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The San Diego-based organization providing essential resources to the Jewish community
Who holds the hands of the 10,000 Jews living below the poverty line in San Diego? Kindness Initiative is dedicated exclusively to supporting San Diego’s Jewish community through times of crisis and hardship. The organization provides not only essential resources but also personalized, one-on-one support for Jewish families and members.
An incredible team, devoted volunteers, and generous donors each play a vital role in transforming lives, offering real, viable, and self-sustaining second chances. Kindness Initiative doesn’t just provide assistance—the organization restores dignity, empowers self-sufficiency, and upholds the highest standards of confidentiality. With care and compassion, Kindness is changing lives.
A Lifeline of Support
Kindness Initiative was founded on a simple yet profound belief: no one in the Jewish community should face their struggles alone. Financial insecurity does not discriminate, and neither does Kindness Initiative. The organization’s compassionate case management team works closely with each family and individual to set personalized goals and craft actionable plans to create a sustainable future. With a team made up of staff, volunteers, and community members, the organization uplifts those in need with empathy, kindness, and unwavering support.
Consider Sarah*—a single mother of two who was on the brink of eviction after losing her job. When she reached out to Kindness Initiative, she discovered not only immediate financial assistance but also a robust support network. Through the kindnessWORKS program, Sarah secured stable employment, and with the help of kindnessG’MACH, she furnished her new apartment. Today, Sarah stands confident and stable, a testament to the power of community support.
kindnessG’MACH: A Center of Hope
“At kindnessG’MACH, every act of giving reflects our deep commitment to uplift and care for our Jewish community,” says Executive Director Keren-Dee Hamui.
The distribution warehouse is more than a storage facility—it’s a welcoming home for every essential item a family might need, from furniture and clothing to household goods and toiletries. Under the warm guidance of Director Karen Lock, kindnessG’MACH volunteers open every Monday and Thursday to receive goods and donations. On other days, the warehouse is operated on a by-appointment basis, ensuring personalized support for every visitor.
Every act of kindness—whether it’s selecting an item from the group’s Amazon wish lists, sponsoring a section of the warehouse, organizing a B’nai Mitzvah project, providing gas and food vouchers, donating volunteer hours, or serving on a committee—is crucial to their mission. Each gesture embodies the Kindness Initiative’s purpose: to extend heartfelt support that touches lives in ways no other organization in San Diego can.
Breaking Barriers, Building Stability
Comprehensive case management services, delivered by professional social workers guide community members through financial challenges toward long-term stability. Programs like kindnessWORKS for job coaching and kindnessCOUNTS for financial counseling, along with budgeting and personal finance courses, empower individuals to take control of their future.
For instance, Allison*—an elderly woman on a fixed income—found herself isolated and struggling to meet basic needs. Kindness Initiative provided food vouchers, warm clothing, and transportation, reconnecting Allison with a community that cares. Today, she is no longer alone; she is supported, connected, and valued.
Transforming Lives Through Community & Volunteers
Volunteer with Kindness Initiave and find a meaningful purpose within the Jewish community in ways that will directly touch your heart. Dedicated volunteers, affectionately known as Angels, provide emotional comfort, assist with essential paperwork, and, most importantly, offer friendship.
“We are particularly proud of our work with individuals transitioning out of homelessness, offering not just material support but a sense of community and belonging,” Hamui says.
One inspiring story features Jacob*, who, with help from kindnessG’MACH, furnished his first apartment after years on the streets. Jacob secured employment through kindnessWORKS and regained confidence and independence, illustrating the transformative power of community support.
Join Kindness Initiative: Bigger. Brighter. Better.
Kindness Initiative is excited to announce the grand opening of a new distribution center on April 6—a milestone that marks the continued growth and the strength of the community’s support. This new facility will enable Kindness to streamline operations, expand services, and provide even more robust assistance to those in need. The grand opening celebration will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a mezuzot hanging, and tours of the facility. It’s a day to celebrate kindness, community, and recognize donors and volunteers.
“Together, we can hold the hands of those in need and create a thriving future for every member of our Jewish community,” Hamui says.
To learn more about Kindness Initiative, visit www.kindnessSD.org or contact info@kindnessSD.org.
*All names have been changed to protect members’ confidentiality.
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