COMMUNITY HOPE, EMERGENCY HOUSING FUND FOR FEMALE VETERANS, $17,500
The emergency fund supported by this grant rescues female veterans, living in Northern NJ, from homelessness. The target group of women veterans and their children face dire circumstances, some even living in their cars in the middle of the winter. These funds provide temporary financial aid to provide Community HOPE the time needed to secure affordable housing for these women, or to pay back rent so that they can remain in their homes.
GLASS ROOTS, THE BEAD SHOP, $22,500
This grant launched a new artisan/craft entrepreneurship program that targeted 30 young women from economically at-risk backgrounds. The project combined the craft of glass-bead and jewelry making with an innovative approach to entrepreneurship training, including developing specialized market opportunities for graduates. The project enabled participants to create commercial, artistic products, as well as to secure connections to wholesale and retail outlets for their products.
NEWARK BETH ISRAEL FOUNDATION, HEALTHY BODY, HEALTHY MIND, $20,000
This renewal grant enhanced this structured program focused on the physical and emotional issues faced by obese girls living in a poor inner city environment. Year two focused on leadership skills in addition to providing fitness and nutrition programs to a group of 30 at-risk girls, and added a train-the-trainer and peer-mentor program to further empower the girls and ensure a mechanism to sustain the program for the future.
VOLUNTEER LAWYERS FOR JUSTICE, LEGAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND SEMINARS FOR WOMEN VETERANS, $25,000
This grant allowed VLJ to conduct free legal seminars and undertake an assessment to identify the unique legal needs of female veterans in NJ. The project included seminars to provide legal assistance, train volunteer attorneys to assist with key identified issues, develop and administer a legal-needs survey, and educate veterans’ groups to screen female veterans for legal issues requiring attention.
BAT KOL, THERAPY GROUPS FOR RELIGIOUS LESBIANS, $10,000
This grant provided two professionally led therapy groups for the members of Bat Kol that helped them grow into self-acceptance and equip them with tools to navigate between their identities as religious Jews and gay women.
THE COMMITTEE ON WOMEN VETERANS, $25,000
The funding for this special initiative grant supported the Council’s priority focus on addressing the needs of women veterans transitioning into civilian life. A survey of agencies serving women veterans, followed by an Agency Roundtable informed both a Community Forum as well as the utilization of a $25,000 grant to strengthen cross-agency information sharing, collaboration, and advocacy on behalf of women veterans.
GLASS ROOTS, SUPPORTING STAFF TO SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS, $1,000
This grant funded in-service training and follow-up consultations by a social worker experienced in adolescent behavior for Glass Roots’ teaching staff of glass artists to enable them to better address the issues facing the at-risk teenage girls whom their programs serve.
GREATER METROWEST ABLE, MOM’S SUPPORT GROUP, $1,000
Supported the expansion of their Mom’s Support Group for mothers of children with special needs. The grant provided a venue for these moms to network with one another, share advocacy concerns and strategies, and learn about services and resources available to support their families.
JESPY HOUSE, THE PAGE TURNER’S BOOK CLUB, $1,000
Launched a program that offers developmentally disabled JESPY women the opportunity to participate in a professionally facilitated book group that is paced to their abilities and addresses topics integral to their lives.
MORRISTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE, WOMEN ON THE GO, $1,000
Supported a workshop series on a range of life skills including prevention of domestic violence, family planning, health and wellness, immigration and citizenship, employment readiness, and parenting for the agency’s Women on the Go program – a community-based collaboration that assists financially disadvantaged minority women who are coping with the impact of unemployment and major disruptions in their family life.
SISTER TO SISTER, COLLEGE ADVOCACY PROGRAM, $1,000
Funded a spring high school self-empowerment and college-readiness retreat for 40 low-income girls who are part of the organization’s volunteer mentoring program in the Montclair public schools.
