Outside BJBE opportunities by Agency Name (alphabetical)
A Package from Home sends care packages to soldiers without family in Israel serving in the IDF. (Israel and other Jewish Communities Abroad)
www.apackagefromhome.org, 516-791-8100.
A Safe Place provides shelter, court advocacy, referrals and comprehensive counseling programs for victims of domestic violence - women and children who have been physically, verbally, or emotionally abused. (Children, Domestic Violence, Housing and Shelter, Women)
www.asafeplaceforhelp.org, 847-249-5147.
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital is a 617-bed teaching, research and referral hospital, a Level 1 trauma center, and one of the largest hospitals in the Chicago area. It also is home to Advocate Lutheran General Children's Hospital, the only children's hospital in the greater north and northwest suburban region of Chicago and a major regional referral center for a broad range of infant and pediatric services. (Adults, Children, Health, People with Special Needs)
www.advocatehealth.com/luth/about/community/volunteer/ 847-723-6105.
American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is an international development organization motivated by Judaism's imperative to pursue justice. AJWS is dedicated to alleviating poverty, hunger and disease among the people of the developing world regardless of race, religion or nationality. (Health, Housing and Shelter, Nourishment, Poverty)
www.ajws.org, 800-889-7146.
The American Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has served as the overseas arm of the American Jewish community. Our mission is to serve the needs of Jews throughout the world, particularly where their lives as Jews are threatened or made more difficult. We sponsor programs of relief, rescue and renewal and help Israel address its most urgent social challenges. We are committed to the idea that all Jews are responsible for one another. (Israel and Other Jewish Communities Abroad)
www.jdc.org.
The American Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (ASPNI) was founded in 1986, to help raise awareness and support for the work of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) , Israel's oldest and largest environmental organization. Since 1953, SPNI has worked to promote knowledge, love, and respect for the land among its citizens and abroad. (Israel and other Jewish Communities abroad)
www.aspni.org, 800-411-0966.
Amnesty International (AI) is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights. AI's vision is of a world in which every person enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards.
www.amnesty.org, 212-807-8400.
The ARK provides a comprehensive array of services for the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of those in need. The ARK is committed to providing opportunities for Jews of all backgrounds to volunteer their time and perform mitzvot (good deeds). Since 1971, The ARK has delivered medical, social welfare, legal and similar human services in the spirit of tzedakah (charitable acts) and chesed (loving-kindness). (Adult, Children, Community Resources, Elderly, Families, Health, Housing and Shelter, The Jewish Community in Chicago, Nourishment)
www.arkchicago.org, 773-943-1000.
Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA) ARZA, the Association of Reform Zionists of America - the Zionist arm and voice of the Reform Movement in the United States - endeavors to make Israel fundamental to the sacred lives and Jewish identity of Reform Jews. As a Zionist organization, ARZA champions activities that further enhance Israel as a pluralistic, just and democratic Jewish state. ARZA's core mission activities are: Engagement, Advocacy and Travel. (Israel and other Jewish Communities abroad)
www.arza.org, 212-650-4280.
CASA (National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association)'s mission is to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children so that they can thrive in safe, permanent homes. (Children)
www.nationalcasa.org, 847-808-9154.
Cancer Wellness Center is a non-profit organization that provides supportive services and health information free of charge for people diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones. (Adults, Community Resources, Families, Health, People with Special Needs)
www.cancerwellness.org, 847-509-9595.
The CENTER for Enriched Living is a non-residential, social enrichment and skill-development center dedicated to serving people with developmental disabilities or special needs, primarily mild to moderate mental retardation. THE CENTER is an educational, recreational and social facility for this special population. (Young Adults, People with Special Needs, Recreation)
www.centerforenrichedliving.org, 847-948-7001.
Chai Lifeline is dedicated to helping children suffering from serious illness as well as their family members. They offer a comprehensive range of services to address the multiple needs of patients, parents, and siblings. (Children, Health, Jewish Community in Chicago)
www.chailifeline.org/midwest, 847-763-1818.
