assiyah for

asheville

December 15-17, 2024

In the wake of devastating Hurricane Helene, Asheville, NC needs our help. This December, JDC Entwine and NECHAMA are bringing together a group of Entwine alumni for two days of meaningful service, powerful connections, and lasting impact.

Who is this experience for?

  • Entwine alumni between the ages of 21-39 who have participated on an Insider Trip, a Fellowship or a Global Campus.
  • People who are prepared to do physical manual labor which includes walking, lifting heavy materials and significant time on your feet.
  • Learn more about the eligibility process on the eligibility form.

What to expect:

  • Mornings: Fuel up and head to the worksite (8:30 AM – 2:30 PM)
  • Afternoons: Unwind, reflect, and connect with your fellow volunteers
  • Evenings: Build community over shared meals and meaningful conversations
  • Programming begins on December 15 at 5pm and ends on December 17 at 3pm (flight timing may be flexible depending on availability)

 

trip
highlights

FAQ
  • Meaningful Service: Work alongside NECHAMA to provide critical support through debris removal, home restoration preparation, and other essential recovery tasks. Each project directly impacts local families working to rebuild their lives.
  • Community-Centered Approach: Our work is guided by local needs and priorities, ensuring we support–and center–the community and their needs. This includes carefully selected accommodation outside the immediate area to avoid placing additional strain on local resources.
  • Group Connection: Share meals, reflections, and experiences with fellow JDC Entwine alumni who bring diverse perspectives but share a commitment to service. Evening programs blend informal social time with structured conversations about responsible disaster response and community support.
  • Professional Guidance: Benefit from NECHAMA’s extensive disaster response expertise while working under trained supervisors who ensure both safety and meaningful impact. All necessary tools and safety equipment are provided.
  • Responsible Impact: Participate in a program thoughtfully designed to support local recovery efforts while being mindful of community resources. Our housing location (30-45 minutes outside Asheville) ensures we don’t occupy hotels needed by displaced residents.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”

– Martin Luther King, Jr.

PARTICIPATION FEE:

$50 (airfare not included)

INCLUDES:

Transportation in and around Western North Carolina

Meals

Hotel accommodations

Site visits, briefings, tours, etc.

Medical and emergency evacuation insurance

*Please note that your participation fee does not include airfare to and from Asheville, NC.

Trip Dates

December 15-17, 2024

Eligibility Form Deadline:

November 11, 2024

About JDC

JDC (the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee or “The Joint”) is the leading Jewish humanitarian organization, working in 70 countries to lift lives and strengthen communities. We rescue Jews in danger, provide aid to vulnerable Jews, develop innovative solutions to Israel’s most complex social challenges, cultivate a Jewish future, and lead the Jewish community’s response to crises. For over 100 years, our work has put the timeless Jewish value of mutual responsibility into action, making JDC essential to the survival of millions of people and the advancement of Jewish life across the globe. Learn more at jdc.org.

About NECHAMA

NECHAMA, rooted in the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, provides comfort and hope to communities by engaging volunteers in disaster recovery work. The foundation of their response and recovery work is built upon addressing and raising awareness of the immediate and underlying needs of a post-disaster community through an innovative, environmentally conscious, and bridge-building approach. Learn more at nechama.org.

COVID-19 Protocol

The safety and security of our participants is of the utmost importance. JDC Entwine will be following rules and regulations set forth by local government officials. Trip participants will agree to abide by all COVID protocols set forth by both governing bodies and JDC Entwine staff and partners. Travel always assumes some risks and participants are aware of the medical risks associated with travel. This trip is subject to COVID protocol updates, changes, and cancellation. Learn more.

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