Why Our Work Matters

JHH focuses on small-scale, locally-based projects, that at times do not solve the whole problem they are addressing. There are at least three powerful reasons why these projects matter, and why they are worthy of notice and support:

Inspiration

Jews (like people everywhere) want to feel that they matter, that they can make a difference, that the world is a better place because of their actions.

JHH projects inspire their supporters precisely because they are small. Since they are hands-on, operating at the grass-roots level. Supporters feel a direct connection to the tangible good they are doing.

JHH chooses its projects by meeting with potential constituents, listening to their stories and trusting them to know what they need. JHH believes that its beneficiaries want to be partners in improving their own lives. 

The ability of JHH to energize and inspire its supporters in a Jewish context serves as a potent connector, tying hundreds of young people and adults to their Jewish heritage and community, thereby powerfully benefiting the Jewish community.

Leverage

Often, a JHH grant will be matched by others, as they see the due diligence and creativity of our approach. JHH projects can confront the challenging needs of populations that others have found to be difficult to address.

 Although JHH projects are small, the core JHH idea of improving the world by applying resources in targeted, manageable places is powerfully scalable.

 JHH is pleased when other, larger agencies adopt its methods, and has happily supported such groups as they duplicate or expand its work, thereby greatly expanding its impact.

In its ability to function within the world of Jewish values and ideals, JHH can demonstrate how to inspire and involve Jews of every persuasion and observance level in doing this holy work.

Tangible Benefit

JHH projects rarely solve the “whole” problem they are addressing. Yet, it is equally true that they make a very substantial, real difference in the lives of those individuals they benefit. This is no small matter, and this alone is sufficient reason to justify investment in JHH and its projects.

It is true, for example, that JHH cannot solve the problem of poverty in Africa. But it is also true that JHH’s Protein Project can enable some 6000 new mothers in Rwanda to heal from Caesarean sections each year. For each one, this is no trivial achievement!