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TIKKUN OLAM COMMITTEEPROJECT GUIDE
A Resource for Social Action2012 - 2013
5950 North Kendall DrivePinecrest, Florida 33156
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Message from Rabbi Terry Bookman…………………………….………..……….3
Why Participate in Tikkun Olam, Repairing the World? …….......….….……..…4
Where Do I Start?...…………………….…………………………….……..….….....5-6
10 Tips for Volunteering Wisely …………………………………………....….....7-8
Volunteer Project Opportunities by Category ………………………….……...9-22
Tikkun Olam committee On-Going Projects................................................23
References for Mitzvah Projects…………………………………………...…....24-25
Note from the Authors: This is a resource guide, but not a comprehensive list
of volunteer opportunities. The organizations listed are not endorsed by
Temple Beth Am unless specifically noted. Please use this guide to spark your
imagination and open your eyes and heart to repairing the world. B’shalom!
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A MESSAGE FROM RABBI TERRY BOOKMAN
Tikkun Olam: The Sacred Task of Repairing the WorldA story is told in the kabbalah about the moment in time when God
decided to create the world. The problem was that God was everywhere, filling the universe, so where would this creation exist? So God decided to voluntarily contract in order to make room for the world. Thus a new problem arose. How would God’s presence be felt if God was now contracted from the space of the world? To solve this new problem God created light, placing this light in vessels that would carry it to creation. But the light was too powerful for these vessels, exploding them into millions of shattered pieces and spreading the sparks of light everywhere.
Much, much later it became the task of the Jewish people to gather the sparks of light and mend the shattered vessels. This process is known as tikkun olam/the repair of the universe. Jews are repair men and women, (yes, Jews with tools) restoring the world to its wholeness through acts of loving kindness and tzedakah. We are God’s hands and feet in making the world a better place in which to live for all humankind. Every action performed for the benefit of another, no matter how small, helps to repair and restore the light bringing God’s original plan to fruition.
At Beth Am, we take our job description very seriously, and try to both instill and role model this value in all of our children. That is why each of our children is urged to take on a Mitzvah Project to round out and complete his or her studies toward Bar or Bat Mitzvah. While we celebrate our children for their growth and accomplishments, we want them to be reminded that not everyone is as fortunate as are they. The Mitzvah Project is their apprenticeship, so to speak, in joining the ranks of those who repair the world—the sacred task of tikkun olam.
But we do not want it to end with Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Helping to make the world a better place is the task of all of us, a lifelong journey, for adults as well as kids. In fact, the best teaching we can provide our children (and grandchildren) is our personal example. So we would like to challenge every member of our congregation to be a “fixer,” a role model of tikkun olam. Together, we will repair the world.
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From the Authors of This Guide
WHY PARTICIPATE IN TIKKUN OLAM, REPAIRING THE WORLD?A mitzvah is a good deed based on prescriptions in traditional Jewish
texts. In Hebrew, mitzvah literally means “commandment” and is closely associated with the word tzedakah which means “charity” or “charitable act.” The word tzedakah has the root of the Hebrew word tzedek which means “justice,” and someone who performs many just charitable acts can be considered a tzaddik, or righteous person.
Mitzvot are deeds of personal kindness. When we practice kindness to others we lift ourselves as well. By supporting, helping, and reaching out to those in need, the world becomes in that very moment, a better place for all of us to live. From a friendly smile for the cashier at Publix, to tutoring children in an underprivileged neighborhood in the City of Miami, to petitioning for the rights of migrant workers in the Redlands, there are an infinite number of ways to make a difference.
Many people do not realize, until they get engaged themselves, that when we volunteer our time to assist someone whose circumstances are less fortunate than our own, we benefit as well. When we give with a whole heart, we refine our character and attain a higher level of holiness. The expansive feelings associated with giving of ourselves cannot be fabricated or duplicated. Simply by reading through the list of opportunities for volunteering in this booklet, one cannot help but feel hopeful and optimistic about all the good works being done.
