Noah - To End Addiction; Your Help Is Needed!

Welcome! My name is Noah Greenspan and you have landed on my fundraising page. This page is here to help raise money to assist individuals with substance addiction needing our support. 

According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 40.3 million Americans, aged 12 or older, had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year. And those are just the reported number of cases! Substance use disorders continue to be an important health issue in our country. (CDC)

I have the privilege of serving on the Jewish Teen Foundation (JTF), for the third year in a row. JTF South is a group of teens passionate about philanthropy and promoting change. This year, I am learning about important and relevant problems in both our local community and our world, how to fundraise, and how to effectively allocate donations to high-impact non-profit organizations.

So far, I am amazed and inspired by the dedication and excitement exhibited by the other teens. I am very excited to raise funds and awareness for relevant issues in our world this year. I really want to help as many people as possible, in all sorts of ways.  I hope you will join me!

Mission Statement: The Jewish Teen Foundation South Board is committed to supporting those affected by substance addiction through organizations/initiatives that provide education and rehabilitation services to create and sustain positive change for individuals and families.

The mission statement sets out a plan to help so many in our community and beyond to ensure no one has to suffer alone. People who are deemed "addicted" to drugs and alcohol are often ridiculed and outcasted by society. They need our help from this disease. Your average idea of an abusive drug user may vary, but most people think of the homeless man they pass by everyday on their way to work: sleeping on the street, dirty, hopeless. However, substance abuse comes in all different forms. There is a negative stigma wrapped around humans struggling—Stigma is defined as "a mark of disgrace associated with a certain quality, circumstance, or person"—and that is just why they do not receive any aid.

Access to quality rehabilitation services is essential for individuals to be able to lead full, productive lives. Unfortunately, many people do not have access to the care they need due to stigma, cost, and other barriers. It is important that we work to ensure that everyone has access to the opportunity to create better so that everyone can live their most productive life. Additionally, it is a fundamental expression of compassion and empathy, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every person, irrespective of their struggles. These people are a part of our society, and our community; substance abuse affects not only the individual but also their families and communities, fostering a ripple effect of distress. Intervening with assistance not only helps the afflicted person but also contributes to the overall welfare of society. Over 7 million children live in a household where one or more parental figures are experiencing drug abuse. There is collateral damage.

This year, the JTF South board hopes to raise $50,000 by April 10th, so I hope you will join us. Meanwhile, I have already donated $100 of my own money to support the issue. My personal goal is to raise $2500. Any amount is extremely helpful and is tax-deductible. All donations go directly to carefully researched and vetted nonprofit organizations, Jewish and secular, that increase access to quality addiction rehabilition services and prevention education.

Please feel free to reach out to me at noah.greenspan@gmail.com with any questions or to learn more. Your donation will support so many people struggling in our community to get the help they deserve.

Thank you for reading this and for your generous donation. I really appreciate you taking the time to learn more about how you can support others in our community.