Programs Archive - Page 9 of 13 - The Good People Fund

For Good PGH

Who wouldn’t love to have Kristen Maser and Gisele Fetterman as neighbors? Their belief that in every one of us there is kindness that can be directed to helping others makes life in Braddock, PA, so much better.

This once booming steel town is now home to fewer than 2,000 residents, most living well below the poverty line. Be they struggling single mothers, or people with addiction, or families living with hunger insecurity—the two believe that inclusivity and diversity can make a better world.

For Good PGH offers hope and compassion along with tangible support. That includes food as well as Freestore 10514, a collection of converted shipping containers that offers local residents a place to shop for donated clothing, housewares and more, all free of charge.

Our funds are directed to Covid-related needs and are used to help purchase food and provide mental health support.

MARVA

For elders at risk of abuse or neglect, and young adults with mental or abuse challenges, MARVA is an extraordinary resource. Dr. Michal Wosner and Dr. Mickey Schindler, MARVA’s main visionaries, use their expertise in both the law and social work to create a holistic operation that reduces suffering, preserves independence and restores dignity.

“So often, legal or social welfare or therapeutic approaches are not enough or sufficient on their own,” said Dr. Schindler. “Each can be effective in some way, but not in a whole way, and not give a complete sort of intervention and solution.” MARVA’s model does just that.

Our grant helps establish a new office in Northern Israel.

Heart 2 Hart Detroit

Every sandwich Larry Oleinick and his volunteers offer homeless and destitute people who call the area around Detroit’s Hart Plaza “home” comes with caring and friendly conversation. While the sandwich is important, “The greatest gift we offer those we assist is reassurance that they are not alone. With the 3 C’s—Conversation, Compassion and Consistency – we build relationships.” Many lives have been transformed by a connection that comes from the heart. Our funds are directed to administrative expenses and the purchase of basic necessities.

Witness to Mass Incarceration

Evie Litwok arrived in NYC penniless, homeless and jobless after time in Federal prison. She knows well that establishing a life after incarceration is challenging and frequently defeating, especially for women, LGBTQ+ individuals and others facing systemic and cultural disadvantages and the stigma of having been in in prison.

She used her experience as a social activist – culled from years in the women’s and gay rights movements – to establish Witness to Mass Incarceration to advocate for prison reform, and to help those just released from the penal system move more smoothly back into society.

WMI runs several projects helping those returning to open society as well as those who have been free for
some time and trying to rebuild their lives. The Suitcase Project provides a cellphone, laptop and gift cards to
purchase essential items. WMI’s latest program, The MAP, is a unique online directory of businesses owned by formerly incarcerated individuals.

Our funds underwrite administrative expenses and supermarket gift cards distributed to newly released individuals.

Kaima Nahalal

Merav Carmi is a sixth-generation farmer whose family has worked the land in Israel’s north since long before the establishment of the State. Her background in environmental studies, biodynamic agriculture and community building made the founding of this latest Kaima farm a natural evolution.

Kaima Nahalal is the only farm in the Kaima model focused only on helping young girls who have not succeeded in more traditional educational settings. An overwhelming number of them have experienced sexual trauma, as well. The girls run all aspects of the farm and in so doing develop new skills as well as a sense of responsibility, a connection to nature, a sense of initiative, and a foundation for future economic security. Our funds cover the cost a new vehicle for farm operations, and cover the cost of residential
program staff.

Food Project

It might seem to be all about food, but The Food Project (a program of UEmpower MD), housed in a former elementary school in the blight that is SW Baltimore, is so much more. Instead of the usual reading, writing and ‘rithmetic you expect to be taught there, Michelle Suazo and her small staff and volunteers with expertise in farming, behavioral therapy, public health and social work, focus on bringing hope and culinary skills to local youth who have little about which to be hopeful.

As the pandemic raged around them, programming became virtual and the organization quickly pivoted to provide food and other necessities to this poor neighborhood. The Project prepares and distributes
meals, giving participants on the job experience. They also run a weekly market and offers programs to help
young people cope with the increased emotional stress of the pandemic.

Our funds underwrite the purchase of food and administrative expenses.