Our hope is that this Tikkun Olam Committee Project Guide will inspire and guide you to find a way to participate in repairing our world. We offer practical tips, a way to assess your own interests and availability, and specific organizations and programs, listed by category, which would welcome your participation. The list is in no way exhaustive. If you find a volunteer opportunity that affords you a positive, useful chance to help that is not on this list, we welcome your input so that we may include it in this guide.
Thank you for taking the time to promote justice and spread kindness with your charitable acts. By participating in tikkun olam, repairing the world, we express our gratitude for our own blessings.
B’Shalom,
Teri Golden Lisa Heller Green
Chuck Hibnick Shelley Payne
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WHERE DO I START ???Below you will find some ideas that can help you target your area(s) of interest
so you can narrow down the many choices available.
Creating a New Project can include creating centerpieces for any big party you are having that can be donated to a cause or organization. This might include using toys to go to hospitals or using only Israeli products in your centerpieces. Raising money for a cause with a garage sale, a sponsored race, or working for pay is another type of new project.
Joining an Already Existing Project can include those put in place by Beth Am’s own Tikkun Olam Committee, such as Habitat for Humanity, Casa Valentina, the High Holy Days Food Drive and Chapman Partnership for Homeless Assistance. In addition, there are numerous organizations listed in this Guide that can use your help.
Working with People can include working with the disabled, foster children and adolescents, underprivileged students, the elderly, or hospital patients of all ages.
Working with Stuff can mean collecting food, clothing, books, school supplies, or personal hygiene products for those in need. It can include sending letters to U.S. and Israeli soldiers.
Making a Donation by Collecting Money from Others can be done by educating others about a cause you feel strongly about, creating a raffle, asking simcha guests to donate to your favorite charity in lieu of gifts, or sponsoring an event specifically created to raise money for a cause or organization.
Making a Donation by Earning Money Yourself can mean regularly contributing a certain percentage of your income or allowance to a cause. It can take the form of offering a percentage of gift money received to a cause. It can mean earning money for a cause by babysitting, washing cars, dog walking, yard work, computer assistance, or tutoring.
Working Alone could include writing letters to U.S. and Israeli soldiers, or helping someone on a one-to-one basis as a Big Brother/Big Sister, tutoring, mentoring or regular visiting to someone shut in.
Working in a Group can mean doing a project with your family (a garage sale to raise money for a cause), or your friends (working in a soup kitchen together), neighbors (take turns watching out for the ailing person on the street), or creating a joint project with your B’nai Mitzvah partner.
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Learning Something New can include learning how to cook in quantity for 300 people at the Homeless Assistance Shelter, or learning how to knit so that infant caps can be donated to hospital nurseries.
Using Skills and Talents You Already Have can include writing articles about causes that move you, using computer skills to serve as a tutor, applying musical and other performing arts talents to create performances for the elderly or hospital bound.
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*10 TIPS FOR VOLUNTEERING WISELY
1. Research the cause or issues important to you. Look for a group that works with issues about which you feel strongly.
2. Consider the skills you already have to offer. This way you do not have to invest time in training. Skills include such things as writing, computer expertise, communication, athletics, musical, acting and artistic talent, carpentry and landscaping work.
3. Consider learning something new. In addition to the fulfillment that comes with giving to others, you can also improve on current skills or learn new ones.
4. Combine your goals. Look for opportunities that will also help you to achieve your personal goals.
5. Don’t over-commit your schedule. Start slowly and commit to more time later.
6. Non-profit organizations may have questions for you, too. You may be asked to fill out an application or come in for an interview. It is in your best interest as well as that of the organization and the people it serves, if you have the skills needed, the commitment, and the interests that match those of the non-profit agency.
7. Consider volunteering as a family. This provides a wonderful message to the family about the value of giving, and creates lasting memories.
8. How about virtual volunteering? Yes, it exists! This could take the form of word processing papers or reports for someone with a disability or keeping in touch with a shut-in who uses e-mail. This provides an avenue for volunteering if you do not have transportation or you have limited time to give.
9. I never thought of that! There are all kinds of organizations that could use a lending hand. They include, but are not limited to: day care centers, public schools, civic clubs, museums, theaters, after school programs, soup kitchens, and homes for the elderly. We have compiled a list of specific organizations in this guide. Please see: Volunteer Project Opportunities by Category.
