NRT is collecting new underwear and socks for Operation Breakthrough students, size 3 toddler-size 8 (youth medium).  This is a loving, safe and nurturing environment for children in poverty.  Their vision has always been for all children to have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

A container will be outside the front door, at NRT, for donations, August 18-27, 2023.

One-sixth of Americans do not have enough food to eat. People in our community do not have money, even with government support, to make it to the end of the month. Our support of the Jewish Family Service’s Food Pantry in Brookside is an effective way to address this need. Donations can be dropped-off at NRT during the week, at Shabbat services or during Religious School. Please, no perishables. If you have questions, please contact Donna Holmes at cholmes56@kc.rr.com

(JFS receives food 365 days a year. Please contact them at 816-333-1172 for their donation schedules.)

The New Reform Temple will bring together volunteers, of all ages, to lend their time and love in helping with various projects in the Kansas City community. This year we will have off-site and at-home activities, along with a donation drive that will help improve the lives of others.

For details & to sign up, click here!

Our off-site options are: Mitzvah Garden KC, Manheim Gardens, Village Shalom, Kansas City Hospice House, and Jewish Family Services Brookside Food Pantry. Deadline to sign up is August 23.

At home activity:  Bake Cookies for Firefighters. Bake your favorite cookies and put them in a small container or bag, with a thank you card for our wonderful helpers. Drop them off at your local Fire Station.

Donations in our community: Show You Care with Underwear and Socks for Operation Breakthrough! NRT is collecting new underwear and socks for Operation Breakthrough students, size 3 toddler-size 8 (youth medium). This is a loving, safe and nurturing environment for children in poverty. Their vision has always been for all children to have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. A container will be outside the front door, at NRT, for donations, August 18-27.

Questions? Contact Shelley Hedrick at sehedrick@gmail.com.

This innovative program provides academic tutoring support for students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. Tutors work with children online. They can select an age/grade level of a child with whom they would like to work in one of the following areas: homework, reading, math and general life skills.

Our Social Justice Committee and Program Committee have created a unique connection between The New Reform Temple and Operation Breakthrough. This organization’s mission is to provide a safe, loving, and educational environment for children in poverty and to empower their families through advocacy, emergency aid and education. Operation Breakthrough cares each weekday for more than 650 children, ages 6 weeks to 14 years.

Using technology has been incredibly beneficial in providing one on one tutoring to students. Instead of a student and tutor trying to share a computer or book or needing to sit together during the pandemic, both the tutor and student have a computer and headset to increase independence and efficiency. Tutors use Zoom to host a video call with the student over the computer. The sessions will run from 20 to 30 minutes. Training sessions are provided so the tutor understands the parameters and techniques of these tutorials. Technology support is also provided.

The following are comments by some of the current tutors:   

“Tutoring a young student through Operation Breakthrough has opened my eyes to both the great benefits our organization provides, and the tremendous needs in our community we still need to address.  I’ve also met several inspirational members of the New Reform Temple who dedicate a lot of their time to promoting progress in our community.” Daniel Owens

“Hi – I’ve enjoyed spending time with the kids and trying to help them.  It feels good generally to be helping people and the community in general, and occasionally there are moments of intense fulfillment when a kid “gets it” or when – regardless of the subject – you can tell you’re contributing to a kid’s well-being on a personal level.” Howard Barewin

“I do very much enjoy working with the kids. The experience is great and the kids are eager to learn and a joy to tutor.” Barry Kaseff

This is an incredible opportunity to impact the lives of young, at-risk children in our community and we can do it from our own homes. Digi-tutor can change the lives of young people who are need of special support!

Action plan:  Operation Breakthrough will provide an NRT volunteer with detailed instructions, then pair that volunteer with a student to provide virtual or in-person tutoring. Ongoing support will be available. If interested, contact Suzy Block at sablock1951@gmail.com or 913-236-7394 if you have questions.

Unity Southeast Church located at 3421 E. Meyer Blvd. KC, MO joins with community volunteers and Harvester’s to distribute perishable/non-perishable foods and household necessities to families who are less fortunate than ourselves.

Action Plan:  NRT members are invited to join in this very important initiative. From 1:30-4:00 p.m. on the 4th Friday of every month at Unity Southeast Church, volunteers will help unload, organize and give food and other necessities to many of KC’s at risk families. This is an opportunity to make our community a better and healthier place. If you have questions, please contact Andy Wolff at (913)-481-3738 or campandy@me.com.