The Beth Or Committee for Community Service engaged in a comprehensive search for a community service project where Beth Or members can make a difference to people in need.  We conducted site visits and phone interviews to find a project where there is "something for everyone" to do and where Beth Orians can share our skills, talents and good fortunes with others while establishing a visible presence and a reputation for practicing our spirituality beyond the temple walls.  

We chose the Chapman Partnership at Homestead, a large program that provides shelter to homeless men, women and children and endeavors to empower them to build a positive future by providing the resources and assistance needed for growth and independence.  (www.chapmanpartnership.org) We envision a long-term relationship between Beth Or and Chapman.  Here are just some of the ways we can get involved:

+ Providing enriching activities for the residents - especially the children during the summer.  
+ Mentoring/tutoring a child or adult
+ Assisting with food preparation, closet organizing, etc.
+ Organizing drives for needed items ( School Supply drive is starting on July 1st.  Please donate to the box in the Oneg room or send a cash donation to Adrienne Hochman who will shop for supplies for you.) 

Our first on-site activity will be for the children (about 40 of them) on the morning of Monday, June 23( 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM). We will provide arts and crafts and movement activities for the children.  We will bring refreshments and maybe organize a kickball game after the event.  If you would like to join the committee in this activity, please send me and Email and a scanned copy of your photo ID which is required by Chapman.  

The next children's activity will be on Saturday, July 19 from 1-3 PM. Volunteers will be needed for this and for food preparation and serving also on that day from 9:30 - 1 PM.  You can reserve a volunteer spot for this too by sending me an Email and your ID.

The volunteer possibilities are endless.Please think about what skills you would like to share with the many babies, children, men or women at Chapman and send us your ideas!

Andrea Loring 

and the Committee for Community Service