In 2000, it came
to our attention that some babies in Cuba were suffering
with diaper rash and there was
little relief available such as baby powder and
Desitin type creams. Soon we had requests for pediatric
medicines and small clothing. We began to fill these
needs for 9 babies but four years later we have over
40 children who are four years of age or less.
As the project expanded over the years to include newborns,
toddlers, and preschoolers we found ourselves asking for people to carry vitamins, pediatric
medicines like fever remedies, and antihistamines, clothing and utensils (like binkies and teething
rings, and even small toys) to keep our
babies smiling.
For just $250 year, you can provide a child with these basic
needs. If you can't do a whole year, you are welcome to send
whatever you wish.
In 2004, one of our donors suggested we establish a godparent
program where there can be a lasting relationship for those who want to enjoy getting to know the
child and family and to share the major
moments as the child grows up. We are happy to provide
information on the children who are available
for this program.
Our first Godmother is Elaine Scheye from Chicago who adopted
two children only to learn there was a second girl in one family. Now she is godmother to three
children and enjoying herself immensely
In 2004, we became aware of two children who are autistic,
Jonatan and Carlitos. The needs are very
special and ongoing. With just one email to old time
supporters, we were able to plan a good program
and supply many needs. So far this year, we have sent a
special eye patch for Jonatan who has a
wandering eye, special vitamins for autistic children,
shoes, educational materials, and information on
autistic education in Spanish to help the mothers with
their efforts to bring their children as close as
possible to an ability to play with their normal siblings
and other children.
We heartily thank our autistic children supporters and hope they
will all become godparents and continue their relationships with their children.
Lee & Nathan Rosenmutter Foundation C/O Beverly Braverman
Ziv Tzedakah Fund (Danny Siegel and Naomi Eisenberger)
Lee and Dorothy Marsh
Dr. Paul Slaton
Dr.Marvin & Maxine Winer
Terrence Rosenberg
Rhona Lyons & David Warren
The Lerner Foundation (Henry Jonas & Sandra Davis)
Madeline Charney
Sarah Lesser
Betty Hiesler
Betty Jarman Adelson
Rabbi Kelman
Benjamin and Ray Scheckner
Judith and David Rose
We have also instituted a Godparents Program for normal as well
as autistic children:
Godparent Program
Daniel----------Elaine Scheye 2004-2009
Adrianna-------Elaine Scheyev2004-2009
Carlitos---------Naomi Eisenberger 2004
Beverly Braverman 2005-2011
Yonatan----- Terrance Rosenberg 2004
Why We Must Care—
After traveling to Cuba a few years ago, I continued to keep
track of the Jewish community through various websites. One
day, while clicking around on the Internet, I found The
Cuba-America Jewish Mission and a program called Bottoms Up.
It was there, that I, a single woman working in healthcare,
found my four godchildren. My first one, Adriana, looked
just like me when I was a tiny child and her birthday is
near that of my beloved Mother, of Blessed Memory. So
excitedly, I called to pronounce that Adriana was mine and
mine alone.
Thus began what is now into its 5th year of a relationship
that continues to evolve. I help both Adriana and her
sister, MY SECOND GODCHILD, with their homework via the
Internet. Their mother facilitates. I send clothes and books
and in return, I am overjoyed when I receive pictures of mi
dos princesas, my two princesses, wearing clothes and
reading the books I send. Their mother emails the messages
the kids send me.
I recently returned from Cuba where I attended the Bat
Mitzvah of the oldest of mi dos princesas, in this case,
Princesa Ely, sister of Adri.
My other two kids are princes, one of which is autistic and
whose special needs are costly.
As American Jews, we take for granted that all our kids will
have shoes. In Cuba, even though they have some money, they
often can’t find shoes in the sizes they need to meet the
needs of growing children.
If you want to do a Mitzvah where real children benefit
directly and immediately from your donations, GIVE to the
Bottoms Up Program and other programs administered by The
Cuba-America Jewish Mission. Trust me, you will have
satisfaction unlike anything you have ever known in your
lifetime. These programs are not abstractions. This
organization is wonderful about making sure that your
financial donations and clothing and books get directly to
the families, and in short order. And, your donations are
all income tax deductible!
If anyone wishes to contact me, please contact June Safran,
executive director, who will be happy to provide you with my
information.
Elaine
