Podcasts

Asher Lovy grew up in the insular Haredi community of Borough Park, Brooklyn and was sexually, physically and mentally abused by his mother. The silence within his community — where discussion of such aggressions was neither acknowledged nor welcome — propelled Asher to make some noise as head of ZA’AKAH (Hebrew for “outcry”), advocating for survivors of child sexual abuse in the Orthodox Jewish community. GPF Co-Founder and Exec. Dir. Naomi Eisenberger speaks to Asher about his personal journey and ZA’AKAH’s impact.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, The Survivor Mitzvah Project has been operating in overdrive, navigating turmoil and destruction in Ukraine to maintain contact with Holocaust survivors, deliver them more critical aid, and in some cases provide them safe passage out of the country. Good People Fund Exec. Dir. Naomi Eisenberger speaks with The Survivor Mitzvah Project Founder Zane Buzby about the organization’s work and impact during this international humanitarian crisis, and how GPF support is helping.

At The Warehouse NJ, individuals and families emerging from homelessness and displacement are finding new beginnings with dignity. Here, they choose donated furnishings and home goods for their new apartments and living spaces, as they begin an upward trajectory in their lives. Kim Sleeman founded The Warehouse NJ — a Good People Fund grantee — because she saw the need and a community-based solution. She speaks about her journey and impact with GPF Co-Founder and Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger.

Elysa Rapoport gave birth to a stillborn daughter in 2016, and soon discovered a lack of emotional and practical support systems in Israel for those facing pregnancy and infant loss. So she determined to make change and co-founded Candles of Hope, a GPF grantee. Her organization is building and providing resources and channels of support, and is shining a light on what for many is an uncomfortable topic. GPF Exec. Dir. Naomi Eisenberger talks to Elysa about her journey and impact.

On her family’s land in Israel’s Hefar Valley, Rani Erez was part of multi-generational effort to establish Kaima Beerotayim — a non-profit educational farm that is empowering youth on the cusp of dropping out of school or who are otherwise at risk. At the same time, the farm — a GPF grantee — is encouraging responsible food production and consumption. Rani, CEO and Co-Founder of Kaima Beerotayim, joins Naomi Eisenberger, Executive Director and Co-Founder of GPF, in conversation.

One quarter of pregnancies end in loss. For Reva Judas — whose son, Pesach, tragically died hours after birth — grief fueled a determination and vision to help individuals, couples and families facing the unimaginable. NechamaComfort, a GPF grantee organization, emerged to offer support groups, counseling, logistical guidance and more for those in the Jewish community — and beyond — facing pregnancy and infant loss. GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger speaks with Reva about her journey and impact.

In Western Pennsylvania outside of Pittsburgh, Gisele Fetterman and Kristen Michaels are bringing vision and commitment to uplift lives and communities. The founders of For Good PGH are creating a culture of care, compassion, inclusivity and empowerment to residents of once-thriving — but now under-resourced and struggling — Braddock and surrounding areas. GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger speaks with these two dynamic and impactful woman.

A healthy snack business? A clothing line? A pop-up restaurant? For street-connected youth in inner city Baltimore, social enterprise projects — and community service jobs — break the cycle of poverty, develop skills for positive futures, and transform a community. Driving this impact is The Food Project of UEmpower of Maryland, a Good People Fund grantee. Michelle Suazo, Co-Founder of UEmpower of Maryland and Executive Director of The Food Project, describes it all to Naomi Eisenberger, GPF Executive Director.

There are an estimated 30,000 asylum seekers in Israel today … men, women and children, mostly from Africa, who’ve risked their lives to escape adverse conditions and now await legal status in Israel or elsewhere — anywhere that will welcome them. But for now, they live in substandard conditions, invisible to many Israelis while the government threatens deportation. Rabbi Levi Lauer, Founding Executive Director of Atzum, and Julie Fisher, Founder and Director of the Consortium for Israel and the Asylum Seekers, speak with GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger about the plight of this population and what they are doing to change the reality.

For youth at risk – specifically teens and young adults with past or current contact with the child welfare or juvenile justice systems – having a mentor can be a tipping point toward positive self-worth and a promising future. That’s what Connections Mentor – a Good People Fund grantee – makes possible in NYC and Westchester County to the north, pairing volunteer mentors with youth needing positive role models. Connections Mentor Founder Paul Muratore speaks with GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger about making a difference in lives and communities.