There are many ways to help bring people together, to share their stories, to learn from their differences and to create communities of harmony. In cities around the country (and beyond), Inheritance Theater Project creates plays based on the community’s history, its residents and its inherited wisdom, in an effort to bridge divides and create a cohesive society. Co-founded by Jon Adam Ross, Inheritance Theater Project utilizes playmaking/theater to join together intersectional, inter-generational, and interfaith communities–things sorely needed in our divided world.
United States
Women Palante
The Spanish idiom “palante” can be translated as “go for it!”, an appropriate name for Yurani Sandoval’s organization, Women Palante which mentors and inspires Latina women as they pursue entrepreneurial ventures. The program includes not only critical financial expertise but also focuses on personal wellness, an often-ignored, but important tool leading to success.
Our matching grant is directed to administrative costs.
Bagel Rescue
Atlanta’s Erin Steiglitz began Bagel Rescue only a few years ago, but in that short time she and her dedicated crew of more than 100 volunteers have managed to rescue about 15,000 bagels weekly. With more than 36 bagel shops donating, dozens of social service agencies benefit from the daily drop-offs while at the same time, ending waste and supporting hunger relief.
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.
Shtetl
Most Americans take for granted their access to uncensored media. However, in Haredi (ultra-religious) communities in greater New York and beyond, news is curated and censored.
Naftuli Moster grew up in a Hassidic community in Brooklyn, NY and has created Shtetl, the first free press of its kind both for and about the Haredi community. Shtetl reports on news, politics, religion, culture and other topics that are relevant not only to the Haredi community, but also to those outside the community who can gain a greater understanding of the ultra-orthodox world.
