicated to teaching civic responsibility and precepts in faith-based schools across the country. Civic Spirit is now led by Rabbi Charlie Savenor who has long worked in education and leadership development programs.
Our grant was directed to the expansion of the student leadership program.
Kavod v’Nichum
Our society has become more sensitive to the importance and deeply meaningful aspects of life cycle events, even death. Founded 23 years ago by David Zinner, and now led by Sarit Wishnevski, Kavod v’Nichum helps communities learn how to approach all aspects of end-of-life – serious illness, dying, death, bereavement and mourning – with compassion and meaning.
Our matching funds are directed to the organization’s training programs.
Zumwalt Acres
Located in Sheldon, Illinois, the Zumwalt Acres farm has been in the Zumwalt family for over 150 years. Today, a new generation of farmers, led by Gavi and Remi Welbel, recent college graduates who have studied advanced conservation methods, are using environmental farming practices such as agroforestry, cultivating mushrooms, and implementing sustainable soil management practices to build a better food system and tackle climate change. With visions of a hopeful future, their apprenticeship program brings together inspiring and enthusiastic young people ages 18-27, to farm the land, conduct research, establish best practices and more, all within a Jewish framework.
Our matching funds are directed to stipends for participants in the program.