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10.If you choose to raise money for a charity, check with a charity regarding the percentage of donation money that goes to administrative costs and the percentage of donation money that goes to the beneficiaries.
Bonus Tip:
Give voice to your heart through your giving and volunteering! Bring your heart and sense of humor and enthusiastic spirit to your service. These are priceless gifts. What you get back will be immeasurable!
*Adapted from networkforgood.org
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VOLUNTEER PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES
BY CATEGORY
ANIMALSAdopt-A-Pet - Non-profit group provides searchable index of pets by breed, age, size and color from thousands of pure and mix-breed animals available for adoption.
Information: www.adoptapet.com/volunteer/signup
Humane Society of Greater Miami - Shelters homeless and abandoned animals while they wait for their “forever” homes. To volunteer, minimum age is 16 years. Two-hour orientation and 3-month commitment of 4 hours per week required.
Information: www.humanesocietymiami.org
Contact: 305-749-1805
Miami-Dade County Animal Services - Provides puppy foster care, animal care and education. Be a pet pal or adoption counselor. See the “Animal Services Wish List.” Must be 18 years or older (15 years with an adult) and attend 2-hour orientation.
Contact: 305-884-1102 [email protected]
CHILDREN AND TEENSCasa Valentina - Strives to help young women make a healthy transition from foster care to independent living. Tikkun Olam Committee supports this organization.
Information: www.casavalentina.org
Contact: 305-444-0740
2990 S.W. 35th Avenue Miami, FL. 33133
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Charlee Program - Serves abused, abandoned and neglected children in foster care. Raises money to buy diapers, toys and clothing. Volunteer at outreach events.
Information: www.charleeprogram.org
Contact: 305-779-9600 [email protected]
155 S. Miami Avenue Suite 700 Miami, FL. 33130
Childrenʼs Home Society of Florida - Works to break the generational cycle of abuse in families through education, adoption and foster care.
Information: www.chsfl.org
Contact: 305-755-6500
800 N.W. 15th Street Miami, FL. 33136
Coconut Grove Cares,Inc., The Barnyard Community Center - Provides exceptional after-school programs for children in the West Grove community.
Information: www.coconutgrovecares.org
Contact: 305-446-6216
3870 Washington Avenue Coconut Grove, FL. 33133
Family Central, Inc.- Addresses critical needs of children and families through childcare, family support and parenting programs and resources. See wish list for donating goods and help for the holidays.
Information: www.familycentral.org
Contact: 305-749-8600
10800 Biscayne Blvd. Suite 440 North Miami, FL. 33161
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Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options (JAFCO) - Cares for abused and neglected children in South Florida. Provides adoption, foster care and family preservation services.
Information: www.jafco.org
Contact: 305-403-7015
4200 N. University Drive Sunrise, FL. 33351
Kids 4 Kids, Inc. - Its annual signature Fill-A-Backpack campaign makes backpacks for needy children containing school supplies. Also creates Kindness Cards and has a book recycling program. Founded by Beth Am member Beth Davis.Information: www.kids4kids.orgContact: 305-232-0606 [email protected] Box 165802 Miami, FL. 33116-8402
Make A Wish Foundation of South Florida - Raises funds and works with airlines and other institutions to help children with life-threatening illnesses to make a wish come true.
Information: www.sfla.wish.org
To donate air miles: www.wish.org/help/donate_airline_miles
Contact: 888-773-9474
2901 Stirling Road , Suite 208 Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 33312
Neat Stuff Inc. - Collects new clothing, shoes, toys and school supplies for children and teens. Runs a store where children shop free. Volunteers donate and can also work at the store.
Information: www.neatstuffhelpskids.org
Contact: 305-638-5878 [email protected]
2624 NW 21st Terrace Miami, FL 33142
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Pitch In For Baseball - Collects and gives new and gently used youth baseball equipment and other assistance to children globally.
Information: www.pitchinforbaseball.org
Contact: 267-263-4069 [email protected]
1541 Gehman Road Harleysville, PA. 19438
Ronald McDonald House - Provides a home away-from-home for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at local hospitals. Adopt a meal and prepare / serve a healthy home-cooked meal to guest families; lead a game night, share a nightʼs lodging cost or provide pet therapy.
