The fight against breast cancer is arduous, both physically and mentally. For many, there are also economic concerns, family responsibilities and more. While undergoing her own treatment, Shari Mendes witnessed many other patients who were obviously struggling with these additional challenges. To help them she began the Israel Lemonade Fund which offers one-time grants for (mostly) housing expenses to those who meet certain specific criteria.
Health and Well-being
Selah Brooklyn
For people who struggle with addiction a community of support is essential for recovery. In and around Brooklyn, New York, Selah offers community and support with a Jewish lens. Founder, Arielle Krule has years of experience as a therapist, a community organizer and now, a rabbinical student. Personal experiences guided her and two other addiction specialists to create Selah which offers several different types of programs.
Our matching funds are directed to administrative expenses to help Selah meet the growing demand for their 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.
BirdieLight
As a college freshman, Eunseo had already lost five friends to accidental opioid poisoning. At a BirdieLight presentation, he found many other students with similar stories. “What I appreciated most,” he says, “was the use of appropriate language (i.e., poisoning vs. overdose) … I believe that the resources they distribute will save lives.”
Fentanyl is a leading cause of death among adults between the ages of 18 and 45. Dr. Beth Weinstock’s 21-year-old son Eli died after ingesting an herbal supplement laced with fentanyl — which inspired her and her daughter Olivia to found BirdieLight. The organization has reached thousands of high school and college students across the US, using presentations and written materials to educate, and distributing lifesaving fentanyl test strips. Their approach, Beth says, “is to just have conversations with young people, nonjudgmental and honest conversations.”
Our funds are directed to administrative expenses.
Ruca’s Farm
Nir Lahav grew up on a kibbutz in Israel where farming and working the land always had great relevance — “a place where there is an encounter between body and mind, one that, I believe, can do ‘wonders.’” he says. He knew that there were certain populations that could benefit from such an experience. After speaking with a friend doing research on PTSD, he realized that many IDF soldiers who have returned from service with this diagnosis — an estimated 58,000 — could be helped by a therapeutic farm. He maintains “… the combination of agricultural work, group support and appropriate group therapy can help those coping with PTSD.”
And so, with the help of four friends, Ruca’s Farm has become a reality. Numerous fruit trees have been planted on the donated land, staff has been hired.
Our matching funds are used for land development.
My Child’s Cancer
A cancer diagnosis is devastating to anyone, but when it is your child, the grief and confusion can be overwhelming. For Oded Grinstein and his wife, then living in Israel, there was one overarching goal — to find the best possible medical care for their nine-month-old daughter. Their exhaustive research led them to a major cancer center in the U.S. where a doctor with many years of experience with this specific type of rare cancer successfully treated the child. The Grinstein’s journey inspired them to create My Child’s Cancer which provides access to research, advocacy and support to families who are embarking on this journey.
Our grant was directed to funding expert opinions on neuroblastoma cases.
