Dollars at Work in the Community

The Foundation and its many partners—including donors and grantees—have made a difference in the community in many ways over the years.  Here are highlights of grants awarded in 2009.

Pet Therapy – The Pet Therapy Program continues to be one the most popular programs at Hebrew Home and Hospital. After proper training, volunteers bring their dogs to visit residents and provide them with the warmth and comfort of a furry friend. Pet therapy has proven extremely beneficial to patients in long-term and hospice care settings. With a grant from the Jewish Community Foundation, the program has also expanded to allow for the same therapy dog on site every day in addition to the volunteer pets, an Annual Dog appreciation Day and assistance from the Connecticut Humane Society to insure dog visits on a regular basis. Hebrew Home and Hospital

Large Print Library Books – Many of the residents of Federation Homes are avid readers, but because they are visually impaired, they struggle or are unable to read regular print. Although the Federation Homes library has a large collection of books including mysteries, fiction, non-fiction, and biographies, the residents cannot take full advantage of these donated books. A grant from the Jewish Community Foundation enabled Federation Homes to purchase new large print books from classics to current best sellers.  In addition, newspaper and magazine subscriptions were purchased which enable residents to stay abreast of current events and are often used to help spark conversation during regularly scheduled discussion groups. Federation Homes

Warm Homes – The goal of WIZO is to respond to the challenges that arise in Israeli society, through every stage of life, in order to secure a better society for all. The Warm Homes project is designed for 14-18 year old girls who are suffering from emotional neglect and a damaged self image, and who are liable to fall into delinquency. The girls come to the warm homes where they receive a hot meal, therapy, emotional support, and educational and social support. A grant from the Jewish Community Foundation helped improve the services and conditions of 30 such homes around Israel. Women’s International Zionist Organization (WIZO)

Teen Mitzvah Day – Held at Hartford’s McDonough Elementary School, this wonderful day paired close to 100 local area teens who wanted to make a difference with a school that needed some help.  Participants spent the day repainting playground equipment and the school sign, planting a garden that will be cared for by the students, organizing the faculty resource room and lounge and creating a beautiful mural and banners with inspiring quotes. In addition, over 450 backpacks stuffed with thousands of pencils, crayons, markers, notebooks and other school supplies were filled and distributed to the student body. Commission on Jewish Education and leadership

Jewish Employment Transitions Program (JETS) - With unemployment in Connecticut reaching its highest level years, Jewish Family Services, the Mandell JCC, the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, synagogues and volunteers joined forces to help members of the community facing job losses and economic uncertainty. JETS provides job search services, networking opportunities and community resources and support to preserve sound emotional and financial health during the current financial crisis.  JETS is also offering a series of free workshops for job seekers, a job board, and services to help those in employment crisis. Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford

God? BIG questions??...BIGGER questions? – Why God? A diverse panel of experts led a provocative and enlightening journey exploring the role of God in people's lives and the common language we have used across all cultures and time to make sense of the mysteries of life. Nationally renowned speakers for this event included Rabbi Harold Kushner, Christopher Hitchens, Rev. Peter Gomes and Connie Schultz. Connecticut Forum

Alternative Spring Break – Seven students from Trinity College participated in the Alternative Spring Break program in Buenos Aires, Argentina during March, 2009.  This tzedek trip focused on learning about the history and culture of Argentinean Jewry, and involved hands-on work in the community.  The Trinity group painted the interior of a Jewish community center and worked in a shanty town where they interacted with Argentineans living in desperate poverty.  Lectures, Shabbat services and Jewish learning rounded out the experience for the group – as well as a night of salsa dancing!  This trip marked the first time that Trinity College Hillel has sponsored an alternative spring break.  The success of this program has led to further plans to run a similar tzedek trip next year to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Trinity College Hillel

For a more comprehensive listing of projects funded through the Foundation, click here.