JESPY HOUSE, TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITIES, $9,500
Offered 23 to 30 JESPY women a guided exploration into the world of mobile device applications and programs.
UNCHAINED AT LAST, LEGAL AND SOCIAL ADVOCACY PROGRAM, $25,000
Provided pro-bono legal representation, support, and social services to 60 to 80 primarily Ultra-Orthodox Jewish women and those from other faiths who have been forced into arranged marriages.
NEWARK BETH ISRAEL FOUNDATION, HEALTHY MINDS/HEALTHY BODIES, $23,000
Established a specialized wellness, exercise, and nutrition program and support group for 40 high risk teens at Barringer High School to empower them to take charge of their health and futures.
RUACH NASHIT, FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE FOR WOMEN VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE, $10,000
Created sustainable long-term change for women victims of violence living in a homeless shelter in Haifa, by providing them with the tools and knowledge to achieve financial independence.
FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE NEW JERSEY, MOM’S NIGHT OUT, $1,000
Provided 30 mothers raising special-needs children with two respite events which will focus on their self-care and socialization.
JESPY HOUSE, SEX EDUCATION SERIES, $1,000
Supported an interactive sex education series designed to address the special needs of developmentally disabled women.
MOM 2 MOM, MOTHERS’ DAY RESILIENCY PROJECT, $1,000
Funded a project which brought together 15 to 20 mothers of children with serious health conditions for mutual support and the development of a journal which allowed them to share their reflections with others served by this peer support program.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN, ESSEX COUNTY ONE BILLION RISING FOR JUSTICE V-DAY, $1,000
Supported the marketing outreach for the regional event that, on Valentines Day, will raise awareness of violence against women.
RACHEL COALITION/JFS OF METROWEST, RACHEL CHILDCARE, $1,000
Provided a supportive and safe environment for the children of domestic violence victims, allowing the women to participate in group and individual therapy.
COPE CENTER INC., PROJECT EMPOWER, $15,000
Supported an award-winning Girl’s Circle leadership and skills building program for 40 teenage girls affiliated with the Bethany Center for Champion’s which serves at risk girls in West Orange.
JEWISH EDUCATIONAL CENTER’S BRURIAH HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, IMPROVING SCIENCE EDUCATION FOR GIRLS, $5,400
Funding enabled renovation of a laboratory first designed and equipped in 1972. Support provided for a series of professional development programs and services to science teachers at this Orthodox Yeshiva for girls that enabled them to maximize the use of the upgraded facilities and equipment.
METROPOLITAN YMCA OF THE ORANGES, HEALTHY TEEN RETREAT, $8,000
Supported a five-day Healthy Teen Retreat for 24 weight-challenged girls who attended programs at the Y.
MOM2MOM, MOBILE MOM2MOM PROJECT, $10,000
This grant spported the expansion of Mom2Mom statewide, while retaining the Newark-based program services funded through the JWF in 2012/13. Funding helped provide for a key staff position, the Supervising Mental Health Specialist for this project.
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NURSING, EMPOWERING DAUGHTERS AND MOTHERS THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA, $10,000
This project focused on utilizing social media to strengthen connectedness between 30 low-income mothers and daughters living in Newark, as a means of reducing risky behaviors on the part of the teens and improving self-esteem.
JESPY HOUSE, EMPOWERING WOMEN, $500
Helped women identify abusive and bullying situations on the job and beyond, and develop skills to better handle these situations.
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE (JFS), $500
With the involvement of Joint Chaplaincy, provided a multi-session support group for 10 young widows (under 60).
NCJW ESSEX COUNTY SECTION, $500
Reduced barriers to advanced education by funding stipends to two Moving Forward college students to pay for college textbooks.
DAUGHTERS OF ISRAEL, $3,500
Supported renovations of the facility’s beauty salon which boosted the self-esteem and quality of life of the elderly residents and sub-acute patients.