Information: www.rmhcsouthflorida.org
Contact: 305-324-5683 [email protected]
1145 NW 14th Terrace Miami, fL. 33136
Voices For Children Foundation, Inc. - Runs an annual toy drive for children in Miami-Dade foster care system. Also collects donations for children leaving the foster care system to help them start their own life.
Information: www.voices4.org
Contact: 305-324-5678!
1500 N.W. 12th Avenue, Suite 1117 Miami, FL. 33136
ELDERLYMiami Jewish Health Systems (formerly Miami Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged) - Visit elderly, transport residents in wheelchairs, help in ice cream parlor or gift shop, assist in arts and crafts programs and letter writing. Donate to Thrift Shop. Provide pet therapy.
Information: www.mjhha.org
Contact: 305-751-8626
5200 N.E. 2nd Avenue Miami, FL. 33137
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Jewish Community Services of South Florida - Social service agency, including Senior Kosher Meals on Wheels program, Kosher Food Bank (supported by TBA Tikkun Olam Committee), holiday food delivery, Twoʼs Company elderly companionship and additional outreach activities.
Information: www.jcsfl.org
Contact: 305-899-1587
735 N.E. 125th Street Miami, FL. 33161
Seymour Gelber Adult Day Care Center - Provides interactive environment for mentally and physically impaired senior citizens.
Information: www.caring.com
Contact: 305-270-2979
11025 S.W. 84th Street, Building 12 Miami, FL. 33173
ENVIRONMENTFairchild Tropical Garden - Botanic garden and resource center offering educational classes and programs for students of all ages. Volunteer opportunities available.
Information: www.fairchildgarden.org
Contact: 305-667-1651
10901 Old Cutler Road Coral Gables, FL. 33156
Historic Virginia Key Beach Project - The Tikkun Olam Committee adopted the park during Mitzvah Day 2011 with a major clean-up project. This project is on-going under the direction of Beth Am member Gary Eisenburg
Information: www.virginiakeybeachpark.net
Contact: Gary Eisenburg [email protected]
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Jewish Heart for Africa - Brings Israeli solar power and environmentally clean technologies to rural African schools, medical clinics and communities. This project supports Israelʼs economy, and promotes israelʼs image around the world. Volunteer with a bʼnai mitzvah project or birthday campaign in place of presents.
Information: www.jhasol.org
Contact: 648-472-5380 [email protected]
The Barnacle Historic State Park - The home of Ralph Monroe, one of Coconut Groveʼs most charming and influential citizens. Help maintain the park and home participating in clean-ups and preservation.
Information: www.floridastateparks.org/thebarnacle
Contact: 305-442-6866
3485 Main HIghway Coconut Grove, FL. 33133
Water for People - Develops potable drinking water and sanitation systems to Central and South America, Malawi, and India.
Information: www.waterforpeople.org
Contact: [email protected]
Water.org - Co-founded by actor Matt Damon - Transforms hundreds of communities in Africa, South Asia and Central America by providing access to safe water and sanitation.
Information: www.water.org
Contact: 913-312-8600 [email protected]
920 Main Street Suite 1800 Kansas City, MO. 64105
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HOMELESSNESSCamillus House - Help provide humanitarian services to the poor and homeless by preparing food, hosting a holiday party, teaching a skill, offering career help or assisting Camillus House staff.
Information: www.camillus.org
Contact: 305-347-1065
1603 NW 7th Avenue Miami, FL. 33136
Chapman Partnership - Empowering the Homeless - Opportunity to cook and serve dinner monthly. TBAʼs Tikkun Olam Committee offers financial support to this shelter.
Information: www.chapmanpartnership.org
Contact: 305-416-7143
1550 N. Miami Avenue Miami, FL. 33136
TBA Contact: Lisa Heller Green [email protected]
Feeding South Florida - formerly Daily Bread Food Bank - Distributes food and groceries to South Floridaʼs hungry.
