Social Action TIKVAH Team
TIKVAH: "Touching Individuals with Kindness Vision and Hope"
(Please scroll down this page to see the kinds of projects we care about!)
TIKVAH: "Touching Individuals with Kindness Vision and Hope"
(Please scroll down this page to see the kinds of projects we care about!)
Greetings to everyone! I have taken on the mission of collating our social action activities and trying to provide a range of community support projects that we can participate in. If you have a favorite social action project that you would like to bring to our attention, please contact me, Ronny Kaplan at: ronnykaplan@snet.net
In this unforgettable year of 2020, so much has happened in our country and the world; health wise, politically, economically, and socially. As a result, our society has experienced so many unbelievable crises, and so many people are in such dire need, that we have decided to list many different avenues for our members to contribute to, and participate in, social action activities. As you can see below, there are ways to participate in getting out the vote, contributing to Food Banks, shopping for seniors, donating blood, combating racism, donating toiletries to those in need, and supporting Building One Community.
Please also be sure to reach out to us if you find you are in need of help during this time. We are here for you!
Ronny Kaplan - Social Action Team Chair
In this unforgettable year of 2020, so much has happened in our country and the world; health wise, politically, economically, and socially. As a result, our society has experienced so many unbelievable crises, and so many people are in such dire need, that we have decided to list many different avenues for our members to contribute to, and participate in, social action activities. As you can see below, there are ways to participate in getting out the vote, contributing to Food Banks, shopping for seniors, donating blood, combating racism, donating toiletries to those in need, and supporting Building One Community.
Please also be sure to reach out to us if you find you are in need of help during this time. We are here for you!
Ronny Kaplan - Social Action Team Chair
Shir Ami Social Action projects include:
Crisis in Ukraine
We are all horrified at what is happening in Ukraine to all the people, and particularly to the Jewish population, some of whom have gone through this type of horror before. Should you wish to send assistance to the Jews of Ukraine – here are some suggestions:
Jewish Federations of North America are helping people make Aliyah to Israel, and supporting temporary housing, satellite phones, assisting internally displaced people, and providing critical welfare services. To contribute to Jewish Federations, go to UJF of Greater Stamford or UJA of Greenwich. This agency has been helping in Ukraine for decades, formerly known as United Jewish Appeal. The donation you make is credited to your local federation, but the entire donation goes to the central UJFNA and is sent to Ukraine to their local affiliates (JDC, JAFI, etc.) who have organizations on the ground.
Joint Distribution Committee is on the ground in Ukraine delivering urgent lifesaving are to Jewish seniors and families: food packages, transport, accommodations for those fleeing, medicine, etc. Donate.JDC.org to contribute to JDC
Jewish Agency for Israel - North America - JAFINA is assisting Jews looking to make Aliyah, and supporting the local Jewish Ukrainian community. This agency is focused on helping Israel, but is on the ground in Ukraine, mainly assisting Jews who would like to go to Israel.
World Central Kitchen, uses the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. They are providing food to people in Ukraine and encouraging people to make donations directly to them. To donate, go to Donate.wck.org. Shir Ami has chosen WCK as our Passover Tikvah Project this year.
Stamford Interfaith Refugee Settlement (SIRS) is reaching out for donations to help its group of volunteers furnish an apartment for the next refugee family we welcome some time this year.
SIRS also continues to look for additional volunteers to help welcome and support the family as they work toward self-sufficiency to become productive members of our community.
Visit the SIRS website, sirsct.org, for more information and to contact them, sirsct.org/contact.
SIRS also continues to look for additional volunteers to help welcome and support the family as they work toward self-sufficiency to become productive members of our community.
Visit the SIRS website, sirsct.org, for more information and to contact them, sirsct.org/contact.
Interfaith Blood Drive
Saturday 6/18
8:00am to 1:30pm
First Presbyterian Church
1 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich
Once again, Shir Ami is participating with First Presbyterian Church and 3 other congregations in Greenwich, in the semi-annual Interfaith Blood Drive.
Every day, people receive blood for life-threatening illnesses, blood disorders, traumatic injuries, and other conditions. You can feel proud knowing that your gift of a blood donation is critical to these patients. And with the crushing regularity of mass shootings in the news, this is your chance to make a difference in honor of these innocent causalities of gun violence.
Please consider donating by clicking here to register for an appointment and search by Sponsor Code FPCG, or zip code 06830. Or call 1-800-GIVE-BLOOD. If you need assistance, please contact Barbara Salop at bdsalop@gmail.com.
Saturday 6/18
8:00am to 1:30pm
First Presbyterian Church
1 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich
Once again, Shir Ami is participating with First Presbyterian Church and 3 other congregations in Greenwich, in the semi-annual Interfaith Blood Drive.
Every day, people receive blood for life-threatening illnesses, blood disorders, traumatic injuries, and other conditions. You can feel proud knowing that your gift of a blood donation is critical to these patients. And with the crushing regularity of mass shootings in the news, this is your chance to make a difference in honor of these innocent causalities of gun violence.
Please consider donating by clicking here to register for an appointment and search by Sponsor Code FPCG, or zip code 06830. Or call 1-800-GIVE-BLOOD. If you need assistance, please contact Barbara Salop at bdsalop@gmail.com.
Watch this inspiring video about the Neighbor to Neighbor Food Bank and the incredible work they have been doing in Greenwich to get food to those in need during COVID.
view video
view video
B1C has multiple programs that help immigrants as they find their way in this country and in our state. This organization can benefit from money and from volunteer time. Several of our members are currently tutoring and finding it very rewarding!
