Board of Directors
Tikkun Olam Helping Hands philanthropy is managed by a board of directors who genuinely believe that all people deserve a suitable place to call home and access to a meaningful life.
Tikkun Olam Helping Hands is managed by a volunteer-based administrative staff, led by Dr. Dana Levitt, who are committed to meeting our community’s immediate critical needs. We help the most vulnerable people find and stay housed, reduce food insecurity, and assist with legal and health-related barriers.
Our board of directors has more than 36 years of business, legal, and operations management and leadership.
Tikkun Olam Helping Hands is the product of decades of thought about what I could personally do to help make this world a better place.
– Dr. Levitt
Dr. Dana Levitt
Founder and President
Dr. Levitt has spent the last 25 years working in multifamily real estate while also volunteering in a leadership position on several Jewish local, national, and international nonprofit boards.
At 19 years old, Dana purchased her first real estate investment property and taught herself how to remodel it. Today, she owns three real estate corporations with the mission to provide housing security for lower than the rental market rates.
Dr. Levitt holds a BS in Administration with a concentration in Operations Management and Finance from California State University, holds a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific, and is certified with the US Department of Homeland Security to increase public safety. She is published in the Stepping Forward Together: Synagogue Visioning and Planning by Robert Leventhal for her innovative strategic methods to help organizations build forward-thinking operational models.
Laura Narum
Board Vice Chair
Laura Narum is an MBA prepared professional with experience in non-profit organizations, telecommunications and Distributed Antenna Systems. For over 16 years, she has demonstrated strength in working with people from various backgrounds to accomplish goals and/or provide service. Recognized as a quick learner who thrives on challenges both personally and professionally, Laura is creative in developing new programs to meet the needs of special populations.
Laura also volunteered with AmeriCorps providing members of nonprofit, faith-based, and other community organizations and public agencies to create and expand programs that bring low-income individuals and communities out of poverty. She also matched hundreds of volunteers to a variety of flood recovery job opportunities.
Daryl Anderson
Treasurer and Secretary
Daryl Anderson is a former DMACC Instructor/Paralegal Chair, attorney, and certified mediator.
Today she spends her time as a community volunteer and social action advocate. Currently, she runs the Jewish Des Moines Community food pantry for Temple B’nai Jeshurun.