JVS, EMPOWERMENT MOTHERS ADVOCACY PROGRAM, $10,000
Supported the development of a curriculum to educate and empower immigrant and refugee women from their ESL classes about the importance of becoming involved in their children’s schools and education and provide the tools to do so effectively.
FOUNDATION OF UMDNJ, $11,500
Enabled MOM2MOM to offer a peer-support hotline and bi-monthly Newark-based support groups for mothers with family members with special needs, enabling them to better cope with their family burdens.
NEWARK BETH ISRAEL MEDICAL CENTER, RECOVERY FITNESS EXERCISE PROGRAM, $5,000
Year 2 support for women with cancer, coming from inner-city poor communities, to improve their health and well-being and build self-esteem leading to empowerment.
RACHEL COALITION, $6,000
Allowed distribution of additional copies of a handbook that educates victims of domestic violence about their rights and legal opportunities, so that they can better navigate the legal system, seek legal services and receive assistance, and break the vicious cycle of violence.
JEWISH VOCATIONAL SERVICE (JVS), COMPUTER 101 CAREGIVER COMPANION’S PROGRAM, $500
Created a program to further the computer and digital skills and allow greater research abilities of 20 JVS Caregiving Companions.
JEWISH SERVICE FOR THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED, WAE CENTER, “SPEAK UP AND VOTE” PROGRAM, $500
Instructed women with disabilities in ways to participate in the upcoming election and encourage them to take part in the important voting process.
METROWEST ISHA CENTER, SEXUAL VIOLENCE PREVENTION WORKSHOP, $500
Created workshops to help and empower at-risk teenage girls at the ISHA Center in Ofakim Israel to prevent sexual violence.
HIYOT ISRAEL PROGRAM, BODY CARE AND BODY IMAGE WORKSHOP, $350
Supported workshops that educated Ethiopian girls living in Rishon LeZion about body care.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN, CAREER CLOSET, $500
Supported operations.
JESPY HOUSE, SELF-DEFENSE, $500
Trained women in self-defense and empowerment.
PLAYWORKS, $10,000
Supported the 2011 All Girls Basketball League that engaged approximately 105 low-income elementary school age girls in a healthy, inclusive, and development team sport to build self-confidence and self-esteem and nurture leadership skills.
NEWARK BETH ISRAEL MEDICAL CENTER, RECOVERY FITNESS EXERCISE PROGRAM, $10,000
Aimed to improve health and fitness and build self-esteem of women with cancer, coming from inner city poor communities, leading to their empowerment and well-being.
JCC OF METROWEST/WAE CENTER, $8,000
Supported and elevated women 21 and older with special needs to a higher level of understanding and confidence in order to better manage their lives through programs that address areas such as sexuality, personal safety, relationships, hygiene and health.
POLARIS PROJECT, $5,000
Supported the New Jersey Trafficking Intervention Program that provids services and advocacy for women and girls victimized by human trafficking, empowering them to reclaim their lives by assisting in the rescue and recovery process. Grant funding supported an increase in assessments, referrals for services, and case management.
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OF METROWEST NJ, $350
Created a curriculum addressing problems/issues specific to girls in elementary and middle schools.
JESPY HOUSE, WOMEN’S SAFETY NET PROGRAM, $500
For special-needs women to protect themselves from physical, emotional, and verbal abuse.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN, 2 MINI GRANTS, $400 & $250
1. Helped foster girls’ plans for their future.
2. Provided appropriate work clothing for women applying for jobs.
WOMEN’S THEATRE, GOING PROGRAM FOR SPECIAL NEEDS WOMEN, $500
PARTNERS FOR WOMEN AND JUSTICE, $500
Created a digital version of their training manual which is used by Partners’ pro bono lawyers. In lieu of awarding a mini-grant, JWF, in association with UJC, produced a digital version of the training manual.
ESSEX COUNTY COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE (CASA), $10,000
Deployed 25 specialized search and connect CASA advocates to work on behalf of 35 legal orphaned foster girls whose parental rights had been terminated and who had no adoptive homes.