Our in person project with B1C was sidelined due to COVID but we encourage people to learn more about this organization and ways you can help them. https://building1community.org/
To contribute online: https://building1community.org/donate/
For Covid specific donations : https://building1community.org/covid-19-response-fund/
Our in person project with B1C was sidelined due to COVID but we encourage people to learn more about this organization and ways you can help them. https://building1community.org/
To contribute online: https://building1community.org/donate/
For Covid specific donations : https://building1community.org/covid-19-response-fund/
This project supplies toiletries to people in need, as these essential items are not covered by grants or found in food pantries.
Purchases of menstrual products can be made (tampons & Pads) for Dignity Grows on Amazon, and sent directly to the UJA-JCC Greenwich office at 1 Holly Hill Lane, Greenwich CT 06830. Donations of $18 for a month’s supplies can still be made directly to UJA-JCC Greenwich, as well.
UJA-JCC Greenwich is the first chapter in this national initiative, and has distributed 265 bags of products in 2020!
Please Donate at UJA JCC:
https://www.ujajcc.org/index.php?submenu=SupportDignityGrows&src=forms&ref=Donate%20to%20Dignity%20Grows
Shir Ami will commit to purchasing several $18 bags per quarter for the coming year. Email: Marjorieblack85@gmail.com
for more information.
Purchases of menstrual products can be made (tampons & Pads) for Dignity Grows on Amazon, and sent directly to the UJA-JCC Greenwich office at 1 Holly Hill Lane, Greenwich CT 06830. Donations of $18 for a month’s supplies can still be made directly to UJA-JCC Greenwich, as well.
UJA-JCC Greenwich is the first chapter in this national initiative, and has distributed 265 bags of products in 2020!
Please Donate at UJA JCC:
https://www.ujajcc.org/index.php?submenu=SupportDignityGrows&src=forms&ref=Donate%20to%20Dignity%20Grows
Shir Ami will commit to purchasing several $18 bags per quarter for the coming year. Email: Marjorieblack85@gmail.com
for more information.
Shopping for Seniors at the UJA-JCC in Greenwich is one of the projects that our Member Barbara Salop is passionate about because this service makes a huge difference in the ability for their clients to continue to live independently. More information is available on our Social Action page and on their website.
https://jfsgreenwich.org/supermarketing-for-seniors/
JFS Weekly Farmer's Market - Thank You, Mike's Organics!
As a JFS Board Member, Barbara Salop (and Shir Ami Member) is also proud of the JFS Farmer's Market Stand, Powered by Mike's Organics which gives fruits and vegetables free of charge to community members in need. Sourced by a generous donation by Mike's, JFS-Greenwich feeds the bodies and souls of our deserving and underserved communities.
Please click here for a YouTube video to learn more.
As a JFS Board Member, Barbara Salop (and Shir Ami Member) is also proud of the JFS Farmer's Market Stand, Powered by Mike's Organics which gives fruits and vegetables free of charge to community members in need. Sourced by a generous donation by Mike's, JFS-Greenwich feeds the bodies and souls of our deserving and underserved communities.
Please click here for a YouTube video to learn more.
The Food Bank is one of this area’s primary hunger-relief organizations. They provide food to any qualified non-profit agency in a six town area of Fairfield County (Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford and Wilton) that serves low income people through congregate meals or bags of groceries. These agencies include soup kitchens, homeless shelters, food pantries, child day care centers, after school programs, senior centers and rehabilitation programs. For more information and volunteer opportunities, please go to their website https://www.foodbanklfc.org/.
Our mission: Domus builds loving relationships with young people facing adversity, empowering them to pursue their path to self-sufficiency. Our vision is that no child shall be denied hope, love, or a fair chance in life.
Embedded in our mission is a commitment to achieving racial equity, utilizing a positive youth development approach, being trauma-responsive in our relationships, and showing our youth unconditional love.
(203)-324-4277 info@domuskids.org
Embedded in our mission is a commitment to achieving racial equity, utilizing a positive youth development approach, being trauma-responsive in our relationships, and showing our youth unconditional love.
(203)-324-4277 info@domuskids.org
Freedberg Family Kosher Food Pantry serves the Stamford, New Canaan, Darien, Westport, Weston, Wilton, Norwalk and Bridgeport communities. It providers Kosher food and personal care items, including assistance for pharmacy and transportation, to members of our community experiencing financial difficulties and are unable to afford food and household items for their families. The pantry will deliver meals to the home-bound. If you would like more information about the Freedberg Family Kosher Food Pantry, please contact Rebekah Kanefsky, LPC at 203-921-4161 or rkanefsky@ctjfs.org.
Abilis is a local organization that supports individuals with special needs from birth to death. Some of our members work there and some receive services there. For the past decade we have done a December Holiday Gift drive to provide presents for individuals in group homes that don't have family members to buy them gifts. They have appreciated our gifts very much.
To learn more about Abilis and additional ways you can help this community contact susannisin@gmail.com
THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN OUR HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE!
To learn more about Abilis and additional ways you can help this community contact susannisin@gmail.com
THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN OUR HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE!
Combating Racism
Here's a of list 75 Things White People Can Do to Combat Racism:
https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234
Here's a of list 75 Things White People Can Do to Combat Racism:
https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234
Please click here to read an article on Combating Climate Change by Cantor Abramson.