Chicago Action for Jews in the Former Soviet Union has been an advocate for Jews in the Soviet Union since 1972. A member of the Union of Councils in Washington, D.C., Chicago Action is dedicated to the sustenance and security of the Jews in the third largest Jewish community in the world.(Israel and other Jewish Communities Abroad)
www.chicagoaction.org, 847-433-0144.
The mission of the Chicago Botanic Garden is to promote the enjoyment, understanding and conservation of plants and the natural world. Volunteers at the Chicago Botanic Garden monitor butterflies, plant annuals, and help in classrooms and the Café. Volunteers greet visitors, serve as tour guides, work in the library, enter plant data or track rare plants. (Environment)
www.chicagoaction.org, 847-433-0144.
The Chicago Christian Industrial League serves homeless men, women and children of all races and religions on behalf of the community of metropolitan Chicago. They address the need for clothing, shelter, a variety of counseling and training experiences, life skills guidance and affordable housing opportunities. (Adults, Children, Housing and Shelter)
www.ccilworks.org, 312-421-0588.
The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired is committed to providing the highest quality education, clinical vocational and rehabilitative services for children, youth and adults who are blind or visually impaired including deaf-blind and multi-disabled. (People with Special Needs)
www.thechicagolighthouse.org, 312-666-1331.
Children's Memorial Hospital is Illinois' only freestanding hospital exclusively for kids. They offer the newest technologies, provide kid-focused experiences and dedicate themselves to the health and well-being of all children. Volunteer opportunities are available in a wide variety of programs including Child Life/Patient Play, Infant/Toddler Care, Child Life Family Life Center, Child Life Teens, Child Life, Cancer and Blood Diseases and Day Hospital, Child Life Emergency Department, Child Life Art Activity Cart, Cabrini Green Youth Program Clinic, Pre-Surgery Program, Tutoring, Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy/Orthotics, Nursing Assistant, Pre and Post Surgery, Emergency Department, Urgent Care Unit, Inpatient Nursing Units, Inpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Child Psychiatry Assistant, Interpreting Services and Kohl's House. (Children, Health, People with Special Needs)
www.childrensmemorial.org, 773-880-4000.
Children's Research Triangle (CRT) is dedicated to the healthy development of children and their families. Our mission is to provide research driven services that improve the quality of life for all children with special needs or those who are at risk for developmental, behavioral, psychological or educational problems. In addition to clinical services, Camp SOAR (Special Outdoor Adaptive Recreation) is a week long overnight camp for children with extensive cognitive or physical special needs, including those who require total care. (Children, people with Special Needs, Recreation)
www.childstudy.org, 312-726-4011.
Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL) is the leading Jewish environmental organization in the United States. Since its founding in 1993, COEJL has helped tens of thousands of Jews make a connection between Judaism and the environment. (Environment)
www.coejl.org, 212-532-7436.
Council for Jewish Elderly (CJE), through their commitment to Jewish communal values, is a provider of community-based and residential programs and services for older adults and their families throughout Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. (Community Resources, Elderly, Health, Housing and Shelter, The Jewish Community in Chicago, Recreation)
www.cje.net, 847-929-3064.
Direct Relief International provides medical assistance to improve the quality of life for people victimized by poverty, disaster, and civil unrest at home and throughout the world. We work to strengthen the in-country health efforts of our partners by providing essential material resources - medicines, supplies and equipment. (Health)
www.directrelief.org, 805-964-4767.
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent international medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural or man-made disasters, or exclusion from health care in more than 70 countries. (Health)
www.doctorswithoutborders.org, 212-679-6800.
The Dysautonomia Foundation supports medical research and treatment for people with Familial Dysautonomia. (Health)
www.familialdysautonomia.org, 212-279-1066.
