Direct Service Projects

What is it?  Pre-Covid, Congregation Shaare Emeth hosted on the first Monday of every month for Room at the Inn which provides immediate, temporary shelter to homeless women and families in the St. Louis region. In addition, Room at the Inn works with the clients to create an individualized plan back to self-sufficiency, including referrals to other human services agencies.

When does this happen?  Currently we are not hosting on-site at Shaare Emeth

Who do I contact for more information? Email Jennifer Rosenthal or Ronnie Brockman

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

Drivers for Head Start Transportation throughout the week:

Looking for a great opportunity to serve?  Are you available Thurs, and Fri – 8:15 a.m. to help transport our children and parents to Head Start?  Driver will pick up parents and children and transport them to Head Start in our Room van.  Requirement:  Driver’s License Time commitment 8:15 – 9:15 a.m.

Drivers for afternoon – Thurs, and Friday – 12:30 pm.  Driver will pick up parents at the shelter and transport them to Head Start to pick up children.  Driver will transport parents and children back to the shelter.  Time commitment 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Reading Buddies for the afternoon to read to preschool children:

Do you love sharing a good children’s book with a preschooler?  Room is promoting early literacy by inviting volunteers to share their time reading to our preschoolers. We want to help our children have a love for reading. The books and after reading activities are provided.  Thurs afternoon from 1:30 – 3 pm or from 3 – 4:30 pm. is available for readers.

Please call Cindy Warren at 314-209-9181 or email [email protected].

The International Institute of St. Louis needs the following cleaning supplies and PPE for recently arriving refugee families.

You can drop off items in the north vestibule of Congregation Shaare Emeth through Thursday, April 22. Thank you, in advance, for your generosity.

Items Needed:
Laundry soap, all-purpose cleaner, buckets, sponges, laundry baskets, towels, dish soap, umbrellas, mops, brooms and disposable masks

What is it? St. Louis Bread Company donates its leftover baked goods to food pantries and shelters. We, at Congregation Shaare Emeth, are responsible for picking up leftovers at three different locations once a week. The leftovers are picked up from a specific location in the evening and delivered to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry the next day.

When does it happen? Currently, we pick up from Des Peres and Westport on Tuesday nights and from Four Seasons on Sundays–times differ between locations.

What is needed from me? Sign up to pick up leftovers and deliver them to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry.

Who do I contact for more information? Email Stefanie Greenberg

What is it? Our congregation has partnered with the International Institute of St. Louis to welcome New Americans. Volunteers can be trained to set-up new apartments, help orient new families in their apartments, teach them to ride the bus, use the bank, go to the grocery store, babysit children at the Institute while the parents are learning English and many more opportunities.

When does it happen? Various times based upon what you decide to do.

What is needed from me? A one-time orientation at the Institute for adults with a $10 payment for a police background check.

Who do I contact for more information? Email Stan Shanker or call him at 314-420-3600.

International Institute Summer Camp Volunteers Needed! We need you! Volunteer time or donate money to help provide new immigrant children at the International Institute of St. Louis a fun day camp experience this summer. Learn More on the Jewish Community Relations Council website or contact Stan Shanker by email or at 314-420-3600.

Download Volunteer Application

What is it? Congregation Shaare Emeth is part of the St. Louis Public School’s Faith-Based Initiative to assist schools in St. Louis. Our congregation has tutors who work directly with the students at Oak Hill Elementary School. We provide school supplies and holiday gifts as well.

When does it happen? Weekdays based upon your own schedule.

What is needed from me? Fill out an application if you are interested in tutoring. Debbie Bram has the applications. If you would like to help provide supplies, you don’t need to fill out the application. Simply contact Lorry and let her know your interest.

Who do I contact for more information? Email Lorry Blath

What is it? Congregation Shaare Emeth cooks and serves dinner at Peter and Paul Church for the homeless men at the Church.

When does it happen? Approximately once a month on Sunday evenings.

What is needed from me? Congregants are asked to provide food and deliver it to Temple. A small group of congregants go down to the Church (near Soulard) to heat up the dinner and serve it as well.

Who do I contact for more information? Email Jen Houser

Looking to help those in St. Louis who may be in need of some care and support during these difficult times. Lasagna Love, a non-profit organization, helps to feed families, spread kindness and strengthen communities. You can make and deliver meals in the St. Louis area or donate so that others can make a meal. This is a COVID-safe, no-contact program. Thank you to Barb Kramer, Chair of our Caring Committee for bringing this program to our attention. Click here to learn more.