GET INVOLVED
THE OPTIMIST is more than a film — it is a journey from darkness to hope. The film is deeply rooted in two causes that reflect its heart: KAVOD, which supports Holocaust survivors living in poverty, and Bring Change to Mind, a national nonprofit empowering youth to end the stigma around mental health. Contributions supporting these organizations help extend the film’s impact beyond the screen.
Support Holocaust Survivors Through KAVOD
Recent studies indicate that 31,000 Holocaust Survivors are living in the United States, and more than 30% are living near poverty. Many have had to choose between heat or food, medicine or rent. The support these Survivors received did not allow them to afford what was needed to live a dignified life.
Recognizing the importance of reaching every Survivor, regardless of where they live, Seed the Dream Foundation partnered with KAVOD to establish the KAVOD Survivors of the Holocaust Emergency Fund (SHEF) in 2019. KAVOD SHEF exponentially multiplies the dollars and vital services directly reaching Survivors and increases awareness of this crisis.
100% of KAVOD SHEF matching funds raised are directed toward Emergency Services for Survivors as a secondary resource.
Empower Students Through Bring Change to Mind (BC2M)
Bring Change to Mind (BC2M) empowers young people to build connected, empathetic, and supportive school communities where conversations about mental health are welcome and stigma-free. Actress and activist Glenn Close co-founded the nonprofit organization in 2010 in response to a critical need to eradicate stigma and discrimination by normalizing conversations about mental illness.
BC2M’s first initiatives focused on developing widely distributed public education materials grounded in the latest scientific insights and measured for effectiveness. Since then, BC2M has expanded to include an evidence-based, student-led High School Club Program, launched in 2015, followed by a Middle School Program piloted in 2020. Today, BC2M Clubs operate in 43 states across 540 high schools and 115 middle schools, empowering more than 100,000 students to take a proactive approach to their mental health through peer connection, resilience-building, and increased access to support and resources.
Our national screening campaign brings THE OPTIMIST into communities across the country, engaging audiences committed to remembrance, resilience, and taking action.
Through screenings in schools, colleges, libraries, faith communities, and youth-centered spaces, the film fosters intergenerational dialogue and empowers young changemakers to reflect on the choices they make today—and the hope they can inspire for generations to come.
At the heart of this effort is Herbert Heller’s message: that listening, compassion, and human connection can transform lives. Together, we carry his story forward—into classrooms, communities, and youth spaces across the country—creating opportunities for learning, reflection, and meaningful conversation.
It’s time to jump in — take the first step today.
SHARED STORIES, SHARED HOPE
To explore hosting a screening or related speaking engagement, please reach out to us at theoptimistmovie@gmail.com