Celebrating 18 Years of One Good Deed

The One Good Deed Program (OGD) has matched over 500 seniors with friendly visitors over its 18 years, impacting the lives of all parties involved. As we look forward to celebrating this extraordinary program in person on September 19, we wanted to look back at the story of how it came to be and how it has evolved to the present day.

The History of One Good Deed

In 2005, Marty Halpern and his wife Lisa had the opportunity to join a Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta (JFGA)-sponsored trip to Israel. Little did they know that a presentation they were to attend during that trip would change hundreds of lives nearly 6,500 miles away. As they listened to a group of Israeli seniors speak out about the loneliness and isolation they felt, Marty was moved to take action in his own community of Metro Atlanta.

In 2006, One Good Deed was founded as a small nonprofit consisting of three people: Marty provided financial support for the program; Lisa was its first volunteer; and Lisa’s sister, Sharon Spiegelman, was hired as Program Manager and resident matchmaker. The original slogan was “funded by human capital,” which spoke to the importance of all involved. During her time with the program, Sharon remarked, “I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of older adults – one match at a time. I love learning from their wisdom and experience and touching as many lives as I can.”

A couple of years later, a fund from JFGA allowed the program to continue as an independent nonprofit, and Sue Rothstein joined as Volunteer Coordinator. Of her time working with Marty and Sharon, Sue recently reminisced, “what could be better than playing matchmaker to volunteers and those in need of companionship? It was as fulfilling for my spirit as any endeavor I’ve ever attempted, making successful matches that often lasted for years. You truly put your hearts and souls into understanding an unmet need in the community, then creating and maintaining a clear vision and plan to make One Good Deed a reality.”

Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make Me a Match!

The program is in great hands in the present day with Viv Kurland, Program Manager and Laura Marcus, Program Coordinator. Viv joined OGD in 2013. A native of South Africa who came to Atlanta by way of Toronto, Viv understands how difficult it can be to move to a new place and start over. She said that for many clients, this is exactly where they find themselves.

“Many of our older adult clients move to be closer to their children and grandchildren, but they leave behind their lives and their friends,” she said. “They find themselves here without those social connections, and it’s very difficult.”

“Family is so important, of course,” Viv continued, “but friendship ─ that ability to connect, laugh, just enjoy one another’s company ─ that really enriches a life.”

In 2016, One Good Deed joined Aviv Older Adult Services as part of JF&CS, under the suggestion of Deborah Zisholtz, Managing Director of Aviv. Sharon retired in 2019, and Laura joined the same year. Becoming part of JF&CS offered additional support and resources to the program, though Viv is quick to note that the focus of OGD remains “about quality, not quantity.”

“This isn’t just about keeping someone company: our matches do all sorts of activities together, because they are friends. The goal is real, true friendship, and many of our matches would even say they’ve become family, too. We want to be able to serve our clients and volunteers on that level.”

There are currently 92 active matches in OGD, and between Viv and Laura, they can tell you impressive details about each of them. While it’s difficult to quantify exactly how they do it, Viv’s passion is palpable as she describes making matches ─ a process that involves intuition, a gift for really seeing people, and caring deeply.

The Impact of One Good Deed

As we gear up to celebrate this program and honor the contributions of Marty and Sharon, we’ve had the pleasure of hearing from clients and volunteers from over the years. Here’s what our volunteers and clients have to say about the impact of One Good Deed:

“Having a volunteer like Paul has changed my life. He has been so kind to me…He is like an angel from G-d, every time I see him, it is the best thing going.” – David, recipient

“We’re two peas in a pod. My friends, when I say I’m going to see Natalie, they just chuckle! They just can’t believe that this friendship happened through this service.” – Pat, volunteer

“When One Good Deed began, did you have any idea how much it would/could enhance the lives of so many? What a good deed it was.” – Hinda, recipient

“Talking to Abe is the highlight of my week. In a time where the world can seem so chaotic and overwhelming, Abe always shares wisdom and provides great perspective. He has no idea how much he’s already inspired me.” – Mira, volunteer

“It’s been great having Hillary as a friend ─ she makes me feel young!” – Joyce, recipient

“Since Cheryl and I have been together, we have become family and like sisters. It's been great, we laugh and talk, you never feel lonely and I can't wait until the time that she comes and picks me up, knowing I can do the things that need to be done.” ─ Carol, Recipient

We hope you’ll join us Thursday, September 19 for a Kosher luncheon at Temple Sinai to celebrate the 18^th anniversary of One Good Deed. For tickets or to make a donation, please visit our website.