Category Archives: Episode

Moving Pregnancy and Infant Loss Out of the Darkness

February 21, 2022Episodegoodpeopletalk

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Elysa Rapoport gave birth to a stillborn daughter in 2016, and soon discovered a lack of emotional and practical support systems in Israel for those facing pregnancy and infant loss. So she determined to make change and co-founded Candles of Hope, a GPF grantee. Her organization is building and providing resources and channels of support, and is shining a light on what for many is an uncomfortable topic. GPF Exec. Dir. Naomi Eisenberger talks to Elysa about her journey and impact.

www.candlesofhope.org.il

www.goodpeoplefund.org

Alternative Learning and Socialization, on the Farm

January 25, 2022Episodegoodpeopletalk

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On her family’s land in Israel’s Hefar Valley, Rani Erez was part of multi-generational effort to establish Kaima Beerotayim — a non-profit educational farm that is empowering youth on the cusp of dropping out of school or who are otherwise at risk. At the same time, the farm — a GPF grantee — is encouraging responsible food production and consumption. Rani, CEO and Co-Founder of Kaima Beerotayim, joins Naomi Eisenberger, Executive Director and Co-Founder of GPF, in conversation.

The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org

Turning Grief into Impact

December 21, 2021Episodegoodpeopletalk

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One quarter of pregnancies end in loss. For Reva Judas — whose son, Pesach, tragically died hours after birth — grief fueled a determination and vision to help individuals, couples and families facing the unimaginable. NechamaComfort, a GPF grantee organization, emerged to offer support groups, counseling, logistical guidance and more for those in the Jewish community — and beyond — facing pregnancy and infant loss. GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger speaks with Reva about her journey and impact.

The Good People Fund: www.goodpeoplefund.org

NechamaComfort: www.nechamacomfort.org

Creating Hope and Beauty In a Once Thriving Steel Town

November 15, 2021Episodegoodpeopletalk

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In Western Pennsylvania outside of Pittsburgh, Gisele Fetterman and Kristen Michaels are bringing vision and commitment to uplift lives and communities. The founders of For Good PGH are creating a culture of care, compassion, inclusivity and empowerment to residents of once-thriving — but now under-resourced and struggling — Braddock and surrounding areas. GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger speaks with these two dynamic and impactful woman.

To Learn more go to: www.goodpeoplefund.org

For Good PGH: www.forgoodpgh.org

In Inner City Baltimore, Empowering Street-Connected Youth

October 25, 2021Episodegoodpeopletalk

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A healthy snack business? A clothing line? A pop-up restaurant? For street-connected youth in inner city Baltimore, social enterprise projects — and community service jobs — break the cycle of poverty, develop skills for positive futures, and transform a community. Driving this impact is The Food Project of UEmpower of Maryland, a Good People Fund grantee. Michelle Suazo, Co-Founder of UEmpower of Maryland and Executive Director of The Food Project, describes it all to Naomi Eisenberger, GPF Executive Director.

To Learn more go to:

www.goodpeoplefund.org

www.uempowerofmd.org

In Israel, Uplifting the Lives and Futures of Asylum Seekers

September 16, 2021Episodegoodpeopletalk

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There are an estimated 30,000 asylum seekers in Israel today … men, women and children, mostly from Africa, who’ve risked their lives to escape adverse conditions and now await legal status in Israel or elsewhere — anywhere that will welcome them. But for now, they live in substandard conditions, invisible to many Israelis while the government threatens deportation. Rabbi Levi Lauer, Founding Executive Director of Atzum, and Julie Fisher, Founder and Director of the Consortium for Israel and the Asylum Seekers, speak with GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger about the plight of this population and what they are doing to change the reality.

To Learn more go to:

www.goodpeoplefund.org
www.israelandasylumseekers.org
www.atzum.org

Mentoring Youth at Risk and Building Positive Futures

August 15, 2021Episodegoodpeopletalk

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For youth at risk – specifically teens and young adults with past or current contact with the child welfare or juvenile justice systems – having a mentor can be a tipping point toward positive self-worth and a promising future. That’s what Connections – a Good People Fund grantee – makes possible in NYC and Westchester County to the north, pairing volunteer mentors with youth needing positive role models. Connections Founder Paul Muratore speaks with GPF Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger about making a difference in lives and communities. Connections: www.connectionsmentor.org. To Learn more go to goodpeoplefund.org.

Giving Jewish Teenage Girls Their Voice

July 12, 2021Episodegoodpeopletalk

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Flip through the online pages of jGirls Magazine for a deep dive into compelling issues – from self-identity to social pressures to protest – created by self-identifying Jewish girls aged 13 to 19. jGirls – a Good People Fund grantee – is the brainchild of Elizabeth Mandel, a New York-based documentarian, writer, and community activist who created the multi-media platform to elevate and empower critical voices, often marginalized. She speaks about her vision and impact, and the challenges of being a social entrepreneur during challenging times. https://jgirlsmagazine.org

To Learn more go to: goodpeoplefund.org

Workout Time! Building Confidence and Strength for Individuals with Special Needs

May 25, 2021Episodegoodpeopletalk

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There’s a fitness club in Maryland that stands apart from your usual corner gym. At SPIRIT Club, individuals with physical and developmental disabilities are lifting weights, doing aerobics, and working with personal trainers in an environment that prizes diversity, respect and inclusion. SPIRIT (Social-Physical-Interactive-Respectful-Integrated-Teamwork) Club Founder Jared Ciner talks about how his work as a fitness instructor and with individuals with special needs coalesced into SPIRIT Club and the ancillary SPIRIT Club Foundation – a Good People Fund grantee – to ensure that physical health and socialization be accessible to all. To Learn more go to: goodpeoplefund.org

Good People, Helping Aspiring Americans Succeed

April 27, 2021Episodegoodpeopletalk

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The Good People Fund in partnership with its grantees, helps to improve the lives and trajectories of Aspiring Americans – refugees, victims of human trafficking, and others – seeking safety, community, and opportunity despite enormous challenges. In this episode, Good People Fund Executive Director Naomi Eisenberger speaks with four change makers in this realm, who describe their unique experiences, observations, and approaches to uplifting newcomers seeking better lives for themselves and their families.

Our guests: Kristen Bloom, Founder and Executive Director of Refugee Assistance Alliance in Coral Gables, FL; Sloane Davidson, Founder and CEO of Hello Neighbor in Pittsburgh, PA; Kari Miller, Founder and Executive Director of International Neighbors in Charlottesville, VA; and Dr. Eva Moya, Associate Professor, Dept. of Social Work, The University of Texas at El Paso.

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