Information: www.feedingsouthflorida.org/volunteer-time.htm
Contact: 305-262-1683
5850 N.W. 32nd Avenue Miami, FL. 33142
A Womanʼs Place - Day shelter for homeless and at-risk women and children. Opportunities to volunteer and donate.
Information: www.MHADade.com (Mental Health Association of Dade County)
Contact: 305-358-2063
235 N.E. 17th Street Miami, FL. 33132
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ILLNESSES / DISEASEAmerican Heart Association of Greater Miami - Building healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Information: www.americanheart.org
Contact: 305-631-4740
2600 S.W. 3rd Avenue Suite 900 Miami, FL. 33129
American Miles for Kids - Donate AAdvantage miles to help provide transportation for children in need and their families. American Air contributes one mile for every 3 that you donate. Note: All major airlines and most small ones have similar “miles for charity” programs.
Information: www.joinus.aa.com/kids
Cancer Support Community Miami - Compliments cancer medical treatment with services for patients and family members including support groups and workshops for stress management, emotional issues and education.
Information: www.cancersupportcommunitymiami.org
Contact: 305-668-5900 [email protected]
8609 S. Dixie Hwy MIami, FL 33143
Chai Life-Line - Provides services to Jewish children with life-threatening chronic illnesses, through case management, insurance support, counseling, trips and Camp Simcha.
Information: www.chailifeline.org
Bʼnai Mitzvah Projects: www.gomitzvah.org
Contact: 305-956-9990 [email protected]
Southeast Family Services Center
2699 Stirling Road Suite B303 Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 33312
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Chrohnʼs and Colitis Foundation - Research, education and patient support for those with chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal tract.
Information: www.ccfa.org
Contact: 561-218-2929 [email protected]
Easter Seals South Florida - Supports people with various disabilities.
Information: www.easterseals.org southflorida.easterseals.com
Contact: 305-325-0470
1475 N.W. 14th Avenue Miami, FL. 33125
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - Raises funds for research to find cure for Type 1 diabetes and its complications.
Information: www.jdrf.org/southflorida
Contact: 954-565-4775 [email protected]
Nothing But Nets - Buys and provides insecticide-treated mosquito bed nets for protection from malaria in Africa.
Information: www.nothingbutnets.net
Contact: 202-887-9040 [email protected]
ISRAELKids for Kids - Youth Organization for the Recovery of Young Victims of Terrorism - Services to enrich lives of Jewish children who have been direct victims of terrorism.
Information: www.kidsforkids.net
Contact: [email protected]
American office: 305-238-5600
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Neve Michael Childrenʼs Village - Residential facility for children 3-18 years at risk due to neglect and/or abuse. Sponsor a child, celebrate a childʼs bʼnai mitzvah, help provide bare necessities.
Information: www.nevemichael.com
Contact: 954-432-5335 [email protected]
NATURAL DISASTER RELIEFAmerican Red Cross - Provides disaster response services.
Information: www.redcross.org
Contact: 305-644-1200 [email protected]
Central Miami Office: 335 SW 27th Avenue Miami, FL 33135
Neighbors 4 Neighbors Adopt-A-Family-Program - Founded in response to needs following Hurricane Andrew. Offers services to families following natural disasters as well as everyday crises. Adopt a family for the holidays. Help supply children in foster care or shelters with school supplies.
Information: www.neighbors4neighbors.org
Contact: 305-597-4404
8900 N.W. 18th Terrace Miami, FL 33172
POVERTY AND HUNGERAmerican Jewish World Service - Dedicated to promoting global social justice through education, advocacy, grants and travel in developing countries. Volunteers ages 16+ have the opportunity to learn, work and serve, partnering with local community organizations to effect change.
Information: www.ajws.org
Contact: 800-889-7146 212-792-2855 [email protected]
45 W. 36th Street 11th Floor New York, NY 10018
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Annual Thanksgiving Basket Fund - Started by the Stieglitz family as a Bat Mitzvah project, the fund creates and donates baskets which provide Thanksgiving dinner for families. Many local organizations have received and distributed baskets.
Contact: 305-667-5353
6100 S.W. 132nd Street Miami, FL 33156
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami - Share in building affordable homes in partnership with low-income family. TBA participates regularly with this organization.
