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About Us
Formerly known as the Jewish Federation of Durham-Chapel Hill, Jewish for Good is a 501(c)(3) located at the Levin JCC, which serves Durham, Orange, Chatham, and Alamance Counties.
Vision
To be the catalyst that inspires our community to live the Jewish lives they desire for generations to come.
Mission
We serve as a vibrant hub where everyone belongs, nourishing the roots of local Jewish life. We provide engaging opportunities that deepen Jewish connections, knowledge, and relations to Israel; services for helping those in need; programs that foster healthy living; and pathways for charitable giving.
Values
We are guided by the belief that building a strong community is critical for the future of the Jewish people. Our values, rooted in Jewish teachings, inform our work.
We are:
Inclusive: We honor and welcome different identities, valuing the inherent worth of every person.
Nurturing: We ensure that the individual and the collective grows and flourishes, by making sure everyone feels seen and supported.
Stewards: We are responsible for our resources, values, reputation, and relationships. We’re a convening place for voices when needed, and are broad-minded in scope.
Vibrant: We employ a can-do attitude, bringing a positive force to all we do and by leading with optimism. This approach keeps us relevant.
Collaborative: We seek and value opportunities to work with community partners (both Jewish and beyond; and both locally and abroad) to intentionally integrate throughout the Triangle and influence the perception of our organization and Jewish community.
Driven: We strive to leave the world a better place, through acts of tzedakah (justice and charity).
We are here for good.
With all that you help us do for our community both here and abroad, our organization seems complex, but our mission is really very simple and our calling clearer than ever: do good.
WE EMPOWER GIVING
Our Giving Department empowers donors at all levels to know that their gifts are put to the most efficient and impactful use, delivering more bang for their buck.
WE INSPIRE LIVING
Our Living Department creates programs that are crafted with the whole person in mind, inclusive of all ages and abilities, from physical fitness to intellectual growth to mental wellness to community belonging.
WE PROVIDE HELPING
Our Helping Department offers a food pantry, support groups, memory programs, and so much more. We provide services to hundreds of people across three counties, in person, over the phone, and online.
Our history: From humble beginnings to a vibrant Jewish home for the community.
“An idea in a living room
Ever since a small group hatched the idea in Gladys Siegel’s living room, Jewish for Good was established and has been all about ‘doing good.’ ”
“To raise money for Israel
Back then, in the 60’s and 70’s, ‘doing good’ meant raising money for the United Jewish Appeal to aid Israel and support other national causes related to world Jewry. ”
“To help those in need
In the 80’s, we created Jewish Family Services, now known as Helping for Good, to support our neighbors in need by providing counseling and other services. During this era we also established a Community Relations Council to foster deeper interfaith relations and advocate for local Jewish issues. ”
“To foster community
In the ‘90s, while still widely volunteer-supported, we hired our first part-time Executive Director. We expanded our giving to include local organizations. We established the Jewish Community Foundation and launched various programs for children and seniors. People could learn all about the things we were doing through our newsletter, The Menorah. ”
“To our new home
New core programs and services were established utilizing our beautiful space such as the Israel Center, Health & Wellness Center, Aquatics Center, and Food Pantry, creating something for everyone! ”
“Today
With the new name, to encompass who we are and what we do, we changed our name to Jewish for Good. ”
Contact us!
We would love to hear from you.