The Jewish Women’s Foundation of New Jersey has awarded six new small grants to NJ agencies working to sustain, educate and transform the lives of women and girls.  The agencies and innovative programs receiving grants include:

 JCC MetroWest—Ladies Night ($2,500):  This ladies-only program provides an opportunity for young women with disabilities to develop friendships with peers in a safe environment with the guidance of professional staff.

Vets Chat Inc.—Vets Chat and Chew Program (2,500):  The goals of this program are to improve the mental and physical health of female veterans by providing them with a nutritional toolbox that can be used for life.

ECLC Foundation—ECLC of NJ Schools Girl Scout Club ($1,200):  The inception of a unique Girl Scout Troop for students with disabilities, which will engage the girls in a variety of activities to work toward earning Girl Scout badges.

Jewish Family Services of Central NJ—Strengthening Bonds Through Yoga ($2,500): A program taking a holistic approach to create a safe, non-judgemental place for girls and their female caregivers (with strained relationships) to come together.  The skills learned through yoga will be transferrable to everyday life.

Cornerstone Family Programs—STEM Girls: Taking It On The Road ($2,500): A program focused on engaging young girls in STEM learning and potential career paths to inspire the next generation of female scientists, engineers and explorers.  In addition to conduction interviews, mentor-led team building exercises, and personal career development workshops the girls will go on field trips to Nestle, BASF, Celgene, Morristown Memorial and GE Power Global Research Facility.

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges—Breakfree Weekend Retreat ($2,500): A weekend at the Fairview Lake YMCA Camps designed to help single mothers living at or near the poverty line, or who are victims of domestic abuse, “break free” of the obstacles preventing them from reaching their full potential through meaningful workshops and activities. 

The total amount awarded in this JWF Small Grants cycle was $13,700.