Information: www.miamihabitat.org
Contact: 305-634-3628 [email protected]
Kosher Food Bank - Provides kosher food to hundreds of Jewish families in Miami-Dade who meet federal poverty guidelines. As beneficiary of Jewish Community Services, KFB also refers clients to a wide variety of JCS resources including mental health profecssionals and medical help. This is a TBA supported program. A donation cart is located in the Beth Am administration office.
Information: www.jcsfl.org
Contact: 305-947-8093 [email protected]
2056 NE 155th Street North Miami Beach, FL 33162
Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger - Dedicated to preventing and alleviating hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds. Integrates tzedakah for hunger relief into holiday observance, community events and lifecycle celebrations. Beth Am supports this program.
Information: www.mazon.org
Contact: 800-813-0557 [email protected]
1990 S. Bundy Drive, Suite 260 Los Angeles, CA 90025-5232
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Miami Rescue Mission - Provides comprehensive services to the homeless and needy. Join the “Meal(s)-a-Month club”, develop special holiday projects for adults and children, serve a meal, tutor a student.
Information: www.miamirescue.com
Contact: 305-571-2273
2159 N.W. 1St Court Miami, FL 33127
One World Running - International program promoting awareness of health, fitness, and nutrition by providing running shoes to those in need worldwide. Also puts on 5K walks /runs to foster an environment of exercise and increase understanding and good will between people.
Information: www.oneworldrunning.com
Contact: 303-473-1314 720-304-2878
[email protected] [email protected]
Local drop-off for shoes: New Balance Store at the Falls
Soles4Souls, Inc. - Collects gently worn shoes to donate to adults and children in need. Donate shoes, host a shoe drive or provide disaster relief.
Information: www.sole4souls.org
Contact: 866-521-7463 [email protected]
319 Martingale Drive Old Hickory, TN 37138
Drop Off Locations: Euphoria Footwear, Miami & 24 Hour Fitness Coconut Grove
SPECIAL NEEDSAssociation for Retarded Citizens (ARC) / The ARC of South Florida - Serves Miami - Dade citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Information: www.arc.com www.thearcosfla.net
Contact: 305-759-8500
5555 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33137
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Autism Society of America - Raises and allocates funds to address the unanswered questions about Autism and Aspergerʼs Syndrome.
National Information: www.autism-society.org
National Contact: 800-328-8476
Miami Information: www.autismfl.com
Miami Contact: 305-969-3900 [email protected]
Austism Speaks - Dedicated to funding research into causes, prevention, treatments and cure for Autism.
Information: www.autismspeaks.org
Contact: 305-968-1799 [email protected]
Best Buddies - Creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Information: www.bestbuddies.org
Contact: 305-374-2233
100 S.E. 2nd Street Miami, FL. 33131
Hope Center - Non-profit agency that provides residential and day training programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Information: www.hopecenterhc.org
Contact: 305-545-7572 [email protected]
666 S.W. 4th Street Miami, FL 33130
Learning Experience School - Located in South Miami. Offering individualized academic, social and emotional growth for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Information: www.thelearningexperienceschool.org
Contact: 305-275-5900
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Learning Ally - formerly Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic - Makes reading accessible to all who cannot read standard print. Serves readers from childhood to adult learners who are blind, visually impaired, dyslexic or are learning impaired.
Information: www.learningally.org
Contact: 800-803-7201 [email protected]
Miami Information: www.learningally.org/miamidade
Miami Contact: 305-964-9764
Miami Lighthouse for the Blind - Provides vision rehabilitation and eye health services to promote independence, educate professionals and conduct research.
Information: www.miamilighthouse.org
Contact: 305-856-2288 [email protected]
601 S.W. 8th Avenue Miami, FL 33130
Shake-A-Leg Miami, Inc. - Provides sailing and other recreational water activities for individuals with physical, developmental and economic challenges.Information: www.shakealegmiami.org
Contact: 305-858-5550 [email protected]
2620 S. Bayshore Drive Miami, FL 33133
United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida - Serves infants, children and adults with CP and other developmental disease to enable them to reach their greatest potential.