The Emily Dorfman Foundation for Children is a way to honor Emily, and other children who fight bravely against tremendous odds, by a concerted effort to raise fund to support those who will find cures and provide needed supportive services for seriously ill children. Miles for Smiles is their annual fundraiser. (Children, Health)
www.emilydorfman.org/miles, 847-291-3690.
The Ezra Multi-Service Center is a community resource center which secures the resources that keep community residents from "falling through the cracks" and promotes active participation in community affairs through linkages to other community-based organizations. The collaborative inter-agency structure includes the following Jewish Federation partner agencies: JCC, JVS, HIAS Chicago, JUF TOV,JFMC. (Adults, Community Resources, Families, Nourishment, Poverty)
www.ezramsc.org, 773-275-0866.
Friedman Place is a residence for blind and visually impaired adults. Their mission is to provide housing and supportive services to people who are blind or visually impaired so that their lives can be healthy, dignified, and stimulating. In addition to support and medical services Friedman Place also provides a variety of programs and activities. (Housing and Shelter, People with Special Needs)
www.friedmanplace.org/home.shtml, 773-989-9800.
Genesis at the Crossroads is a Chicago organization dedicated to bridging cultures in conflict through the arts and creating innovative arts-education programs around the world. (Arts)
www.gatc.org, 773-929-0224.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago's food bank, is a not-for-profit food distribution and training center providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in our community. The Food Depository distributes donated and purchased food through a network of food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. Innovative training programs and initiatives developed by the Food Depository also work to provide men, women and children with the tools necessary to break their individual cycles of poverty. Volunteer opportunities include: produce delivery driver or helper, collect hundreds of thousands of pounds of food at food industry shows, load produce trucks, help at the agency mart, re-package food donations, administrative workers. (Nourishment, Poverty)
www.chicagosfoodbank.org, 773-247-3663.
Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian housing organization building simple, decent, affordable housing in partnership with people in need. (Housing and Shelter)
www.habitat.orr, 847-623-1020.
The Hadley School for the Blind offers distance education courses free of charge to those who are blind, their families or blindness professionals. (People with Special Needs)
www.hadley-school.org, 800-323-4238.
Heifer International's mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth. The goal of every Heifer project is sustainability - project partners achieving self-reliance. Heifer's strategy is to "pass on the gift." As people share their animals' offspring with others - along with their knowledge, resources, and skills - an expanding network of hope, dignity, and self-reliance is created that reaches around the globe. (Animals, Families, Nourishment, Poverty)
www.heifer.org, 800-422-0474.
Heschel Center for Environmental Learning and Leadership trains individuals from across the spectrum of Israeli society to implement its vision of an ecologically and socially sustainable future based on values inherited from our forebears. (Environment, Israel and other Jewish Communities abroad)
www.heschel.org.il/eng.
Holocaust Educational Foundation (HEF) is a Skokie-based private, non-profit organization established in 1980 by survivors, their children and their friends in order to preserve and promote awareness of the reality of the Holocaust. HEF facilitates teaching and scholarship at the college and university level through a variety of programs. (Holocaust)
www.holocaustef.org.
Holocaust Memorial Foundation of Illinois (HMFI) is dedicated to teaching about the Holocaust and the dangers of unchallenged hate. HMFI has taught school and community groups through its small storefront museum and speakers' bureau since 1981. Each year, its speakers reach approximately 30,000 students at its Skokie facility and through survivor visits to Midwest schools and community groups. The organization's mission is furthered by the dedicated survivors, community members and young people who are creating its new Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center to present these lessons to far greater numbers. The new facility will serve an estimated quarter million school children annually. (Holocaust)
www.hmfi.org.
The Hunger Project is a global, strategic organization committed to the sustainable end of world hunger. In Africa, Asia and Latin America, The Hunger Project empowers millions of women and men to end their own hunger. The Hunger Project has pioneered low-cost, bottom-up, gender-focused strategies in each region where hunger persists. These strategies mobilize clusters of rural villages to create and run their own programs that achieve lasting progress in health, education, nutrition and family income. (Families, Health, Nourishment, Poverty)
www.thp.org, 212-251-9100.
