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The Good People Fund

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Unchained at Last

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Good People Fund Unchained at Last

A current study showed that nearly 300,000 children, some as young as 10 years old, were married in the U.S. between 2000-2018. It seems unlikely, but, indeed, it is true. The study is a product of several leading organizations including Unchained at Last, founded by Fraidy Reiss, who has been leading the effort to make child marriage in this country illegal. To date, her advocacy has helped change the law in five states, with growing support for similar change in other states.

Fraidy, herself a survivor of an arranged marriage, has dedicated her life to helping those who find themselves victims of child or forced marriage by providing legal and social services to these individuals — mostly women and girls. It is truly lifesaving work. Our funds underwrite the organization’s modest staffing needs.

 

 

 

Uplifting Lives, One At a Time

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Gideonsoup

Perhaps the most profound lesson we learn each day is that people’s lives can disintegrate precipitously, with little warning and, all too often, with little hope for change. Those with the fewest resources are at greatest risk.

Sometimes we learn about these situations from the very organizations we support; other sources are social workers or doctors with whom we have developed a close relationship and who know that when no other resources are available we can be “a place to turn where all else fails.” Sometimes this means saving a life⎯literally.

In addition to “keeping the lights on,” we also provide emergency funds for food, medical needs, summer camp and rent. Sometimes, by joining forces with other resources, we are able to mitigate even more serious needs, such as purchasing a car for an otherwise self-sufficient victim of domestic violence, or paying tuition for young men and women who have chosen to leave their insular, ultra-religious community, losing both family and friends in the process.

In each case, we know our funds have made a significant difference in helping to restore dignity and hope to people who far too often have so little.

Forgotten People Fund

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A glance at the smiling faces of Ethiopian university students with their first-ever computers is apt reward for the hard work of Anne and David Silverman and Wendy and Jeff Starrfield. With access to technology future success becomes more attainable.

Twenty-three years ago, when the Silvermans and Aida and Yosef (z’l) Miller began their work in Netanya, the largest Ethiopian community in Israel, The Forgotten People Fund provided basic needs to those struggling with social and economic hardships. Today, it’s clear that education is a critical key to breaking the cycle of poverty, so this all-volunteer organization provides laptops and tuition stipends, in addition to emotional support, to qualified students.

During the pandemic, FPF supplied medicine and food to 1,500 families — and, of course, laptops to at least 78 students whose classes had gone virtual.

Our funds are directed to monthly stipends and computers for students, as well as other emergency needs.

 

 

Jeremy’s Circle

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Good People Fund Jeremys Circle

As Jeremy Coleman was nearing his final days, his first-grader asked for a playdate with a child whose father also had cancer. Jeremy and his wife Pamela Becker understood the importance of that shared connection but found no formal resources to make it possible. After finding a family in a similar situation they arranged their first playdate — and today Jeremy’s Circle serves hundreds of families touched by cancer. Jeremy’s legacy is a supportive community promoting friendship and fun, and benefiting children and parents alike.

With “Fun Days” cancelled during the pandemic, activities — including a trivia contest and an interactive magic show — were held online, and the group continues to grow.

Our grant helps cover the cost of a social media consultant.

 

ATZUM – Justice Works

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Good People Fund ATZUM

Rabbi Levi Lauer is a man driven by the idea that a “life best lived is making other people’s lives better.” Guided by this mandate deeply embedded in our Jewish tradition, Rabbi Lauer has spent most of his life inspiring others to join him on this mission. In 2002, he founded ATZUM to help three specific groups: victims of human trafficking, survivors of terror attacks and those recognized by the State of Israel as Righteous Among the Nations (non-Jews who helped Jews escape Nazi persecution). In more recent years, the organization spearheaded legislation to make prostitution illegal. ATZUM is now deeply involved in helping the 30,000 refugees and asylum seekers currently living in Israel — including 900 single mothers who need access to basic necessities for themselves and their children.

Our funds provide for the needs of the remaining Righteous Among the Nations, including personal welfare visits.

 

 

 

Shutaf

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Good People Fund Shutaf

“Our kids couldn’t just join activities at the local community center, so what were they supposed to do after school and during vacations?” Beth Steinberg and Miriam Avraham — mothers of children with developmental challenges — asked that very question as they identified a glaring societal void and then moved to fill it.

Shutaf, the Jerusalem-based organization they created, practices an inclusionary model of informal programming mixing kids, teens and young adults across the spectrum of developmental abilities. Beginning with a summer camp attracting 10 participants in 2007, Shutaf now offers year-round programming serving more than 300.

In the process, Shutaf (Hebrew for “partner”), is elevating inclusionary programming in Israel and beyond. The organization recently released a best practices guide for formal and informal educators who, Beth says, “share our mission to make the world a more inclusive place for people of all abilities.”

Our funds support staffing and a summer music program.