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The Good People Fund

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Konnection

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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.

Collective Lavo B’tov

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Often, people with disabilities lack social contacts and meaningful support.  Shoshi Margolin and Rachel Kolette Wheeler, originally mentee and mentor, have come together to found Collective Lavo B’tov, a colloquialism that refers to having a good attitude. Collective Lavo B’tov is one project within a larger effort that empowers those with disabilities who are often isolated and provides them with community and support. As Israel navigates the trauma of October 7 and an ongoing war, Lavo B’tov’s programming removes the isolation and provides a community of caring and compassion for disabled people.

Our funds are directed to start-up costs for this new venture.

Elevate to Even Plus

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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

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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.

 

Waves of Hope

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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.

Birthday Angels

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“The first word that comes to mind when I think of GPF is integrity.”

Being part of the GPF family was like a shield for me, giving me the confidence of knowing I was doing the right thing and was on the right track.

With the help of GPF, I was able to overcome the struggles and challenges that come with running a small operation, and successfully pulled off 60,000 birthday parties for needy children over 10-plus years! This is a truly awe-inspiring accomplishment and a testament to the transformative impact of GPF’s professional and emotional support, presence and partnership.

What an honor it is to always be part of GPF’s special family of good people, all driven by their dreams and powered by their talents and the belief that they can make the world a little better with a little help from their (good people) friends.

 — Ruthie Sobel Luttenberg, Founder, Birthday Angels