Peer Support Program – Tikvah (Hope)

Congregants Helping Congregants

We all have times when we could benefit from talking to a compassionate listener. Beth Am’s Tikvah Program offers one-to-one emotional support for our members who are facing a life challenge. Trained volunteers meet with congregants who are struggling with job loss, bereavement, illness, divorce, or other difficult situations. All contacts are strictly confidential. 

These are some of the comments we have received from congregants who participated in Tikvah:

• “Knowing that someone was there to truly listen to me while my husband and I were both undergoing health issues was very helpful.”
• “I felt heard, acknowledged, and respected for what I was going through.”
• “It was so helpful to have a friend who would listen and who provided stability through a very difficult time.” 

If you feel you could benefit from peer support or know someone who might benefit, reach out to the Beth Am clergy or email tikvah@betham.org.

Friendly Visitor Program — Yad L’Yad (Hand in Hand): Aging and other life circumstances can make it difficult for some of our congregants to be as engaged as they once were. Yad l’Yad offers friendly visits from trained volunteers for congregants who are at risk of isolation, offering loving kindness (chesed) and companionship. If you know of someone who could benefit from a friendly visitor, reach out to clergy or email yadlyad@betham.org.

Meal Delivery — Mitzvah Meals: Congregant volunteers bring home-cooked meals to members who are dealing with illness, hospitalization, or family stress. Volunteers also deliver meals when new babies are born. If you are in need of meals or know a congregant who needs meal support, send an email to mitzvahmeals@betham.org.

TESTIMONIALS:

“Knowing that I would see my Tikvah volunteer on a regular basis was comforting, something I could count on, and look forward to when life was so unpredictable, difficult, and challenging. My volunteer was always respectful of my journey and choices during a traumatic time. She was a good listener."

“It was so helpful to have a friend who would listen and who provided stability through a very difficult time. I felt safe with him. I am so grateful to the Tikvah program for being there for me.”

“My Tikvah volunteer was an invaluable ear to listen and was of the utmost help. I greatly appreciate how she listened and helped me cope with the issues I’ve been dealing with. She accepted me and didn’t judge. I felt acknowledged and understood. She helped me feel that I wasn’t crazy and to understand and accept how crazy things were for me. My volunteer was a blessing. I doubt I could have kept it together much longer without her. Thank you, Tikvah!"

"My Tikvah volunteer was such a good listener and so supportive. I completely trusted him.”