Kindness Initiative 2024 Impact Report : simplebooklet.com

2from the Executive Director2024 has been a year of profound impact and growth for Kindness Initiative! It is because of you—our donors, volunteers, and dedicated sta—that we have been able to touch the lives of more than 950 Jewish families, many of whom were in crisis. Where doors seemed closed, Kindness Initiative provided a fresh new start, restored hope and opened a new door for a second chance. At Kindness Initiative, we believe in walking beside our members who are struggling. We hold their hands through the process, provide case managers for support, and empower them with the tools to build a sustainable future. I want you to truly understand the impact you have made. Because of your generosity, Jewish San Diegans have been able to keep their homes, their cars, their electricity on—and, most importantly, their sense of dignity and self-worth. So, what does Kindness Initiative do? We take responsibility for our Jewish community, ensuring that no one must choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table. We help families cover rent, medical bills, tuition, and other essential expenses. We provide food and gas vouchers, teach nancial literacy, and help people secure jobs. We don’t just oer aid—we change lives. This impact report is more than a collection of achievements—it is a testament to the power of kindness. It is lled with real stories, real people, and real transformations. I encourage you to take a moment to step into the shoes of just one of the 15,000 Jewish community members living below the poverty line—someone who doesn’t know what tomorrow will bring, who, without Kindness Initiative, will face their hardships alone. Because of you, we change lives. At the beginning of 2025- we opened our new kindnessG’MACH distribution center, allowing us to expand our reach, serve more families, and provide even greater support. Come visit us—it’s bigger, brighter, and better. As the new Executive Director, I am honored to lead with my Jewish values at my core, and I am deeply grateful to each and every one of you for believing in our mission. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a part of this journey. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and continuous support. With love & gratitude, Keren-Dee HamuiWe are committed to alleviating poverty in the Jewish community by mitigating individual crises, fostering self-sustainability, and restoring personal dignity. Through Member Services, we provide concierge case management, job coaching, nancial literacy education, and hands-on support to guide individuals and families on their journey toward stability. Our KindnessG’MACH ensures access to essential resources—clothing, furniture, household items, and more—delivered in a dignied, shopping-style experience that empowers rather than just provides. At Kindness Initiative, we do more than assist—we hold the hands of those in need, oering the guidance, tools, and support necessary to break cycles of nancial hardship. Together, with the help of volunteers, donors, and community partners, we are building a stronger, more resilient Jewish San Diego. INTELLECTUALDISABILITY4.5%Kindness Initiative: The Only Organization Solely Dedicated to Helping 15,000 Jewish San Diegans in Need

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4The kindnessG’MACH is more than a resource—it’s a source of hope and dignity for those facing hardship. From a crib for a struggling new single mother to professional clothing for someone striving to reenter the workforce, we provide the essential items that help individuals and families rebuild with condence. Through kindnessMOVES, our furniture program, we furnish entire homes for those emerging from crisis and Israelis arriving to San Diego, turning empty spaces into warm, welcoming homes. With clothing, household essentials, personal care items, children’s necessities, and furniture, we transform donations into new beginnings, ensuring that no one in our community has to navigate hardship alone. “I am so grateful to Kindness Initiative for not only providing clothing but also restoring my condence and sense of belonging. With Karen’s guidance, I’ve found outts that express my personality and motivate me to keep moving forward. The generosity of donors and the kindness I experience at kindnessG’MACH uplift me every day, reminding me of how far I’ve come and the community that believes in me.” — Rachel L REDUCEDeclutter with purpose—donate your gently used items to kindnessG’MACH and keep essential goods within the Jewish community, instead of donating them elsewhere. REUSEYour hidden treasures become life-changing essentials for someone in need. From clothing to household goods, we provide a dignied, no-cost shopping experience, giving individuals and families the opportunity to rebuild with pride.RECYCLEMany of our members borrow what they need during dicult times and, when they’re back on their feet, pass those items forward to help the next family in need—continuing the cycle of kindness.150 HOMESFURNISHED IN 2024kindnessMOVES kindnessG’MACH450 FAMILIESReceived items such as clothing, housewares, linens, and toys for free at our distribution center. We provided beds, couches, tables, desks and other essential furniture to families in need. growing kindnessG’machgrowingGive with Kindness: A Cycle of Support