The Inspiration Corporation (the Inspiration Café and the Living Room) helps people who are affected by homelessness and poverty to improve their lives and increase self-sufficiency through the provision of social services, employment training and housing. (Community Resources, Nourishment)
www.inspirationcorp.org, 773-878-0981.
International Center on Deafness and the Arts (ICODA) provides access to educational resources and professional arts opportunities to children who are deaf and hard of hearing to assist their development in becoming successful adults. (Arts, Children, People with Special Needs)
www.icodaarts.org, 847-509-8260.
The International Rescue Committee serves refugees and communities victimized by oppression or violent conflict worldwide. The IRC is committed to freedom, human dignity, and self-reliance. This commitment is expressed in emergency relief, protection of human rights, post-conflict development, resettlement assistance, and advocacy. (Health, Housing and Shelter, Nourishment, Poverty)
www.theirc.org, 212-551-3000.
Jewish Big Sisters is a program that has volunteers assisting Jewish girls ages 9-18 with special social needs. (Children, Recreation)
www.jewishbigsisters.org, 773-764-4759.
Jewish Child & Family Services offers an array of therapeutic, educational and preventative programs for every generation. They foster personal growth and dignity in individuals, couples and families. (Children, Community Resources, Families, Health, Housing and Shelter, Jewish Community in Chicago, People with Special Needs)
www.jcfs.org, 312-357-4800.
The mission of the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs is to combat poverty, racism and anti-Semitism in partnership with Chicago's diverse communities. Guided by prophetic Jewish principles, JCUA pursues social and economic justice for Chicago's most vulnerable neighborhoods by promoting a vision of empowering communities from within. (Jewish Community in Chicago, Poverty)
www.jcua.org, 312-663-0960.
The Jewish Funds for Justice is a national public foundation guided by Jewish history and tradition. JFSJ helps people in the United States achieve social and economic security and opportunity by investing in healthy neighborhoods, vibrant Jewish communities, and skillful leaders.
www.jewishjustice.org, 212-213-2113.
Jewish National Fund (JNF)'s work is divided into seven areas: water, security, education, research and development, forestry and ecology, tourism and recreation, community development and heritage preservation. (Environment, Israel and Other Jewish Communities Abroad)
www.jnf.org, 847-656-8880.
JUF TOV: The Tikkun Olam Volunteer (TOV) Network is JUF's connection point for people who want to donate their time to help others in need. In accordance with tikkun olam, the Jewish concept of repairing the world one good deed at a time, TOV places members of the Jewish community with Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation affiliated agencies and with community service projects that need volunteers. (Other)
www.juf.org/tov, 312-357-4762.
JUF Uptown Café is Chicago's first kosher anti-huger program for the needy. In addition to providing hot meals in a restaurant-style setting the program brings dignity and hope to people in need. (Nourishment)
www.juf.org/tov/uptown_cafe.aspx, 773-275-0866.
Jewish Women International (JWI) supports the safety of women and girls; they aim to find and heal victims of abuse and break the cycle of violence in Jewish relationships and homes. (Children, Domestic Violence, Women)
www.jwi.org, 847-373-3535.
Kehillat YOZMA, affiliated with the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (IMPJ), is a young and vibrant Reform community in Israel's newest city of Modi'in. In developing and living a model of Reform Jewish life in Israel, Kehillat YOZMA embraces a three pronged approach to community by offering religious services, formal educational programs, and informal activities. (Israel and Other Jewish Communities Abroad)
yozma.org.il/eng.
Keshet provides educational, recreational and vocational programs for children and young adults with special needs. (Arts, Children, the Jewish Community in Chicago, People with Special Needs, Recreation, Sports)
www.keshet.org, 847-205-1234.
Kids Can Free the Children: To help free children from poverty and exploitation, Free The Children implements four specific Education for All Children programs that help children reach their potential: education, alternative income, health care, water and sanitation and peace building. (Children, Health, Poverty)
www.freethechildren.com, 416-925-5894.
