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December 10 • 2015 29 29 December 10 • 2015 H elping the homeless is something Judi Shefman of Orchard Lake has been involved in for some time. Shefman helped to start a charitable organization called Detroit Area Chefs Feed the Need in 2011 and co-runs the program today. The program engages restaurants in serving weekly lunches at local home- less shelters. "I've had the opportunity to see the many Detroit area homeless and hungry men, women and children," she says. That desire to help those less fortunate is shared by her grandchildren: Talin, 8, and Naiya, 3, who live in Denver, and Avery, 4, baby Brayden, Jordan, 14, and Dylan, 12, who live in West Bloomfield. "They all wanted to help homeless people keep warm this winter," Shefman says. Shefman, who also runs a gift basket business, A Gift For All Seasons, took her grandchildren to visit Veronika Scott's Empowerment Plan factory in Corktown. Scott has designed a coat that can also be used as a sleeping bag. She employs homeless single mothers who cut and sew the coats in their produc- tion. These women are now able to earn a living, buy a home and get off of the streets. "The tour was short, but very impres- sive," Shefman says. "My grandchildren were amazed by the coats. We purchased three coats to deliver to homeless people. We also had several donated turkey din- ners to give along with the coats." The family donated the coats and dinners to the Hope Warming Center in Pontiac, which was very appreciative and happy to receive the gifts. "My grandchildren came away amazed by the environment of the city, the differences between the old and the new renovations, and the plight of the homeless," Shefman says. "They all have a renewed appreciated of the lives they are fortunate to have and a sadness for the more unfortunate. This was a very rewarding experience for them and a lesson in giving back they will always remember." * Naiya, Avery, Talin, Jordan and Dylan Shefman outside the Empowerment Plan Factory. Feeding The Need Passing on the spirit of tzedakah to the next generation. 2022000 Frankel Jewish Academy Open House @ Parents, come see FJA classes in action! Get an inside look of the extraordinary high school experience FJA offers. Learn about our dual curriculum college preparatory general studies and classical text-based Jewish studies program. RSVP to admissions@frankelja.org or call (248) 592-5263 ext. 222 Private tours available upon request. Michigan's premier college preparatory Jewish high school 12.15.2015 9 - 11 AM tuition affordable with our Flexible Tuition Program Keeping Open t Halachic t Zionist t American 2055710