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5The kindnessWORKS program assists Members to successfully obtain and retain employment, utilizing a multidimensional approach to job placement and support – awareness of available job opportunities, and wrap-around services to adequately prepare them to retain employment. kindnessWORKS Helping individuals achieve employment and nancial stabilityWhen Sarah walked through our doors, she had already done everything she could to keep her life aoat. A devoted single mom, she had been laid o unexpectedly and was struggling to nd work. She had downsized her apartment, cut back on every possible expense, and even relied on a G’mach for essential household items. Despite her best eorts, her unemployment benets were running out, and she was on the brink of eviction. With nowhere else to turn, Sarah reached out to us for help. She wasn’t looking for a handout—she just needed a bridge to get her through the hardest chapter of her life. We immediately connected her with our in-house job coach, who worked with her to rene her resume, tailor her job search, and rebuild her condence for interviews. With personalized guidance and support, Sarah’s applications started turning into real opportunities. In the meantime, to ensure she and her child had a stable home, we approved rental assistance, giving her the peace of mind to focus on her future. Within three months—without the crushing weight of nancial stress—Sarah secured a job. Not just any job, but a career opportunity that was more lucrative than her previous position, setting her up for long-term success. Today, Sarah is thriving, empowered, and back on her feet. Her story is a testament to the power of community, the importance of support during life’s toughest moments, and the resilience of a mother determined to build a better future. This is why we do what we do. Because sometimes, a little help at the right moment can change everything. A Determined Mom Rebuilds her LifekindnessMOVES kindnessG’MACH62%OF MEMBERS FOUNDEMPLOYMENTMembers who worked with our case managers and resource specialists found jobs after receiving our services. kindnessWORKSFamily or Individual Comes to Kindness Initiative Seeks support for employment and ﬁnancial stability Obtain Job Search Fundamentals Resume building, interview skills, networking strategies Job Search Actively seeks employment with guidance and support Financial Assistance Request (FEAC) During Transition Provides essential ﬁnancial relief while job searching Employment Secured Achieves sustainable work and ﬁnancial independence Initial Intake/Assessment Identiﬁes challenges, strengths, and goals Referred to Job Coach Works on career readiness and personal development Set Goals Creates a customized employment action plan Family or Individual Comes to Kindness Initiative Seeks guidance for ﬁnancial management and sustainability Referred to Financial Literacy Coach Gains one-on-one support for money management Initial Intake/Assessment Reviews ﬁnancial situation and sets personalized goals Set Goals Establishes a tailored ﬁnancial improvement plan Review Budget Fundamentals Identiﬁes spending habits and key ﬁnancial areas to adjust Identify Opportunities to Reduce Expenses & Increase Income Develops strategies to improve ﬁnancial well-being Referral to Additional Resources from Case Manager Connects with programs, beneﬁts, and tools for ﬁnancial relief Financial Assistance Request (FEAC) During Transition Oﬀers temporary ﬁnancial aid for essential expensesAchieve Financial Sustainability Gains long-term independence and ﬁnancial conﬁdence

