DONATE NOW

The Good People Fund

You are here: Home / Archives for Programs

Shutaf

by

“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.

Jeremy’s Circle

by

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.

Family-to-Family

by

Consider a 2021 Urban Institute finding that one in seven Americans lives below the threshold of poverty. Now envision the faces and struggles that populate that finding, one that may worsen as the pandemic continues.

That’s what Pam Koner did in 2002, when she learned about the scourge of poverty in one Illinois town and the trials of one particular family … and then began sending monthly boxes of food to ease the burden. That act of compassion grew into what is now Family-to-Family to link individuals and families with resources to those with less, and create social action mindedness along the way.

The organization’s family sponsorship program has swelled during the pandemic, underscoring the value of Pam’s relational approach to fighting poverty, and giving people power and ownership to combat it. “I have seen the best of us,” she says.

Our funds are directed to pandemic-related relief, and administrative expenses.

ATZUM – Justice Works

by

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.