Jordan Bacher is a 12 year-old boy determined to make a difference in his community. It was during his study this year to become a Bar Mitzvah that Jordan decided he wanted to participate in a community service that would ensure that adults and children from his local community would not go hungry. His service began at a local food pantry and soup kitchen, and quickly grew from there.
It was early November when Jordan first heard about a group of people that gathered together last year to donate their time, expertise and support to create a Thanksgiving dinner for residents at the Retreat’s shelter. As Jordan expressed to his family and friends, “Their generosity inspired me to take action. We can do it again this year! Let’s do it again this year!” He reached out to the Retreat and expressed that he wanted to, “give the women and children residing in the shelter a holiday experience that would make them feel special and valued members of our community.” With his mother’s positive encouragement, he began writing letters requesting the support of his family, friends as well as from members of our local community.
The response he received was overwhelming. As soon as Martha Clara Vineyards (a winery located on the North Shore of Long Island) heard of Jordan’s efforts, they offered their facilities as the venue for this holiday event. Shortly thereafter, family and friends contacted Jordan regarding his appeal asking how they too could show their support. Feverishly, and with just a few quick weeks before the Thanksgiving holiday, Jordan began making phone calls, sending emails and single-handedly coordinating this effort, including organizing the monetary donations and other types of in-kind contributions people were willing to share.
Thanksgiving day soon arrived and Jordan, joined by his mother, family and friends, helped transport the women and children from the Retreat’s shelter — as well as children from Little Flower Children and Family Services — to Martha Clara Vineyards where they listened to music, enjoyed beautiful holiday decorations and were served a warm and delicious thanksgiving meal. Before the night was through, they even had a visit from Santa Clause carrying a sack filled with gifts for the children. At the conclusion of the event, Jordan’s mother reflected on the day, “We couldn’t have been happier. Each person walked away feeling they walked away with a gift.”
Stacey Bellem, Director of Agency Programs at the Retreat expressed, “This remarkable 12-year old person, with such heart and compassion for others facing adversity, truly made their holiday an experience.” And, with sincere appreciation and humility for the help that was offered to make this day a reality, Jordan responded to his family and friends by stating, “I feel like you are giving me a gift.”
This effort on Jordan’s behalf is the true definition of the word “community.” The Retreat is extremely grateful to Jordon, his family and friends for their generosity and kindness. During this holiday season, please remember to consider others that may be experiencing hardship, and how each on of us (no matter how small or large the contribution) can take steps toward making a difference. For more information on Retreat’s community services or programs, please call our main office at 631.329.4398 or visit our website at www.theretreatinc.org.
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The Retreat is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, domestic violence organization. It is the only full service (with safe housing) domestic violence agency serving all five townships on the East End of Long Island. Services and programs offered through the Retreat are all free to the community and include hotline counseling, legal advocacy, emergency safe housing, individual and group counseling, educational programs and an anti-violence, re-education program for batterers.
If you or a loved one is being abused and needs help, please call the Retreat’s 24/7 hotline at 631.329.2200.