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6David, a devoted father of two, had always worked hard to provide for his family, but after an unexpected job loss and mounting medical bills, he found himself overwhelmed and unsure of how to regain stability. Living paycheck to paycheck, he struggled to keep up with rent, utilities, and daily expenses, feeling trapped in a cycle of nancial stress. That’s when he connected with kindnessCOUNTS, Kindness Initiative’s nancial literacy mentorship program. With the guidance of a Kindness Initiative service specialist, David learned to create a realistic budget, prioritize essential expenses, and develop a plan to tackle his debt. He was introduced to strategies for managing credit, building savings, and preparing for emergencies, empowering him with the tools to take control of his nances. Through consistent support, David secured a new job with better nancial prospects, has a comprehensive grasp on nancial planning, and has begun saving for his children’s future. Today, he no longer lives in fear of the next unexpected expense—he is nancially stable, condent, and moving forward with hope. kindnessCOUNTS didn’t just teach David about money—it gave him back his sense of security, dignity, and independence. 24% AVERAGE REDUCTION IN EXPENSESkindnessCOUNTS is our nancial literacy program designed to empower individuals and families with the knowledge and tools needed for long-term nancial stability. Through personalized coaching, budgeting assistance, debt management strategies, and nancial planning, we help our members take control of their nances and build a sustainable future. By fostering smart nancial habits, kindnessCOUNTS equips participants with the condence and skills to navigate challenges and achieve self-suciency. kindnessCOUNTSkindnessCOUNTS Empowering individuals with nancial skills and stabilityMembers reduced their expenses by 24% on average, after working with resource specialist and case management.Family or Individual Comes to Kindness Initiative Seeks support for employment and ﬁnancial stability Obtain Job Search Fundamentals Resume building, interview skills, networking strategies Job Search Actively seeks employment with guidance and support Financial Assistance Request (FEAC) During Transition Provides essential ﬁnancial relief while job searching Employment Secured Achieves sustainable work and ﬁnancial independence Initial Intake/Assessment Identiﬁes challenges, strengths, and goals Referred to Job Coach Works on career readiness and personal development Set Goals Creates a customized employment action plan Family or Individual Comes to Kindness Initiative Seeks guidance for ﬁnancial management and sustainability Referred to Financial Literacy Coach Gains one-on-one support for money management Initial Intake/Assessment Reviews ﬁnancial situation and sets personalized goals Set Goals Establishes a tailored ﬁnancial improvement plan Review Budget Fundamentals Identiﬁes spending habits and key ﬁnancial areas to adjust Identify Opportunities to Reduce Expenses & Increase Income Develops strategies to improve ﬁnancial well-being Referral to Additional Resources from Case Manager Connects with programs, beneﬁts, and tools for ﬁnancial relief Financial Assistance Request (FEAC) During Transition Oﬀers temporary ﬁnancial aid for essential expensesAchieve Financial Sustainability Gains long-term independence and ﬁnancial conﬁdence

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7kindnessHELPSAngels: Provide personalized support by helping members navigate services, advocating for their needs, and oering direct personal attention. Resource Specialists: Connect members with service provider organizations, ensuring access to necessary resources and assistance. Service Specialists: Step in to ll service gaps by providing leadership, specialized services, or essential support, for example, job coaching or nancial literacy. Administrative Volunteers: Perform oce-related tasks such as clerical work, data entry, and general administrative support. Events & Activities Volunteers: Assist with one-time projects, provide support for fundraising eorts, and help with organizing and managing events. kindnessG’MACH Volunteers: Participate in day-to-day oor activities at the kindnessG’MACH distribution center and handle administrative roles within the center.Areas of Impact for our volunteers nancialsVolunteering with kindnessWORKS has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I had the privilege of coaching a member who was struggling to reenter the workforce after years of uncertainty. Together, we rened her resume, practiced interview skills, and built her condence. Seeing her land a job and regain her sense of purpose reminded me that sometimes, all someone needs is a little guidance and belief in their potential. kindnessWORKS doesn’t just help people nd jobs—it helps them rediscover their self-worth.TOTAL ASSETS atDecember 31, 2024: $1,093,194.50$986,695.23 $689,269.40Member Support ExpendituresEXPENDITURESREVENUESFoundations and Donor Advised FundsTributes (“Honorary” and “In Memory of”)10% Corporate5% Investment Income5% FundraisingExpenses6.5% Administrative ExpensesIndividual Contributions45%89.5%15%25%

