Elaine founded Anne Frank House in 1987 after Adas Israel Congregation volunteers staffed Luther Place, a night shelter for the homeless in Washington, DC, and after Rev. John Steinbruck of the shelter challenged Adas Israel members to start a group home for mentally ill homeless people. Elaine has served as president of AFH and has worked on the committee to place homeless people in AFH apartments and to review their progress. Elaine is currently on the Social Action Committee of Adas Israel. As a liaison between board and staff at a credit union, Elaine helps staff to decide which non-profit organizations should receive contributions.