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Emily LitwinIn August, Emily Litwin arrived in Chicago ready to fight poverty.

Emily is working at the Chicago Women's Health Center (CWHC), a collective of counselors, health educators and doctors who provide affordable and sensitive care. Asked about her work, she reflects: "CWHC began as a grassroots group of women trying to fill a void in the health care system and is now an institution in Chicago. Learning the history of the health center has been inspiring, and being afforded the opportunity to become a part of this history is a real privilege."

Zachary Elkin
In August, Zachary Elkin arrived in Washington, DC ready to change lives.

Zachary is a big believer in helping young people find their own avenues to success. He is working at DC SCORES, an organization that empowers students in urban communities using creative writing, soccer, and service-learning in an after-school setting.
 
Read Zach's entry on the DC SCORES blog about what it's like to be a third grade soccer coach.
Jordan Aiken
In August, Jordan Aiken arrived in New Orleans ready to make a difference.

Jordan began working with women and children while in college. This year she is bringing her experience to the New Orleans Women's Shelter, where she is helping homeless women prepare for and find living wage jobs. Her supervisor reports, "Jordan's work at the shelter has proved to be very rewarding for the women and children we serve... I have received a huge number of positive reviews regarding her work and genuine attitude."
Laura Herron
In August, Laura Herron arrived in New York City ready to build community.

About AVODAH's communal living component she writes: "I love living in the house with 18 other people committed to working for social justice and building intentional community. AVODAH attracts participants who have enough of the same values to share a common vision for a better world, but enough individuality to have meaningful conversations about what that world should look like." Laura works at the Jewish Board of Family and Children's Service's Thomas Askin Alternative High School, which operates as both a high school and an outpatient mental health clinic for adolescents with behavioral issues.
For a complete listing of this year's 66 Corps members click here.
Join us for Inside the Activist's Studio in NYC

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The AVODAH/AJWS Partnership's Inside the Activists' Studio will be held on Sunday, December 6th at Congregation Beth Elohim in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Inside the Activists' Studio is bringing together an impressive roster of panelists and workshop presenters this year, including:

  • Adam Baruchowitz, founder of Wearable Collections, which provides a no-cost solution to recycling clothing for people around the world
  • Alan Lungen, a pro bono attorney whose volunteer efforts helped reunite a Darfuri family in Brooklyn
  • Avi Rosenthalis, AVODAH alum and active member organizer with Jews for Racial and Economic Justice
  • Rabbi Alissa Wise, AVODAH alum and Program Director at Ma'yan
To learn more and register click here. Inside the Activists' Studio will be held in Washington, DC and San Francisco in 2010.
Heeb Magazine: 100 Jews You Need to Know
(Three of them are from AVODAH!)

Heeb magazine just published its list of 100 Jews you need to know. Of the ten most important activists profiled, three are associated with AVODAH! On the list are Rachel Chertok, AVODAH's National Director of Alumni and Leadership Development; Rabbi Alissa Wise, New York Corps member from 2002-2003; and Rebecca Shaloff, DC Corps member from 2003-2004 and AVODAH  Board Member. It gives us great pride to have such a strong showing. Congratulations to all those listed.

Help Spread the Word!
Spend a year fighting poverty in New York, Chicago, New Orleans or Washington, DC through AVODAH: The Jewish Service Corps. Applications are now available online. Go to www.avodah.net/apply 
Alan Cohen and Robert Bank