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Social Action

Social Action

Since the inception of our social action program three years ago, we have touched the lives of thousands of people in Greater Houston and beyond. Your enthusiasm, support, and effort even led to our program's expansion in its second year.

However, those we touched were not the only ones who benefited. We, as a community, were also enriched. The feedback we received from our members has been overwhelming and inspiring.

So now what? Do we turn our back on those in need during this challenging time? The answer is "No," based on the flood of requests we've received, asking, "What can we do to help those in need?"

Below, you will find the new COVID-19 CBY Social Action Program. Some of our favorite programs have been put on "pause" and replaced with safer versions. There are still plenty of ways to make a difference from the safety of your own home. We will show the way for those ready to help in a safe and socially distanced way.

Let us remember: As Jews, and as a congregation, we are strong when we care for the weak; we are rich when we care for the poor; we are invulnerable when we care for the vulnerable.

A special thank you to Melissa Levin and Samantha Melman for re-designing our program to keep our congregation inspired, connected and safe.

Want to participate in a project shown below? Register below and a project chair will send you more information!

Social Action Plan - Interest Form

See project descriptions below

Please check all that apply.

 

Pikuach Nefesh-Suicide Prevention Training

Chaired by Gittel Francis

Would you know what to do if someone confided in you that they were struggling with a mental health condition?

Learn how to recognize the signs and be a support for yourself and others. Congregation Beth Yeshurun and Jewish Family Service of Houston have collaborated to present you with a two-hour mental health literacy and suicide prevention course. Connection is more vital than ever. Learn how to provide hope and compassion. Take the course, learn the facts, be a source of support. Four options available, dates to be determined

Chesed Team

Chaired by Jonathan Baliff & Mindi Stern

The Beth Yeshurun Chesed Project was formed at the onset of the COVID 19 quarantine as a “reach-in” to our older, isolated members. It acts as a voice from the synagogue assuring that we care, they are not alone, and we are here to fulfill their spiritual needs and direct them to Jewish community social services that are available if necessary. Our volunteers check-in to ensure our seniors and most vulnerable members know when and how to watch our virtual services and have what they need to experience meaningful Jewish experiences. These few minutes of phone social interaction are so appreciated. Our volunteers are also enjoying the connections being made and have gotten to know so many wonderful members. Our volunteers meet via Zoom weekly for 30 minutes

Collection Drives for Emergency Aid Coalition

Chaired by Jeryl & Jeff Golub and Jason & Kim Schlanger

Reuse. Repurpose. Help. Let us make your clean-outs and declutter sessions more convenient and meaningful. Our first drive will begin on Monday, October 5th for blue jeans & denim.

Throughout the year, we will be hosting and promoting various drives to help the clients of Emergency Aid Coalition. Founded in 1983, the E.A.C. is an interfaith organization that collaborates to provide temporary assistance in the form of clothing, food and other basic needs, with an emphasis on serving the working poor. Each year, they help more than 50,000 individuals living on the edge of poverty, serving those in need in Houston’s inner city and Midtown neighborhoods.

This year, to keep our synagogue campus safe, we are re-routing our collection tubs to Evelyn’s Park and Roger Martin Properties in West University.

Reynolds Elementary School

Chaired by Diane Levy

This year Beth Yeshurun is embarking on a long-term partnership, arranged by the Houston Area Urban League, with Reynolds Elementary School. Located in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Houston, Reynolds serves PreK through 5th graders, 96% of whom are economically disadvantaged.

We have already kicked-off our partnership by helping to provide school supplies and look forward to growing our relationship over the coming months to with activities that may include mentoring opportunities, book drives, teacher enrichment, and other support services for Reynolds’ students and teachers.

How can you help? Shop for supplies. Make a Donation. Give of your time by signing up above. More information can be found here.

Making Monthly Snack Bags for S.E.A.R.C.H.

Chaired by Vicky Richker and Marsha Abramson

Sisterhood is happy to resume our project on behalf of both Kids' Meals, whose mission is fighting childhood hunger in Houston, and SEARCH Homeless Services. Our group will
assemble Lunch Packs for Kids' Meals and high-protein Snack Packs for SEARCH. We will meet at CBY on the 3rd Thursday of each month, beginning in October. All synagogue and Covid protocols will be followed.

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center - Blood Drive

Chaired by Ron Misrack

We have an opportunity for you to save lives! Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center needs 1,000 donations every day of the year to serve patients in our community. Your donation could mean the difference between life and death for someone! Our next blood drive will be held on Sunday, November 15th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. New protocols require that all donors have an appointment.

Bethel's Heavenly Hands

Chaired by Peta Rubenstein and Jennifer Bolton

For those who are looking to return to “working in the field”, while following strict safety protocols (including donning masks & gloves), we will be meeting  approximately once a month for projects on Sunday 3 pm – 6 pm at Bethel’s Heavenly Hands (near Hillcroft and West Airport). This bustling non-profit benefits almost 12,000 underserved people in Southwest Houston, providing vital resources including food and clothing, while also empowering the community through job fairs, resume workshops and vocational training. Our family-friendly projects will include prepping for their holiday celebrations, food pantry packing, overhauling their library and other activities as needed.

Community Service from the Computer

Chaired by Peta Rubenstein and Jennifer Bolton

As the world continues to face ongoing challenges from the pandemic, natural disasters, civil unrest and the economy, non-profits are being hit harder than ever before. Annual donations they once counted on are now dwindling. As a result, non-profit organizations are unable to hire the help they need to continue doing the work they do to serve others.

If you are good at what you do, with free time, a computer and time on your hands, please let us know how you can help. We will match volunteer skill sets with the assorted non-profits we work with across Houston. 

Some of the skills needed include:
Graphic Design – logos, brochures, newsletters, invitations; Data Entry; Copy Writing; Social Media assistance; Resume Writing; 501c3 Advice; Grant Writing; QuickBooks

Sun, August 1 2021 23 Av 5781