Engaging in sports teaches kids so many life lessons. They learn about rules, discipline, boundaries, cooperation and more. Dr. Rutie Pilz-Burstein has dedicated a good part of her life to sports and research on its impact. Using those years of experience and study led her to begin Sport-Bridge to Education which operates in many youth villages and utilizes different sports activities to reach vulnerable youth who have lost their way.
Kids
Konnection
Sharnese Marshall grew up in a loving and supportive household where attending school each day, getting good grades and helping others was instilled in her DNA from the beginning. And yet, in Detroit she witnessed a very different dynamic where chronic absenteeism and the problems that come with it were all too obvious. Kids from broken homes, unstable living conditions and economic challenges just didn’t go to school. In fact, Detroit leads the country in chronic absenteeism.
In 2019 Sharnese founded The Konnection to help youth from underserved communities feel supported and seen. The program focuses on connections and relationships, keeping kids engaged and excited about school. A school-based clothes closet, field trips, personal mentoring along with education, unlock students’ potential and provides opportunities that ensure success in school and life.
Elevate to Even Plus
George Floyd’s brutal murder in 2020 shocked our country and inspired a renewed determination to promote greater equality throughout our society. For Andrew Walker it was a wake-up call that reminded him that it was the time to “not only talk the talk, but also to walk the walk.” He created Elevate to Even Plus to break this cycle of inequality for underserved students, offering them paid internships and mentoring with both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, and an opportunity for hands-on learning, making connections and setting a path for a future career. Andrew says, “These young adults are smart and motivated, only needing a chance to gain experience and confidence. Our role is to open the door to opportunities they would not get otherwise.” Participating nonprofits and businesses, meanwhile, get access to smart, motivated talent at little to no cost to them.
Waves of Hope
In his youth, Eliyahu Ben Zion was drawn to the power of the sea and became an Israeli surfing champion. At 19, he adopted a more religious lifestyle and eventually was encouraged to use his surfing talents for something new.
Throughout Israel’s religious communities there are disaffected youth who have left school and community. With no support system they often fall prey to anti-social behavior. It is for these youth, both young men and women, that Eliyahu created a unique therapeutic program. “It is amazing to see how with just one small push on the surfboard you can see a child succeed,” Eliyahu says. As he puts it, “The obstacles of the sea teach them to cope with the barriers and difficulties in their lives.”
“When I enter the water, I empty all of my thoughts,” says Dovid, one of the program’s graduates.
Our funds are used for a new class for girls.
English B’Yachad*(English Together)-Skilled Volunteers for Israel
For many years, Marla Gamoran provided a meaningful way for people to volunteer on-site for Israeli organizations. As COVID made that work impossible, English B’Yachad was born. English language volunteers, working from their homes in the States, tutor Israeli young adults from the Ethiopian and other disadvantaged communities, to improve economic opportunity. The outcomes are profound!
Our funds are used for their minimal administrative expenses.
Al-Baqour
Al-Baqour, appropriately translated as” first fruits” was started by Shlomit Somech-Lehmann, an Israeli social worker and activist, and Dr. Foad El Sana, a Bedouin pediatrician. Each, through their respective work, recognized that Bedouin children and their parents do not receive sufficient support through traditional Israeli government programs resulting in critical developmental delays. To address this serious deficiency, they began Al-Baqour which runs programs for parents and toddlers including small lending libraries in Family Health Centers where young children can access books and parents are taught the importance of reading to their children. In addition, Bedouin women are trained in techniques like story-telling, music and movement.
Our grant is directed to their music and movement program.
