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The Good People Fund

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Food Project

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It might seem to be all about food, but The Food Project (a program of UEmpower MD), housed in a former elementary school in the blight that is SW Baltimore, is so much more. Instead of the usual reading, writing and ‘rithmetic you expect to be taught there, Michelle Suazo and her small staff and volunteers with expertise in farming, behavioral therapy, public health and social work, focus on bringing hope and culinary skills to local youth who have little about which to be hopeful.

As the pandemic raged around them, programming became virtual and the organization quickly pivoted to provide food and other necessities to this poor neighborhood. The Project prepares and distributes
meals, giving participants on the job experience. They also run a weekly market and offers programs to help
young people cope with the increased emotional stress of the pandemic.

Our funds underwrite the purchase of food and administrative expenses.

Road to Recovery

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Road to Recovery’s volunteers provide transportation for people from West Bank and Gaza checkpoints to Israeli hospitals for critical care. Each ride fosters friendship between people for whom peaceful coexistence has been consistently unattainable — the positive outcome founder Yuval Roth was hoping for after losing his brother in a terrorist attack.

Despite Covid restrictions, volunteers made 9,650 trips for 15,000 patients. 2020 also saw the opening of RtoR’s new transportation logistics center and a partnership with Pesia’s Kitchen (another GPF grantee), to provide infant formula and non-perishables to patients who live where food is scarce. Our funds are used to purchase medical supplies and fuel.

Magen

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Of the more than 150,000 Ethiopians currently residing in Israel, more than 50% live below the poverty line.  Included in these numbers are thousands of teens who arrived as babies or young children and hold no memories of their place of birth.

Dr. Stu Chesner, a clinical psychologist who has had far-reaching impact on the treatment of at-risk children in Israel, worked in the “system” for many years and became familiar with the struggles of these at-risk teens. He founded Magen to guide these teens as they mature and become productive adults by providing a holistic approach to academic, emotional and social intelligence.  Included in this approach are activities to help them understand their heritage and culture.

Our funds are used for administrative expenses.

jGirls+ Magazine

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At jGirls+ Magazine, young Jewish girls are saying a lot lately.  From travel to art, from racism to sexuality to Jewish identity, they are sharing perspectives and experiences through stories, poetry, music, images and other forms of expression – and giving voice to an emerging generation of Jewish women and leaders.

Elizabeth Mandel started JGirls+ in 2016. Having worked in social justice efforts and media, and knowing how to create dialogue about disenfranchised populations and challenging issues, she set out to make a safe and curated space where Jewish girls could express themselves, gain confidence and build community. “It’s critical that girls trust their voices and trust that they will be heard,” she said. “With jGirls+, we are telling them that they matter and others believe them.”

Our grant helps jGirls+ Magazine expand its readership.

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.

Music Mends Minds

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More than six million Americans live with Alzheimer’s. Until recently Irwin Rosenstein ( z’l) was one of them. More than a statistic, he was Carol’s beloved husband and inspiration. Seven years ago, when she saw the positive effect playing the piano had on him, she brought together the 5th Dementia Band, and the rest is history. A neurodegenerative diagnosis results in depression, anxiety and feelings of isolation for both the patient and their loved ones. Based on scientific research, MMM’s innovative therapy and musical support groups — as well as 20 bands across the US and overseas — improve quality of life for all.

During the pandemic MMM pivoted to online Zoom sessions, vastly increasing the number of participants. “What the world needs now is music. Music is medicine for the mind,” says Carol. “We can bring such happiness and hope in this moment of relative despair.”

Our funds help underwrite the cost of a music therapist.