Information: www.ucpsouthflorida.org
Contact: 305-325-1080 [email protected]
1411 N.W. 14th Avenue Miami, FL. 33125
WOMEN
American Jewish World Service Womenʼs Empowerment Fund - An international development and human rights organization.
Information: www.womensfundingnetwork.org
Contact: 212-792-2900 [email protected]
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Dress for Success Miami - Provides job skills, training and interview appropriate clothing to low income residents throughout Miami-Dade County.
Information: www.dfsmiami.org
Contact: 305-444-1944
250 NW 9th Street Suite 300A Miami, FL 33136
Womenʼs Fund of Miami-Dade - Provides grant money for programs that ensure that women and girls have the right to safety, equality, and opportunity.
Information: www.womensfundmiami.org
Contact: 305-441-0506
3001 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Suite 264 Coral Gables, FL. 33134
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24 TEMPLE BETH AM TIKKUN OLAM COMMITTEE
On-Going ProjectsBlood Drive - Semi-annual blood drives take place on the TBA campus, helping to replenish much needed blood stores.
Casa Valentina - Strives to help young women make a healthy transition from foster care to independent living.
Greater Miami Jewish Federation - Mobilize human and financial resources to care for those in need, strengthen Jewish life and advance Jewish values and purpose.
Habitat for Humanity - Annual Sunday service days are arranged to participate in building low cost housing.
High Holy Day Food Drive - Beth Am members donate canned food during the High Holidays to helping families, Holocaust survivors and elderly whose food needs are supplemented through the Kosher Food Bank. Collection bags are handed out by volunteers at Rosh Hashanah servicies.
Homelessness - Congregants cook and serve dinner one Sunday each month at Chapman Partnership for the Homeless in Homestead.
Jewish Community Services - Social service agency, including Senior Kosher Meals on Wheels program, Kosher Food Bank, holiday food delivery, Twoʼs Company elderly companionship and additional outreach activities.
Kosher Food Bank - Non-perishable kosher food items are collected in bins on TBA campus and donated to help feed the needy in our community.
Mitzvah Day - One day each year is set aside for Beth Am members to participate in Mitzvah projects on and off campus.
Passover Food Collection - Chametz food items are collected prior to Passover and unused matzah is collected after Passover for donation to local food banks.
Tzedakah Box - Located in the TBA reception area of the administration building, cash donations can be made securely. The Tikkun Olam Committee votes regularly on how funds should be used.
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REFERENCES FOR MITZVAH PROJECTS
Useful Internet Siteswww.ujafedny.org/mitzvah-project
www.urj.org/socialaction/
www.volunteermatch.org
www.networkforgood.org
Temple Beth Am Library ResourcesClinton, Bill: Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World, Alfred A. Knopf, 2007.
Holtzman Barnett, Susan: Between One Person and Another.
Olitzky, Rabbi Kerry and Isaacs, Ronald: Doing Mitzvot-Mitzvah Projects for Bar/Bat Mitzvah KTAV Publishing House, Inc.
Salamon, Julie: Rambamʼs Ladder: A Meditation on Generosity and Why It Is Necessary to Give, Workman, 2003.
Salbin, Rabbi Jeffrey K: Putting God on the Guest List: How to Reclaim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Childʼs Bar or Bat Mitzvah, Jewish Lights Publishing, 1996.
Shavitz Artson, Bradly and Gevirtz: Making a Difference – Putting Jewish Spirituality Into Action, One Mitzvah at a Time, Behrman House, Inc., April 2001.
Siegel, Danny: Gym Shoes and Irises: Personalized Tzeddakah (Books 1 and 2), Spring Valley, N.Y., The Town House Press, 1982,1987.
Siegel, Danny & Friedman, Judith: Tell Me a Mitzvah-Little and Big Ways to Repair the World, Kar-Ben Copies, August, 1993.
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Siegel, Danny: Munbaz II and Other Mitzvah Heroes, Spring Valley, N.Y. The Town Press, 1988.
Siegel, Danny: Mitzvahs, Pittsboro, N.C. , The Townhouse Press, 1990.