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9404 Genesee Ave #200 La Jolla, CA 92037Ph: 858-216-1666 kindnessSD.org@kindnesssandiego @kindnessinitiativesd@kindness-initiativeBruce Abrams Ben Barth Alan Binder Brad Slavin Kim Chesbrough Sharon Davidson Selwyn Isakow Oz Laniado Suzanne Marcus Jack ShevelSarah Shekhter Alex Stolarski Hilton SherBarry EntousBlake ThompsonRabbi Simcha WeiserBOARD OF DIRECTORSCOMMITTEE MEMBERS9372 Cabot Drive San Diego, CA 92126 OPEN Monday & Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.kindnessG'MACHTHE JEWISH GIFT CLOSETWe are extremely grateful to our 2024 supporters.• : Denotes a Jewish Community Foundation fund ‡ : Adopt-a-Kindness Family sponsorFOUNDERS SOCIETY(recognizes giving of over $100,000 in 2020)Aaron Feldman- Sunroad EnterprisesJoseph and Beverley Glickman Fund- Herb Solomon and Elaine Galinson • Selwyn and Hilary IsakowGary and Jean ShekhterPLATINUM SPONSOR($50,000+) CalPrivate Bank Chortek Weisman Family Foundation • Aaron Feldman- Sunroad Enterprises •Lee GoldbergSelwyn and Hilary IsakowJewish Women’s Foundation • Anonymous Donor • Monique and Jackie Shevel GOLD SPONSOR ($25,000 – $49,999) Ian and Tanya FreedmanMarjorie Mopper SILVER SPONSOR($10,000 - $24,999)Bruce Abrams • Brad and Lisa Slavin •David and Claire Ellman •Mark & Hanna GleibermanSophia and Leon KasselBrian and Suzanne Marcus •Steve and Patti Mizel ‡Louis and Arlene NaviasErnest and Evelyn RadyPATRON ($3,600 - $9,999)Karen and Mike AronEdith and Udi BarnikBen BarthKim and Rick ChesbroughSharon DavidsonDan and Jamie FederSelwyn and Barbara Klein ‡Julian and Tina Krinsky ‡Sean and Loretta Levi ‡Miriam Norten and Alex Stolarski Norten •Lowell and Julie PotikerNicole and Brett Saloner ‡Schulman Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community FoundationDenise SelatiSeltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek Je and Karen SilbermanRussell SteingoldCarole and JeromeTurk INNER CIRCLE ($1,000 - $3,599)Stephen and Brenda AbelkopMelissa BartellNeil and Ruth BerkowitzEdgar and Julie BernerJeremy Cohen •Avrille CopansAmy Corton and Carl EiblElissa DavisRichard DurraDan and Phyllis EpsteinJohn and Pauline FreedmanHarold Frysh and Wendy BurkGraeme and Simone GabrielBarry GalgutEric Goldschmidt •Joe GrossGavin and Cheryl HornJenny and Julian JosephsonNicole KahnSarah and Brian Keating •Alan and Tina Kholos Robyn and Derek LichterLiz Nederlander CodenPaul and Amy NeedelmanKelly and Jeremy Pearl •Laurayne RatnerHannah SapirMarlene Sasson RechtJon SegalCharlene Seidle ‡Boris Shekhter and Sarah Shekhter • Jay and Devorah ShoreNorman & Jillian SmithAmy and Chuck Spielman • Michael SpilkyDeena and Michael SwidlerAnton and Julie WoolfJackie WoolfSUPPORTERS’ CIRCLE ($500 - $999)Je ChasanBarry EntousSuzie and Bernie Feldman •Noel and Miriam Fishman •Bobbie and Jon Gilbert • Z. Goldberg •Michael GroweJewish Community Foundation •Susan and Jordan LevinAnn and Gerry LipschitzKaren Lock and Steve JacobsonMichael MarcusLisa OrlanskyDiane and Randy OrleyBeverley and Martin PamenskyJodyne RosemanAndrew RosenbergAnthony and Ellen Sacks •Melanie SpiegelmanAdam Sragovicz •Eva Trieger •

Kindness Initiative 2024 Impact Report