Samantha Potashnick

Samantha is a staunch advocate for people with disabilities and those who support them. She serves on a disability advocacy committee and is an activist for raising wages for the direct service providers who support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Known as caring and compassionate, she brings her energy and enthusiasm to Libenu, a residential home for Jewish adults with disabilities. Whether she's baking challah for Shabbat or helping to take care of her fellow residents as a member of the Young Leadership Board, Samantha is always eager to help foster a sense of community and to create a homey and welcoming environment.

Ever since kindergarten, Samantha has been an active member of the Keshet community, where she currently participates in the Keshet GADOL adult day program where she has volunteered for several committees. Additionally, she has been active  with Yachad since it began programming in Chicago and continues to be involved with its Gardening and Performing Arts Programs.  She recently performed in their inclusive play "Newsies."

Samantha continually seeks opportunities to participate throughout the Jewish community; in addition to all of her other involvement, she volunteered at The Ark on JUF's Good Deeds Day.  She is a member of Temple Sholom of Chicago as well as a regular attendee at Congregation Beth Hamedrosh Hagadol Kesser Maariv in Skokie.

AGE:
33

PRONOUNS:
She, Her, Hers

PRIMARY GIG:
Volunteer at the Evanston Food Pantry

ON THE SIDE:
Drama and art

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 10 WORDS OR LESS:
I am caring, fun, and passionate about being Jewish.

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I studied in Israel for two years after high school.

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
Rabbi Shannan Gelman

YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
Be a good friend to other people.