Action Reconciliation Service For Peace - ARSP

✨ We have an incredible story to share.

Our next post features Pauline, one of our volunteers supporting . In her free time, Pauline loves exploring her favorite city, Chicago, meeting new people, and pursuing one of her hobbies: knitting.

Through a local knitting group, she met Margaret—and that encounter set an extraordinary story in motion.

But the story doesn't end there. With the invaluable support of Jo-Ellyn Decker, Research and Reference Librarian at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Pauline was able to uncover crucial details and ultimately connect with Evelyn.

We are incredibly proud of volunteers like Pauline, who embody the very best of our program: curiosity, initiative, compassion, and a commitment to building meaningful connections across generations.

Stay tuned for the full story—you won't want to miss it. ❤️

Tom, our ARSP volunteer at shares a few insights from his service. We thank him for making a difference!

"As a volunteer at the non-profit organization Family Promise of Philadelphia, which supports families at risk of homelessness, I was fortunate enough to experience how strong the sense of community can be in difficult times. What impressed me most was how naturally people help one another, even though many of them have only limited resources themselves.

I think, it’s inspiring to see how many of the families we work with try to give something back to the community as well. For me, it was especially meaningful to witness people who are facing difficult situations themselves still making an effort to contribute through volunteer work when they are unable to help in other ways.

The cooperation between different organizations is also something I perceive as positive. It often happens that people come to us whom we unfortunately cannot support directly. In those cases, we have a long list of community partners to whom we can refer them. In return, these organizations are also able to recommend our services to others.

What impressed me most, however, is the warmth and kindness that can be felt everywhere in this community. Families often tell us afterward that the feeling of being welcome and not being alone in their situation was just as valuable as the financial support that we provide itself. This experience has shown me how much an engaged community can achieve and how important solidarity is, especially during difficult times in life.“

Another fun Soccer World Cup story from Chicago: while walking through the city, ARSP volunteers Nadja (Cradles to Crayons) and Karl (Selfhelp Home) met these gentlemen: Germany’s national coach Julian Nagelsmann (with Karl) and Jonathan Tag and Nadiem Amiri, two players on Germany’s national team (with Nadja in the center)

In honor of the World Cup, ARSP volunteer Tom (middle!) has been practicing soccer with his international Philadelphia team since he arrived last September. Not sure they made the qualifications, but nice try.

Happy Friday 😀

In August 2026, our new volunteer from the US, Jack, will volunteer with ARSP/ASF at the Concentration Camp Memorial in Germany for one year. Jack decided to visit the site and met current volunteers Margalit (USA) and Emma (Netherlands).
In his words:
“It was great being able to see the area and the facilities in which I
will be living and working, and getting to meet both of the current
ASF representatives, they were tremendous as well. I am glad that I was
also able to further familiarize myself with the Deutsche Bahn, among
other things”.

ARSP volunteer Nell (l) tells us about her service at CHDC. She is seen here with her supervisor and Community Program Manager Dilcia and her co-volunteer.

“Volunteering at Clinton Housing Development Company (CHDC) in New York has shown me how important community and affordable housing are for people’s everyday lives. CHDC is a nonprofit organization founded in 1973. It is dedicated to preserving and creating permanently affordable housing in the Hell’s Kitchen and Chelsea neighborhoods while also building strong and supportive communities.

As a volunteer, I help organize and execute social activities for tenants across five supportive housing buildings. One of my favorite activities is hosting monthly Bingo events, where tenants can come together, have fun,connect with each other and win prizes. I also support the community café, where tenants socialize, play dominoes, and enjoy spending time together in a welcoming environment.

Another meaningful part of my role is participating in Food Rescue, where donated food is distributed free of charge to tenants by me and the other volunteers. This helps support residents while also reducing food waste and encouraging community care.

What makes CHDC special is that they focus not only on affordable housing, but also on creating a real sense of belonging. Through community activities, green spaces, cultural programs, and supportive services, they help make neighborhoods stronger and more inclusive for everyone.

It brings me joy to see that tenants get the chance to win tickets to Broadway shows, boat tours across New York or tickets to the cinema through Clinton housing. This way they can experience cultural events they normally couldn’t afford themselves and still be integrated in the society.

I am very grateful to be part of an organization that truly puts people and community first and to be able to help support this cause and local people.“

Being in Berlin is a gift as I am able to meet interesting people & projects. Thanks to the “Stadtteilmütter” (neighborhood moms), our ASF team learned about Neukölln’s history that is deeply intertwined with women’s stories. They researched the history of Jewish culture before the Second World War and shared personal experiences. Thank you for opening up and sharing your stories.

US program director Dr. Monika Moyrer attended the ASF/ARSP annual conference in Berlin, Germany. Around 180 people gathered in workshops, on city walks, and during breaks: How are democracy and social cohesion under attack in Germany and many other countries? How do far-right extremists network across borders? And what responses and ideas does democratic civil society offer to counter this trend and promote an open and united society in a multi-cultural Europe? At the conference Monika Moyrer had a chance meeting with Ella, former ARSP volunteer at Selfhelp Home Chicago and volunteer for many of our summer seminars in Philadelphia. We still hope to see Ella again in Philly this year. We will miss you Ella.

ARSP volunteer Merle sends us a little glimpse into her life in Boston

These past months have been full of new experiences, from sunny walks along the harbor and beautiful skyline views at shabbat dinners to snowy nights that feel straight out of a movie. Every day here brings something new, and every day looks a little different.
At Hebrew Senior Life, I get to share music sessions, celebrations, conversations, and special moments with wonderful older adults. Experiences like celebrating Purim together and simply spending time with the people here have become some of the most meaningful parts of my journey as an ARSP volunteer.