Steve Saltzman, a partner at Brenner, Saltzman & Wallman LLP, had witnessed the transformation of DESK over the years. DESK’s mission struck a chord with Saltzman, and he felt a responsibility to take action. “It’s important that we support the entire community,” he emphasized. Guided by this belief, he took meaningful steps to create a long-lasting positive impact.

“The Saltzman Family Fund, borne out of Steve’s dedication to his community and philanthropic goals, became a shining example of the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven’s partnership with donors and community organizations,” said Stanger. “With the Jewish Foundation, you can create an endowment to benefit what is important to you. We are thrilled to support DESK with the Saltzman Family Fund, and look forward to watching the fulfillment and expansion of DESK’s mission.”

According to Luis Olmo-Rivera, DESK’s Development Director, the Saltzman Family Fund will cover operational expenses for flagship programs like nightly dinners and the Drop-in & Resource Center. However, the intention is to eventually channel these funds toward developing new services that can effectively address the evolving needs of the community they serve. “The Saltzman Family Fund is crucial for ensuring DESK’s sustained operational funding, enabling the organization to continue its mission of assisting the most vulnerable in Greater New Haven,” says Olmo-Rivera.

Fast forward to July 11, 2023, when I got to John F. Kennedy Airport to board my flight to Tel Aviv. I honestly was in disbelief that it was really happening; that I was going to Israel for three weeks. In what seemed like such a short time, I had some of the best experiences of my life. Some of those experiences include Shabbat at the Kotel, hiking Masada, and walking the Bahai Temple Gardens. These experiences were the top three highlights of my trip to Israel and I hope to revisit them all again, hopefully many more times. Not only were these experiences so incredible, but they also opened my eyes to the cultural diversity that lives within Israel. That being said, if I had one takeaway from this trip it would be to always go into every place you go with an open mind. Ever since I came home I have been dreaming about what my next time in Israel will be like, because I know for a fact that I will be going back there to revisit and relive so many of these incredible opportunities. This would not have been possible without the Israel Scholarship that I received from the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven. I could not be more grateful for the life changing experience you helped me receive and the people that you helped me meet, thank you.

Wellness Space

UCONN HILLEL

UConn Hillel seeks funding to create a Wellness Space in its existing building. Building on the success of the current Wellness Pop-Up program, UConn Hillel intends to create a permanent space for students to engage in multi-sensory self-care and to take private Zoom appointments with their mental healthcare providers. With students reporting high rates of anxiety and stress, there is a demonstrable need for a space, and other Hillel Houses that have instituted a Wellness Space have reported high rates of usage and student satisfaction. The funds will support the refurbishment of an existing space (minor room reservations and painting) as well as the purchase of furniture (bean bag chairs and warm lighting).

$2,750

Student Book Club

UCONN HILLEL

UConn Hillel seeks funding to establish a Jewish student community book club. Composed of 12-15 students, the book club will meet three times per semester to discuss books on a wide range of topics related to Jewish culture and identity. Students at UConn Hillel would like to establish this club to build community and engage in thoughtful literary conversation. The funds will support the purchase of books and food for club meetings.

$1,000