Lake County Forest Preserves strive to preserve a dynamic and unique system of diverse natural and cultural resources, and to develop innovative education, recreation and cultural opportunities of regional value, while exercising environmental and fiscal responsibility. Every weekend volunteers are needed for land management, brush cleaning, seed collection and planting, weed control, tree planting and other projects. (Environment)
www.lcfpd.org, 847-968-3329.
The Leo Baeck Education Center is one of Israel's premier institutions of progressive Jewish education. Rooted in the Jewish tradition of social action, Leo Baeck offers a unique blend of formal education and community outreach. (Israel and Other Jewish Communities Abroad)
www.leobaeck.org.il.
Lifeline for the Old (Yad LaKashish) offers the needy elderly and disabled of Jerusalem the opportunity to remain an integral part of society. This is a wonderful place to purchase gifts when you are in Israel (also available in the Sisterhood Gift Shop) (Elderly, Israel and Other Jewish Communities Abroad, People with Special Needs)
www.lifeline.org.il/.
Locks of Love provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. (Children, Health)
www.locksoflove.org, 561-963-1677.
LUNGevity Foundation is dedicated to funding lung cancer research and providing support to the lung cancer community. (Health)
www.lungevity.org, 773-281-5864.
Magen David Adom (MDA) and its team of trained volunteer and professional medical responders provides the entire nation of Israel's pre-hospital emergency medical needs, including disaster, ambulance and blood services. (Health, Israel and other Jewish Communities Abroad)
www.afmda.org, 847-509-9802.
Make-A-Wish Foundation The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. With the help of generous donors and nearly 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 40 minutes and has granted more than 164,000 wishes in the U.S. since inception. (Children, Families, Health, People with Special Needs)
www.wish.org.
Maot Chitim of Greater Chicago is a year-round volunteer effort searching for the best and most reasonably priced Kosher products, organizing an army of volunteers, setting up a warehouse, locating recipients through the ARK and other social service agencies, packing the products, coordinating an orderly delivery system, delivering the packages and finally closing up and beginning the plans for the next holiday. Products are packed and delivered at Pesach and Rosh Hashana. (The Jewish Community in Chicago, Nourishment)
www.maotchitim.org, 847-674-3224.
MAZON allocates donations from the Jewish community to prevent and alleviate hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds. MAZON funds emergency food providers, food banks, multi-service organizations and advocacy groups both in this country and abroad. (Nourishment)
www.mazon.org, 310-442-0020.
NA'AMAT, Hebrew acronym for "Movement of Working Women and Volunteers," is an organization & a movement striving to enhance the quality of life for women, children and families in Israel, the U.S. and around the world. NA'AMAT women act locally, nationally and globally in 11 countries (10 sister countries in addition to Israel). We are united in belief and in action around issues ranging from religious pluralism to an improvement in the status of women at home and in the workplace, from child well-being to peace in the Middle East, from the ability of single parents and new immigrants to build a life for themselves to the end of domestic violence. (Children, Israel and other Jewish Communities Abroad, The Jewish Community in Chicago, Women)
www.naamat.org, 847-675-7275.
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) takes a progressive stance on issues such as child welfare, women's rights and reproductive freedom.
The Chicago North Shore Section makes an impact through an integrated program of education, community service and social action. (Children, the Jewish Community in Chicago, Women)
www.ncjwcns.org, 847-853-8889.
The Night Ministry serves homeless and runaway youth, working poor adults, uninsured and underinsured individuals seeking medical assistance, children who are unsupervised and need a place to gather in safety, and others who have "fallen through the cracks" of our social service systems. Their core programs are: Youth Services, Outreach and Health Ministry, and Youth Shelter Network. (Housing and Shelter, Youth)
www.thenightministry.org, 773-784-9000.
