By Selwyn Isakow and Lita Kleger
SAN DIEGO — The Kindness team is pursuing an ambitious mission – to alleviate poverty in the San Diego Jewish Community. Yes, ambitious, but achievable if taken one person, one household at a time through collaborations with local service providers, volunteers and supporters who believe the time is now to tackle this little acknowledged but pervasive situation in San Diego.
Based on a study completed in early 2020 about 20% of the 50,000 Jewish households in San Diego are touched by poverty – and the pandemic has likely increased this percentage even higher. Circumstances and challenges vary. A recently unemployed young family struggling to pay rent, buy diapers and put food on the table. A widow living alone, making the impossible choice of either paying for utilities or medicine. Or a traumatized Jewish war veteran, living on the streets without support or a way forward, to mention a few circumstances that exist in our community.
“Every day I get calls from people at their wits end trying to figure out how to make ends meet,” said Program Director Dana Glasser. “We work together to develop a plan of resources and support currently available in the community that they didn’t even know existed, and our team helps them apply and access those services. We try to make an immediate impact but also recognize that creating self-sufficiency takes time. Slowly they begin to see a glimmer of hope and light at the end of the tunnel. It doesn’t always happen quickly, but the Kindness team is there to support them throughout their journey. We encourage referrals and direct online applications through our website www.kindnessSD.org .”
Building a committed, caring and kind team is the crucial element of the Kindness Initiative model. Volunteers are the backbone of the organization and provide a unique and substantial opportunity to make a difference and change lives for the better. “Whether you are motivated to help people, share your time and talents, or to try something new and build new skills while working with an organization that will have a lasting impact on San Diego – we have opportunities for you,” said Robyn Lichter, Volunteer Coordinator.
“We have four major categories of volunteers – Angels, who provide coaching and support to Kindness Members who are seeking services from us. Ambassadors who understand how to help people apply for and receive services from the enormous maze out there, often so confusing and difficult to access. Administrators, who help keep our various operations running smoothly. And Assignment volunteers who have expertise in a one or more of Kindness Initiative high priority projects to fill local service voids. If you have an interest in our mission and want to join with us, we would like to talk with you!” said Lichter.
Another way to make a difference is through donations to the many special Kindness Initiative programs, including the Adopt-a-KindnessFamily program, which directly supports a specific family every month for a year, with a minimum donation of $360 per month.
As the founder of the Kindness Initiative, I can telll you that $12 a day for a struggling family goes a long way in maintaining their dignity and keeping their head above water. One individual receiving this support recently told us, ‘The Adopt-a-KindnessFamily program helped me feel supported by the Jewish Community and the monthly financial assistance is helping with food and my cell phone bill.’
Our confidential, respectful and personalized approach helps our Jewish neighbors hiding in the shadows get back on their feet and move forward with dignity and hope. The months ahead will prove to be extremely challenging for our community. It will take strong and committed collaborations among all organizations, synagogues, and individuals to help our Jewish brothers and sisters in need. Whether you are seeking services, want to volunteer, provide support, or simply learn more, we hope you will visit our website, https://www.kindnesssd.org/ and contact us to learn more.
*
Philanthropist Selwyn Isakow is the founder of the Kindness Initiative as well as the Shabbat San Diego and Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego programs.