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| September 2007 |
| Footsteps In Focus |
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| Mission of organization: |
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| Footsteps provides educational, vocational, social and emotional support to individuals seeking to enter or explore the world beyond the insular ultra-orthodox communities in which they were raised. |
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| What motivated the formation of the organization? |
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| Footsteps began as a monthly support group. Individuals who were at different stages of transitioning into mainstream society met for the purpose of supporting one another. These individuals exhibited a wide range of needs all of which could not be addressed within the context of a support group. There were individuals who could not read or write beyond a third grade level, could not afford to pay for food and other basic needs, and some could not secure a job because they could not meet basic skill requirements. A few participants faced the possibility of becoming homeless. All shared the unique challenge of building a new identity. Footsteps was then founded to address the unique needs of this population. |
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| Foosteps Staff - Malkie Schwartz & Ariella Perkes |
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| Central activities of your organization: |
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| Footsteps activities include bi-monthly support groups, art groups, social events, college and career exposure events, a womenís program, college scholarships, a housing program, and referrals for counseling and other services. |
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| How many people do you serve? |
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| In 2006 Footsteps served over 150 participants. |
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| Who participates in your activities? |
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| Footsteps participants were raised in ultra-orthodox communities that are insulated from the contemporary secular world and keep outside influences from challenging their basic beliefs or affecting their highly structured way of life. Education is carefully controlled -- for boys it consists almost entirely of religious subjects. Girls are given a limited practical education and for many men and women Yiddish is their first language. Exposure to radio, television, movies, secular newspapers and literature of any kind is officially prohibited. For many, this is a satisfying life, one that offers security and comfort. However, those who choose to leave their communities of origin, often face devastating loss and loneliness. Footsteps was founded to assist anyone who independently seeks out the organizationís support as they work toward becoming independent and productive members of the larger society. |
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| What events are you planning in the future? |
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| Footsteps is launching an exciting womenís program that will include six workshops addressing
various issues related to womenís health and sexuality. The program will include two self defense workshops as a physical empowerment component. |
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| Describe an inspiring moment in your work. |
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| One of the most inspiring moments this year was at the Footsteps Scholarship Reception. Dovid (not his real name), 24, one of the Footsteps Scholarship recipients, spoke about his journey from the Satmar community in Brooklyn to medical school. He had always thought of his interest in becoming a physician as fantasy. Four years ago, however, he decided to turn fantasy into reality despite having to face tremendous obstacles. Dovidís first language was Yiddish, he lacked a traditional high school education, and becoming a doctor would be a dramatic deviance from the ultra-orthodox path that his family expected him to follow. Dovid passed a GED exam, entered college, and this Spring, with the help of a Footsteps Scholarship, Dovid will complete his first year in medical school.
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| What has your organization gotten out of Bikkurim? |
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| Bikkurim has been instrumental in assisting Footsteps to grow as an organization and as a resource for individuals from ultra-orthodox backgrounds who are seeking to enter mainstream society. The office space has continued to be a resource in that it provides Footsteps with a home while exposing the professionals at JESNA and UJC to the work of Footsteps. Bikkurim has also been instrumental in introducing Footsteps to various resources and individuals in the Jewish non-profit world by inviting the organization to participate in the GA and other similar activities.
Most beneficial to Footsteps is the professional consulting and support that Footsteps has received from each of the Bikkurim staff members. We are proud of the growth that Footsteps has experienced during this past year at Bikkurim. Footsteps has been able to leverage the assistance of Bikkurim and to create a strong safety net for this Jewish population.
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| MORE about Footsteps > > > |
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