A first-of-its-kind volunteer project has been created for Jewish young adults in St. Louis. The “Karen Solomon Young Adult Service Initiative,” a project of Jewish Federation, is providing a $25,000 grant to recruit, market, and organize an ongoing service project to attract and involve young Jews. The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), Next Dor, Jewish Community Center (JCC) and Gateway 180 are working together on the initiative. Gateway 180 works to end homelessness in the City of St. Louis.
The volunteer project was a vision of philanthropist William (Bill) Solomon (University City), who wanted to create a lasting tribute to his late wife, Karen, a passionate volunteer. Working with Jewish Federation and Federation’s Jewish Community Foundation (JCF), Bill created an endowment to fund a program aimed at engaging the next generation in community service – within a Jewish context.
“I wanted to honor my late wife and involve my daughter, Wendy Solomon Huss (Creve Coeur), in Jewish charitable efforts. So, Federation staff and I came up with the idea of having a group of young Jewish adults volunteer at a non-Jewish agency in the city,” Bill said. Jewish Federation called on local organizations to collaborate and create a unique project. A panel including Bill and his daughter, Wendy, evaluated proposals and selected the winner.
JCRC believes this project provides young adults with a special chance to give back. “There are many volunteer opportunities in the St. Louis area, but we feel it is important to offer those same opportunities within the Jewish community,” said Batya Abramson-Goldstein, JCRC Executive Director.
Volunteer activities at Gateway 180’s shelter for homeless women and children may include playing board games, reading bedtime stories, crafting or cooking. The goal is to provide a sense of normalcy, stability and understanding to the families in the shelter.
Next Dor, an organization for Jewish young adults, will recruit at least 100 volunteers. JCRC will organize volunteer programs, and the JCC’s Rabbi Brad Horwitz will lead the Jewish learning component.
Gateway 180 Resource Development Director Jen Lyke says, “Family homelessness is on the rise. People are always surprised to learn the average age of a homeless person in St. Louis is 7-10 years old.”
Next Dor Program Manager Eli Temkin is excited for the project. “Young adults are drawn to community service. We want to take that and deepen their experiences and connections. It’s powerful to provide these opportunities in a Jewish context.”
Gateway 180 Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Martin Rafanan, is confident this new collaboration will help. “When you bring this level of attention to an issue, you see results. Working together… we can end homelessness for every family in this community.”
Jewish Federation of St. Louis is the Jewish community’s central philanthropic, planning and community-building organization. Founded in 1901, it is one of the region’s most respected and effective nonprofit organizations. Federation is committed to the ongoing development and enhancement of a thriving Jewish community through a family of more than 50 local, national and international agencies, programs, services and innovative projects. Federation’s annual Community Campaign and ongoing Planned Giving opportunities raise funds necessary to provide services to engage both young families with children and young adults, support Jewish learning, educate and advocate for a strong Israel and safe Jewish world, and provide a safety net for vulnerable Jews. Jewish Federation is a proud member of the United Way.