When Amudim was first founded in 2014 to support those in crisis, it was intended to help the many individuals within the Jewish community who were faced with daunting struggles, but it quickly became apparent that the problems were far greater and more widespread than anyone could have ever imagined. Since that time, not only has Amudim grown to meet the many challenges that occur all too often, but it has also been incredibly successful in its mission to raise awareness for a variety of issues, including abuse and addiction, that have reached epic proportions.
“Thankfully the Jewish community is listening to the message that we aren’t immune to these terrible problems,” said Zvi Gluck, director of Amudim. “Slowly but surely word is getting out and those in crisis are finding it easier to get the help that they so desperately need because these problems are no longer being swept under the rug.”
Amudim fielded 27,000 calls over the past year about issues including mental health, abuse and addiction, and while hundreds of lives were saved, a devastating 106 lives were lost within the Jewish community due to drug overdoses and suicides. 1,345 new cases were opened in 2016 by Amudim’s 14 staff members and awareness events in Lakewood and the Five Towns drew well over a thousand participants, with close to 25,000 participating via an online stream. Amudim was also featured prominently in 2016 at the Torah Umesorah convention and president’s conference, the Agudah convention, the Yeshiva University rebbetzin’s conference and the Orthodox Jewish Nurse’s Association annual conference.
From its 24/7 hotline, to its four week camping program that takes troubled teens on a 4,000 mile road trip, to Narcan training, Amudim provides a wide array of services, and in its ongoing efforts to fund its many programs, is once again running an annual raffle campaign. Sponsored by Superior Collision and Leasing, Accurate Services, Vital One, Eastern Union and Kettle & Cord, this year’s drawing will take place on February 7th with a prize of a two year lease on a 2017 Nissan Altima or $5,000 towards any other lease at Superior Collision and Leasing.
Click here to participate in the annual car raffle, and help Amudim continue its lifesaving work.
WATCH:
{Matzav.com}