North American Conference on Ethiopian Jewry (NACOEJ) was founded with four mandates: to help Ethiopian Jews survive in Ethiopia, to assist them in reaching Israel, to aid in their absorption in Israel and to help preserve their unique and ancient culture. (Israel and Other Jewish Communities Abroad)
www.nacoej.org, 212-233-5200.
The Northfield Township Food Pantry was started in an effort to help Township residents who for various reasons have found it difficult to provide enough food for themselves and their families. The Food Pantry is sustained entirely by local individuals, community organizations, schools and churches who generously donate canned food, food certificates and/or funds. (Families, Nourishment)
www.twp.northfield.il.us/, 847-724-8300.
OneFamily Fund provides direct financial, legal and emotional assistance to victims of terrorism in Israel. (Israel and other Jewish Communities Abroad)
www.onefamilyfund.org, 866-913-2645.
Operation Hero Miles allows people to donate their frequent flyer miles to provide our military troops to fly home on leave and for family members to visit their wounded service men and women. (Families, Other)
www.heromiles.org.
PADS of Lake County (Public Action to Deliver Shelter and Supportive Services) provides emergency shelter, permanent housing, and supportive services to men, women and children experiencing homelessness. (Adults, Community Resource Center, Housing and Shelter, Nourishment)
www.pads-crisis-services.org, 847-689-4357.
Palliative Care Center and Hospice Center of the North Shore promotes independence, wellness, comfort and quality of life for the chronically and seriously ill, aging and dying in our region through the delivery of a compassionate, medically excellent continuum of palliative and hospice care, home health and supportive services. (Elderly, Health)
www.carecenter.org, 847-467-7423.
Project Baseball. JNF has partnered with the Israel Baseball League to dot Israel's landscape with community baseball fields and provide a place for every Israeli to enjoy the sport. (Health, Israel and Jewish Communities abroad)
www.jnf.org/baseball.
Project Hamotzi, at Beth Emet Synagogue, is a broad-based initiative to combat hunger and poverty. Project Hamotzi tackles both local and global issues related to hunger. Project Hamotzi activities include a weekly soup kitchen at the synagogue, an annual High Holy Day food drive, a food stamp application program, a Council of Jewish Elderly Shabbat lunch, and the Interfaith CROP Walk Against Hunger, as well as educational workshops and advocacy programs. (Nourishment, Poverty)
www.bethemet.org, 847-869-4230.
Project Linus supplies hand made security blankets to comfort children who are critically ill, traumatized or otherwise in need. Additionally, it provides rewarding volunteer opportunities for community service groups, as well as school and scouting groups for the benefit of children. (Children, Health)
www.orgsites.com/il/projectlinuschicago, 847-498-3959.
The Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism (The RAC) educates and mobilizes the American Jewish community on legislative and social concerns, advocating on issues from economic justice to civil rights to religious liberty to Israel.
www.rac.org, 202-387-2800.
Response Center's mission is to support adolescents and their families in the Jewish and general community by providing prevention, outreach, counseling and medical services in a teen friendly environment which empowers them to make healthy life choices. (Health, Youth)
www.responsecenter.info/, 847-676-0078.
REST (Residents for Effective Shelter Transitions) works collaboratively to provide safe, quality, permanent and emergency housing options and supportive social services to adult men and women who are homeless in Chicago. REST assists these individuals to develop their employment and life skills to achieve the transition to independent living. (Adults, Community Resource Center, Housing and Shelter, Nourishment)
www.restweb.org, 773-784-0909.
Ronald McDonald House provides a comfortable, supportive alternative. It serves as a temporary respite, near the medical facility, where family members can sleep, eat, relax and find support from other families. (Children, Health, Housing and Shelter, Nourishment)
www.restweb.org, 773-784-0909.
Sarah's Circle offers daytime supportive services in the Uptown area of Chicago. It is a welcoming, safe refuge for women who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless. We work toward ending homelessness by providing options, services and advocacy, meeting the needs of the women who come through our doors. (Nourishment, Community Resource Center, Women)
www.sarahs-circle.org, 773-728-1991.
