Michele Hirsch’s approach to philanthropy is a testament to the power of giving at any stage of life. Philanthropy doesn’t have to be complicated but must be intentional, and that it’s not measured by dollars but by the impact it has on others. As a dedicated supporter of JF&CS, co-founder of the Peaceful Family Fund, and co-chair of this year’s The Tasting Experience, Michele has used her resources and leadership to make a lasting impact on her community. Through her work, she shows that impactful philanthropy is more than just financial contributions — it’s about creating meaningful change.
Start Where You Are
Michele and her husband, David, both grew up in families that prioritized giving and community involvement and are passing those values down to their two sons. Those tenets became even more personal when their son, Henry, began to struggle with significant mental health issues at the age of five.
Henry’s distress led Michele and David to get him the help he so desperately needed. Through their experiences, they quickly saw that the exorbitant expense of mental healthcare created significant barriers for many families. While they have the means to get Henry the evaluations and inpatient facility stays he needed, “we wanted to help other kids and their families,” says Michele.
As a busy mom and full-time caregiver to Henry, Michele didn’t have the time to start a foundation from scratch, but “I’m a big believer in collaboration,” she says. She approached the Blue Dove Foundation and the Jewish Interest Free Loan Association of Georgia, and with their partnership, Michele and David founded and funded the Peaceful Family Fund in 2018. (In 2023, the PFF oversight transitioned from Blue Dove to JF&CS to provide additional resources). Because of the Hirsch’s desire to help kids beyond their own, the PFF has provided around 20 families with significant financial support since its inception.
“The PFF helps kids through age 18; now that Henry is 18, my focus is shifting to workforce issues—how do people with mental illness hold jobs? Where do they live? It’s crucial to prepare for the future and know what direction you’re headed in.”
“When it comes to getting more involved with volunteerism and philanthropy, I’d encourage someone to look at where you are in your life cycle right now and how you can be impactful right where you are,” says Michele. The work will naturally evolve as life does, she points out. Whatever stage of life you’re in, finding the cause that resonates doesn’t have to be hard.
“I always encourage people to be a volunteer or a donor at JF&CS because it is the life cycle organization—people can come to JF&CS and find a fit for almost anything they’re interested in.”
A New Experience
Michele’s journey continues to evolve—this year will be her first time serving as a co-chair of The Tasting Experience, JF&CS’ culinary event that provides crucial support for Intellectual/Developmental Disability Services. “I believe in the IDDS program at JF&CS,” she says. “It’s exciting, and I want to see it grow! Not only is it important for our city, but it draws people in from all over, including people who aren’t affiliated, and I love that the outreach it provides goes way beyond the affiliated people.”
Everyone Can Be a Philanthropist
Michele believes that philanthropy is really quite simple. “David and I teach our kids, ‘your goal is to help other people, and whichever way you do that is your choice. Some people may look at a person who is giving at a higher level and think, ‘Well, I can’t give at that level, so why am I even giving.’ But I’m a big believer that if you give where you can, you’re a philanthropist.”
The principle of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world, is central to Michele’s values, and “I see that as helping one person at a time,” she says. As a Jewish woman, Michele also sees giving as a responsibility to sustain the community. “Jewish giving is pertinent; if you’re giving a certain portion of money away each year, think about what percentage should go to Jewish causes, because we all have a responsibility (to give) as Jewish people,” she says. “There are so few of us in the world, and we need to support each other and our community however we can.”
To learn more about Michele and David’s Philanthropic work, visit the HirschLegacyFund.org. To join Michele Hirsch at The Tasting Experience, purchase your ticket today!
