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The Good People Fund

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H-J

International Neighbors

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Their stories echo the stories of so many of our own family members who came to America with hopes for a better life. They come from Syria, Afghanistan, Bhutan and beyond, and comprise about 4% of the population in and around Charlottesville, VA. Many arrived with Special Immigrant Visas, having worked overseas on behalf of the US government. All are grateful to founder Kari Miller, who recognized the need for a better way to welcome these newcomers (more than 300 families to date) when she founded IN in 2015. “Great Neighbor Guides” are local residents who volunteer as advocates and friends and provide a critical connection to the community. In the words of one of Kari’s aspiring Americans, “IN really cares about us and gives us the respect that we deserve.”

Our funds underwrite a new staff position as well as provide for numerous Covid-related needs such as rental assistance.

Just Imagine

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Abby Sondak traces so much of her personal growth back to summers she spent at overnight camp: intrepidness, confidence, independence, and appreciation of a wider world. “I wouldn’t have traded those years for anything. I’m passionate about giving others that experience,” she says.

As an educator working with inner-city youth in DC, she’s well positioned to give it to those who arguably need it the most. Just Imagine, the organization she founded, provides summer camp scholarships to underprivileged children and teens, exposing them to dramatically new environments, challenges and trajectories.

But Just Imagine goes even further, treating camp as more than a one-off experience. Instead, it’s the start of a long-term relationship that includes life-skills and college-prep workshops, and even campus tours … all creating paths for successful journeys through life, for those starting from the back.

Our funds underwrite scholarships for summer camp, and some administrative expenses.