PARTNERS FOR WOMEN AND JUSTICE, INC., $5,000
Supported legal assistance services by trained pro bono lawyers to low-income and abused women.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN ESSEX COUNTY SECTION, $5,000
Provided job readiness skills and job search strategies for women entering or re-entering the workplace.
INTEGRITY, INC., $10,000
Funded an intensive case management program for female clients with substance abuse issues by creating an individualized housing plans, placing clients and their families in stable housing, and empowering women to remain on the path of recovery.
POLARIS PROJECT, $5,000
Supported the New Jersey Trafficking Intervention Program to provide services and advocacy for women and girls victimized by human trafficking, empowering them to reclaim their lives by assisting in the rescue and recovery process. Grant funding supported an increase in assessments, referrals for services, and case management.
ESSEX COUNTY CASA, THE JWF REITMAN FAMILY GRANT – YEAR 2, $10,000
Supported a teen mentoring program for ten young foster girls, aged 15 to 18, offering education, career advice, and financial skills training, enhancing their life skills as they enter adulthood.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN, ESSEX COUNTY SECTION, $10,000
Provided job readiness skills and job search strategies to all women entering or re-entering the workforce.
PARTNERS FOR WOMEN AND JUSTICE, $15,000
Supported the program that provided pro bono legal representation to abused women seeking final orders of protection or other relief from the courts.
HEBREW FREE LOAN, $10,000
Established The Jewish Women’s Foundation of NJ Loan Fund for Women to support emergency interest-free loans to qualified women in financial distress.
ESSEX COUNTY CASA, THE JWF REITMAN FAMILY GRANT, $15,000
Developed and piloted – in cooperation with Rutgers University – an educational protocol to improve the academic achievement of girls in foster care.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE, UJC OF METROWEST NJ YEAR 2, $10,000
Created JWin, the first Jewish women’s political network in the state, and trained women to run for office and otherwise participate in the political process.
PARTNERS FOR WOMEN AND JUSTICE, PRO BONO LEGAL REPRESENTATION, $5,000
Provided pro bono legal representation to abused women seeking final orders of protection or other relief from the courts.
RACHEL COALITION OF JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OF METROWEST NJ, CUT IT OUT, $5,000
Supported a program that trained beauticians, nail salon professionals, and Orthodox wig makers to recognize the signs of domestic violence and provide information and referral for clients who need it.
GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL OF ESSEX & HUDSON, FIT & FABULOUS PROGRAM, $8,000
Supported two 8-week cycles in Essex County focusing on physical activity, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles for girls aged 5- 17 who participate in after-school programs, local troops, and community organizations and leadership training for girls 14-17, who work with the younger girls in the program.
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NJ EDUCATION FUND, RUNNING & WINNING PROGRAM, $2,000
Supported Mountain Lakes’ Running & Winning program, a day-long leadership program to give high school girls the opportunity to work with female local and state elected officials and political operatives to explore political involvement as a career.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN, ESSEX COUNTY SECTION, VIDEO, $6,000
Produced a 5 to 6 minute professional video focusing on real teens who have experienced dating abuse, used to enhance the organization’s Teen Dating Abuse Program in schools throughout Essex County, and streamed on NCJW’s website and shown to groups of parents and others.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE, YEAR 2 – JWIN, $15,000
Created JWin, the first Jewish women’s political network in the state, and trained women to run for office and otherwise participate in the political process.
COUNTY COLLEGE OF MORRIS FOUNDATION, TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE. ($5,000).
Supported a series of workshops at the Women’s Center at the County College of Morris to raise women’s self-esteem and confidence.
THE JWF REITMAN FAMILY GRANT, KNOW BEFORE YOU GO, $8,000
Supported an education program to empower college freshman women to protect themselves against date rape and sexual assault.
*This represents grant amounts approved. Some grants have been refunded or not fully funded.
