With more than 750 minors under programs of Family Gateway, the 169 preschool children in Family Gateway's Long-Term Supportive Housing Program will benefit in the coming years through its new Montessori program and the HHH donations will provide school supplies and educational materials, classroom furniture and fixtures, teacher salaries and benefits as well as transportation costs to safely bring the children to school.

"Being Jewish, giving back is what we do, it's an essential part of who we are," said Michelle Friedstadt, who serves, with fellow Yavneh seniors Dalya Romaner and Adam Steinbrecher, as co-President of Helping Hands of the Homeless.  Shanee Abouzaglo and David Rudomin are the organization's Vice-Presidents.  "I joined Helping Hands for the Homeless as a freshman and I've grown even more passionate about the need, and the people we help, each year.  My desire to continue to serve my community will only continue to grow from my start with Helping Hands."

HHH was started in 2010 by Rachel Goodman '13 and Gabby Steinbrecher '12.  The organization's members have in the last four years also supported Genesis Women's Shelter, Jonathan's Place and numerous other agencies, with students serving meals, spending time with children and families, and donations now over $60,000.

"We are so impressed with the responsibility the Yavneh's students have for others and we are happy to support them," said Ceci Katz, who with Ruthy Henkin and their A Taste of the World, along with Benny's Bagels, Café Fino, Mon Ami, and Starbucks donated catering for the event. "We watch the alumni come back and they are leaders in their adult lives and it starts here.  Anything we can do to help them, we are happy to do."

The evening's program was focused on support and education.  The interactive program had stations arranged for packing backpacks, realizing what goes into the planning of a budget, exploring life in area zip codes, and learning about the difficulties resulting from the lack of a proper education.

"It's a mind blowing experience to meet, and to hear the vision of these students," said Cathy Packard, Development Director for Family Gateway.  "They work like the speed of light.  What they can do in one text, takes many adults 40 meetings, with less result!  The compassion and the depth of concern and activism is incredible."