On August 6, Stephen Wise Temple Center for Tikkun Olam partner L.A. Family Housing will host its first annual Fuel For School Festival in Pacoima, with Wise members leading the charge.
Following the helpful guidance of Rabbi Ron Stern, Wise members Emily and Brian Soloway are spearheading the event, which aims to not only excite underserved and struggling families about the upcoming school year, but to provide much-needed supplies. Those supplies can be purchased through a special Amazon Wish list.
Stephen Wise Temple members Brian and Emily Soloway were spurred to help because of their daughter. (Photo Courtesy the Soloway family)
“Over the course of our volunteer work, through interactions with people in transition out of homelessness, we have been eager to develop our own event for a demographic that is extremely important to us: families with young children,” Emily says. “We have a 2-year old daughter and are grateful that we have the means necessary to provide for her. After many discussions with L.A. Family Housing, we are excited to develop LAFH’s 1st Annual Fuel For School Festival to be held on August 6 at one of L.A. Family Housing’s transitional housing sites in Pacoima. This event will cater to values we advocate for: supporting struggling families with children and ensuring education is a priority. We are firm believers in the power of education to overcome long-term poverty.”
The event will have food and games for children and families, and will furnish young learners with new backpacks, shoes, clothes, and school supplies. Wise community members can help by purchasing items off of the event’s Amazon wish list. As the event is on Aug. 6, organizers would like to receive all items by the end of July.
About L.A. Family Housing: LA Family Housing is a tremendous organization that helps people transition out of homelessness and poverty through a continuum of housing enriched with supportive services. Its vision is to be a leader in providing solutions to end homelessness.