As Omicron begins its chapter in the coronavirus storyline and we await its outcome as to whether or not life will continue opening up or head back into shutdown, we thought we’d share with you a few of the projects we’ve learned about that give us reason to believe that, yes, Hope Smiles.

First up: The American Indian College Fund, assisting our nation’s indigenous peoples in acquiring access to higher education. The Jonah Maccabee Foundation believes every American has a profound responsibility to acknowledge that, while we can never pay them back for injustices perpetrated through the centuries, we can do something. With only 14% of American Indians earning college degrees (less than half the national average), AICF empowers 4000 American Indian students annually to start and stay in school, complete degrees and launch careers. With admiration for their great heritage, as well as our heartfelt apology for all that they’ve lost, the foundation awards grants to the American Indian College Fund from The JMF Social Justice Fund. Their sacred labors honor us all, and Hope Smiles with every Native American we and they assist together. Visit collegefund.org to learn more.

And then: 6 Points Creative Arts Academy, a summer camp program sponsored by the Union for Reform Judaism, which means its spiritual practice is contemporary, pluralistic, and open to the vast tapestry of positive human choice and expression. Housed just outside of Philadelphia, 6 Points Creative Arts Academy uses theatre, writing, dance, music, and the visual arts to provide a summer’s worth of personal and spiritual exploration. Jonah adored the arts. He loved Jewish life. And summer camp was the only place to look for him in July and August. 6 Points Creative Arts Academy is one of those very special places where children know that Hope Smiles, which is why the foundation awards it grants from the JMF Jewish Life Fund. Learn more by visiting 6pointscreativearts.org to learn more.

Yes, we may be idealistic but we believe that’s a good thing. With organizations like the American Indian College Fund and 6 Points Creative Arts Academy out there working each day to make life better for one young person, and then one more, and still one more, hope really does smile.

Please give generously to Hope Smiles. We promise to continue helping out on your behalf.

Thank you.