Join with other congregants from Congregation Or Ami to build subsidized homes for working poor families. This is not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and monthly payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor. No experience is necessary, just a desire to help and learn. We are working currently on a project in Thousand Oaks. Please contact Shari Gillis (sharigillis@aol.com) for more information.

Or Ami is sponsoring two energetic social workers from the Department of Children and Family Services of Los Angeles County, and thier caseloads of abused and neglected children. Congregants sponsor one of these children, sending birthday cards and/or gifts, holiday gifts, treats throughout the year, and school supplies. Choose to participate in any one of several events that honor and support these children. Contact: Debi Echt-Moctness/Janna Chambers to help sponsor a child. Contact Kim Gubner (kgubner007@gmail.com) to participate in one of the special events.

Help feed the hungry. Volunteers are needed every day at SOVA’s Valley warehouse to stack donations of canned goods and to prepare grocery bags for distribution to those who need food. Contact Vadim Parizher (vxp@yahoo.com) for ways you can help.

In our own backyards there are families who have nowhere to sleep tonight and nothing to eat. Join other congregants as we prepare and serve meals to many others just like us. For more information contact Fariba Cooper (fcpassion@aol.com).

The able-bodied youth of our synagogue join with children who have special needs for a fun day of playing, snacking and doing arts/crafts at a local park designed for Special Needs Kids. It is an opportunity to dispel myths about the “disabled” and to discover the unique ability that each of us possesses. Please join us. Contact Helayne Sharon (hbsakatee@sbcglobal.net).

A non-profit animal rescue farm that teaches kindness and compassion, by bringing children together with rescued animals. The Gentle Barn hosts groups of abused/neglected children, inner city kids, and children from mental health care facilities. Groups visit the animals monthly, providing care, grooming and other much needed attention. Participate in an Or Ami visiting day or help sponsor group visits. Contact: Marina Mann (careeraltr@aol.com).

A one-to-one volunteer literacy program created by the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Committee to address the problem of literacy among elementary school children. Volunteers attend a 3-hour training session, and thereafter spend an hour once a week reading with an elementary school child in a local elementary school. Contact Paul Goldin (paulteach@roadrunner.com) if interested.

Abducted at night from their homes, thousands of children are forced to take part in the violent and disfiguring actions of a rebel army in Africa. Children as young as 5 yrs carry guns, having had their childhoods stolen from them; these are the “invisible children.” We can assist to end this gruesome practice and to reintegrate these children into family and school. Contact Laurie Tragen-Boykoff (ltblcsw@aol.com) if you would like to help.

JWW is a collaboration of synagogues and other community groups who work to raise awareness and funds to fight genocide wherever it exists. Currently JWW focuses its efforts on providing advocacy and refuge in Darfur, Sudan and in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Congregation Or Ami participates in the annual walk to raise awareness and funds, as well as other projects. For more information, contact Lisa Richman (larichmen@aol.com) or Laurie Tragen-Boykoff (ltblcsw@aol.com).

Yearly we participate in a special shoe drive for indigent children at a local elementary school. The shoes that our congregants provide may be the first new and appropriate fitting pair that many of these children have ever received. Please contact Melinda Pittler (kmzpitt@aol.com).