Save-A-Pet is a no-kill shelter dedicated to finding loving, quality homes for each cat and dog in its care. Pets are sheltered indefinitely. The shelter strives to create an environment which enhances both awareness of and support for the humane treatment of animals. (Animals)
www.1-800-save-a-pet.com, 800-728-3273.
Save A Torah rescues, restores and resettles Torah scrolls hidden, lost or stolen during the Holocaust and resettles each Torah where it can enrich the prayer and educational experiences of the community and serve as a continuing reminder of the community in which the Torah was originally used. Emerging Jewish communities in Boston and Maryland, resurging Jewish community centers in Japan, South America, Russia and the Ukraine, growing Jewish communities such as Afula and Beit Shemesh, Israel, and a recovering congregation in New Orleans, in addition to many others, are all Save a Torah communities. (Holocaust, Israel and other Jewish Communities abroad)
www.saveatorah.org.
Shalva provides services to help victims and survivors of domestic abuse in the Jewish community. Free, confidential clinical services include: 24-hour help line, individual and group counseling, legal information, referral services and court support, rabbinical. (Domestic Violence, Women)
773-583-4673.
Shifra and Puah: is dedicated to strengthening the Jewish family by providing services after the birth of a baby. Shifra and Puah provides meals, clothing, baby furniture, equipment and financial assistance to Orthodox families in need. (Children, Israel)
shifraandpuah.com.
Simon Wiesenthal Center is an international Jewish human rights organization dedicated to repairing the world one step at a time. The Center's multifaceted mission generates changes through the Snider Social Action Institute and education by confronting anti-Semitism, hate and terrorism, promoting human rights and dignity, standing with Israel, defending the safety of Jews worldwide, and teaching the lessons of the Holocaust for future generations. The Museum of Tolerance, the Center's educational arm, was founded in 1993 and challenges visitors to confront bigotry and racism, and to understand the Holocaust in both historic and contemporary contexts. (Holocaust)
www.wiesenthal.com.
Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) is Israel's oldest and largest environmental organization. SPNI leads the public and decision-makers in the search for environmentally sustainable and economically sound ways to promote growth while protecting Israel's unique environmental heritage. (Environment, Israel and other Jewish Communities abroad)
www.aspni.org.
Soles 4 Soul's mission is to impact as many lives as possible with the gift of shoes.(Adults, Children, Poverty)
www.soles4souls.org, 866-521-7463.
Special Olympics is an international organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Special Olympics offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round training and competition in 30 Olympic-type summer and winter sports. (Children, People with Special needs, Sports)
www.soill-org.secure05.anaxanet.com/index.php, 847-478-0935.
Terezin Chamber Music Foundation (TCMF) is dedicated to preserving and advancing the resilience of the human spirit as expressed in and inspired by the music and art created in the Terezin concentration camp. TCMF sponsors the commission of chamber music compositions by emerging composers. (Holocaust, Music)
www.terezinmusic.org.
URJ Funds
- Israel Emergency Fund: The Reform community has a long history of supporting Israel; especially during times of crisis.
- Union Camps: Your contribution helps provide a unique environment where young people are inspired to joyfully explore and experience their Jewish identity. You have the option of making a donation to either a scholarship or capital improvement fund.
- Fund for Reform Judaism: The Fund for Reform Judaism provides funding for much of the Union 's creative programming and helps insure the continued growth and strength of the Reform Movement. Donations to FRJ provide close to 10 percent of the Union's operating budget and support many activities, including: URJ's 12 resident camps, The North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY), Outreach and Jewish Family Concerns, Lifelong Jewish Learning and Ten Minutes of Torah and The Religious Action Center (RAC)
- Reform Jewish Appeal: Proceeds from The Reform Jewish Appeal are split among the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, the Union for Reform Judaism and the World Union for Progressive Judaism.
