Orli Pinsberg feels strongly about the tenet of Tikkum Olam, repairing the world, so she engages in it by volunteering through the Karen Solomon Young Adult Service Initiative, a project of Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Participants in this collaboration of the Jewish Community Relations Council, the Jewish Community Center and Next Dor connect their volunteerism with their Jewish faith by helping at Gateway 180: Homelessness Reversed, an emergency shelter in the city of St. Louis with a mission to provide a safe, nurturing environment and get families into homes in less than 30 days. Monthly service activities vary based on needs and include reading bedtime stories to children, helping with the playground, and preparing and serving meals.
In its first year, this opportunity for young adults to mold their Jewish values with issues and service had more than 90 volunteers participate in one or more community service opportunities benefiting Gateway 180. Twenty-seven percent of those volunteering the first year came back to volunteer again. In addition, 48 percent of the volunteers are not affiliated with a congregation, and 27 percent are not affiliated with any Jewish organization.
Please note that the Karen Solomon Young Adult Service Initiative ended in December 2013
I am interested in speaking with the Federation staff person who has oversight of the Karen Solomon Young Adult Service Initiative.