Over 60 social entrepreneurs gathered at the recent Good People Fund conference, where Pamela Becker, Chairperson and Co-Founder of Jeremy’s Circle, shared the inspiring story of the organization.
The Good People Fund held a unique “unconference” in the United States, bringing together more than 60 social entrepreneurs from Israel and the U.S. Established in 2008, the fund has raised over $31 million and supported more than 255 Israeli and American nonprofits. The fund focuses on transformative social initiatives in critical areas, including social inclusion, health and welfare, women and girls’ empowerment, child and youth welfare, elder care, food security, food rescue, refugee assistance, combating antisemitism and hate, LGBTQ+ rights, and more.
Among the organizations the fund supported in its early days is Jeremy’s Circle. Pamela Becker, Chairperson and Co-Founder, was invited to speak at the conference and share insights about building and sustaining a community organization, the impact Jeremy’s Circle has had on families coping with health crises, and the importance of fostering personal commitment and long-term community resilience.
Pamela began by recounting the origins of Jeremy’s Circle, established 16 years ago to provide children, teens, and their families with moments of respite from the daily struggles of living with cancer. Through fun days and shared activities, the organization creates opportunities for connection and conversation among children facing similar challenges. She spoke about how her family’s experience with her late husband Jeremy’s battle with cancer inspired the organization. During that time, their three children, aged six months to six years, were cared for by close friends who included them in family outings. Jeremy felt fortunate and wanted all children in similar situations to have the same opportunities. Fulfilling this wish became his legacy, and the organization was established after his passing.
What began with an initial event for 25 families has grown into a community of over 1,100 families across Israel, hosting dozens of events annually, from the north to the south.
The conference showcased unique models for managing and advancing community and social activities, demonstrating pathways to create meaningful change. Among the participants and speakers were prominent leaders such as Ruth Messinger, Global Ambassador of the American Jewish World Service, Jon Adam Ross, CEO and Co-Founder of the Inheritance Theater Project, John Belzer, Founder and President of the Songs of Love Foundation, and Beth Huppin, Founder of Project Kavod at Jewish Family Service in Seattle.
Pamela shared, “One of the most important lessons we’ve learned in recent years, especially during COVID-19 and the current war, is flexibility and swift adaptation to meet families’ changing needs. Today, families and children face challenges on both personal and national fronts. We have reached out to them with special resources to help them cope, learn, and find moments of peace and joy. Beyond addressing physical needs, we provide a sense of belonging and support that strengthens both community and personal resilience.”