- Disaster Relief Fund: The Union will forward the entire amount of your donation, less any fee charged to us by your credit card company, to appropriate relief agencies.
urj.org/give/, 212-650-4000.
United Power for Action and Justice represents an attempt by thousands of leaders within diverse communities to reverse generations of division and decline in the Chicago metropolitan area. United Power provides training and development opportunities for the current and emerging generation of leaders in the region. The organization seeks to build power systematically and wield power effectively. This power - the ability to act - enables the member institutions of United Power and the organization as a whole to operate with more impact and success with other power figures and power institutions in the private and public sectors.
(Advocacy, Children, Health, Housing and Shelter)
www.united-power.org.
West Deerfield Township operates a year-round food pantry for needy residents. The Township also coordinates a Holiday Wish program that matches the special "wishes" and needs of less fortunate residents with the generosity of anonymous individuals, business office groups, and religious organizations during December. Volunteers are encouraged to conduct food drives, and to collect or donate non-perishable food, household and personal ítems. (Families, Nourishment)
www.westdeerfieldtownship.org/community_services.htm , 847-945-0614.
WINGS (Women in Need growing Stronger) helps homeless and abused women and children by offering integrated services that meet their needs for shelter, education, guidance and support. We provide safe, secure living environments, through transitional housing and emergency shelter, in residential neighborhoods that allow women to go to school, work, and care for themselves and their children. (Children, Domestic Violence, Housing and Shelter, Women)
www.wingsprogram.com, 847-577-4668.
Women's Residential Services (WRS) is a residential treatment program for chemically dependent women and their children. Mothers and children live together and receive treatment jointly for the family disease of chemical dependency. Individualized treatment focuses on two main areas: developing a chemical-free lifestyle and improving parenting skills. (Children, Housing and Shelter, Women)
www.co.lake.il.us/health/bhs/SubstanceAbuse/wrs.asp, 847-377-7950.
The World Union For Progressive Judaism is the international umbrella organization of the Reform, Liberal, Progressive and Reconstructionist movements, serving 1,200 congregations with 1.7 million members in 42 countries. The World Union strengthens Jewish life in Israel and worldwide by establishing and supporting modern, pluralistic congregations and institutions, developing Jewish communal and youth leadership and advancing social justice. (Israel and other Jewish Communities abroad)
www.wupj.org/, 212-452-6530.
Yad Sarah, the largest voluntary organization in Israel, provides a spectrum of free or nominal cost services designed to make life easier for sick, disabled and elderly people and their families. (Elderly, Health, Israel and other Jewish Communities Abroad, People with Special Needs)
www.yadsarah.org, 212-223-7758.
Youth Services of Glenview and Northbrook serves young people by promoting positive mental health and by aiming at prevention and/or intervention in all types of environmental stress and juvenile delinquency. (Youth)
www.youthservices-gn.org, 847-724-2620.
Zihui Korbanot Ason. (ZAKA): ZAKA is a humanitarian voluntary organization, coordinating nearly 1000 volunteers responding to tragic incidents in Israel.
ZAKA has emerged as the dominant rescue, life-saving and recovery non-governmental organization in Israel, working alongside law enforcement and emergency personnel in responding to incidents of terrorism, accidents or disasters. (Israel and Other Jewish Communities Abroad)
www.zaka.org.uk/.
The Ziv Tzedakah Fund is about Mitzvahs - fixing up the world with whatever talents and resources we have as individuals. The Ziv Tzedakah Fund provides money and support for individuals and programs that offer direct, significant, and immediate services with a minimum of overhead and bureaucracy. Ziv is also involved in bringing the educational message of Tzedakah to communities and Jewish schools throughout the United States, Canada and Israel. (Animals, Arts, Children, Domestic Violence, Elderly, The Environment, Health, Housing and Shelter, Israel and other Jewish Communities Abroad, The Jewish Community in Chicago, Nourishment, People with Special Needs, Sports, Women)
www.ziv.org, 973-763-9396.
