Temple Community Service Corps

A congregation's commitment to moral and social issues working in a variety of different agencies to raise funds to pay stipends for young people to do volunteer work in various community agencies such as nursing homes, camps, facilities for the disabled, and youth recreation programs.

Congregation Gates of Heaven
Eastern Parkway and Ashmore Ave.
Schenectady, NY 12309-6497
518.374.8173
http://www.cgoh.org/

Target Groups: Multi-Generational Social Action Program, College Students

The Temple Community Service Corps (TCSC) was sparked  by a sermonette given Jeffrey Coplon in 1970. At a time of great social and political ferment, Jeff asked the congregation for "a greater commitment to the moral and social agenda that has always defined a Jew." Influenced by the example of rabbinic students who lived and worked in the slums of five major cities, David Coplon proposed the TCSC program. This ongoing program is now in its 25th year.

TCSC offers qualified high school and college youth summer employment in selected community agencies. The program, sponsored by the Social Action Committee, is financed by temple member contributions and fundraising projects. Participants are selected through an application and interview process. Assignments to participating agencies are made by matching applicant interest with agency need. Students have been placed with day care center, food distribution programs, with Boys' Clubs as counselors, and as nursing home aides, among other positions.

The TCSC fund pays participants the hourly minimum wage for six to eight weeks full-time commitments. Part-time arrangements are made to accommodate the special needs of some participants. In mid-July, participants are requested to meet with the TCSC committee and the temple board members for a progress report. A report is also given to the Congregation at the annual TCSC Shabbat. At the completion of the assignment, a report is submitted to the TCSC committee by the participant and by the agency.

The program has become a vital part of the temple and community's summer programming and has made a lifelong impact on those who became TCSC alumni. It has forged meaningful links and friendships between temple members and community service providers.