We have also had the benefit of listening to some of the leading experts on the status of women in the world today who have shared with us both the challenges and the opportunities of investing in women globally.  We have learned that women are still 70% of the world’s poor, earn just 10% of world income and own just 1% of world property despite working more than men.  Most refugees and victims of sexual violence are women and a shocking 1 in 3 girls under the age of 18 experience sexual violence in several developing countries. We know that just 14 Heads of State are women and that only 13 of the 500 leading CEOs are women.  But we have also learned that girls outperform boys when they are given equal access to education, that educating girls is one of the best ways to improve child health, maternal health and reduce poverty and that there is growing recognition that the advancement of women is the key to future economic and human development.

We are excited that Isha Koach will make a contribution to this global movement to advance women and do so in a way that shines a light on Jewish women leaders.  Isha Koach would not have been possible without the commitment of founding JWFNY members Frances Brandt and Fern Hurst, the support of President Madeleine Grant and the passion and dedication of our Executive Director, Joy Sisisky. We hope that as Isha Koach joins hands with Jewish women leaders who are working to improve the lives of the most vulnerable women that our destinies will be forever entwined in ways that deepen our commitment to each other and establish Jewish Women’s Foundations as a force in the global women’s movement.

–Leith Greenslade, Co-Chair, Isha Koach

Two days later, our first Board meeting took place at FEGS where, in addition to taking care of Board business, we heard from professionals who are in charge of the Thypin/Oltchick Institute. As one of our 2011 grantees, the Institute treated us to an initial look at how our dollars are being used to guide Jewish women in their individual pursuit of entrepreneurial careers. Perhaps most gratifying was hearing directly from someone who has already benefitted from this program. In a world where many of us feel paralyzed and frustrated in our ability to make a difference this was a singularly rewarding moment.  Anyone who participated in the JWFNY Domestic Grant’s Committee that voted to fund the Thypin-Oltchick Institute program must have felt particularly proud.

I look forward to more memorable events throughout the year. Please join us in the New Year as the JWFNY determines new ways to ensure that we continue to make a difference.

- Madeleine R. Grant, President

Our invitation to submit concept letter can be found on our website at:  http://www.jwfny.org/grants/how-to-apply/domestic-grants-new-york-metropolitan-area/.  

Concept letters are due at the beginning of October. We look forward to reviewing submissions!

– Rebecca Garrison, JWFNY Associate Director

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY)

 Monday, September 12, 2011 

 12:00 – 2:00PM

 Couvert: $36 includes lunch

For more information or to RSVP, contact Trudy Turk at (212) 836-1495 or trudy@jewishwomenny.org.

Event Partner:

The New York Women’s Foundation

We were most interested in the Youth Court’s, part of the Community Court system.  We were invited to observe the court in session.  The judge, jury, prosecutor and defense attorney are all teens from the community who have successfully finished training for this volunteer work.  They listened to the charges, the prosecutor and defense and then decided upon an appropriate sanction.  This can be a specified number of community service hours, a letter of apology, cleaning local parks, painting over graffitti among others.  

The results of the work of the Red Hook Community Justice Center have been startling.  Crime has declined nearly 50%; it is estimated that over $600,000 worth of labor has been given by the Center; public trust in government is evidenced by a 94% approval rating; the rate of recidivism is 27% lower than offenders going through conventional court.

This approach to crime has been taking hold in many other communities, states and even abroad. The Red Hook Community Justice Center has become a model for other communities.  It was a fascinating visit.  Few of us have ever seen the actual workings of a court, especially one based in the community.

Submitted by Naomi Lazarus, JWFNY Advocacy and Policy Chair

I think perhaps the most wonderful aspect of Thursday is that we had members and non-members, young and older, and yet everyone who attended related or identified in some way with these courageous women in Debra’s book.  Perhaps my favorite story Debra told was of one woman she interviewed for the book who traveled to Germany each year.  The woman told her that each time she went to Germany she would ask the Germans with whom she came in contact what they did during the war. Many said they did nothing and the woman said she couldn’t understand that mentality. When she confronted one of the German women who told her that she had done nothing, the woman said to her “what will you do when it’s your turn?” This motivated the woman who Debra interviewed to join the Civil Rights movement, not wanting to have to respond similarly when she would be asked the same question by future generations. I think those words resonated with me the most.  It is our turn, and the JWFNY is giving us an opportunity to become active and engaged and give a voice to those who have no voice so that we will be able to tell our children how we helped or made a difference by being involved.

– Lauren Wachtler, JWFNY Board Member

The earnings gap between men and women has narrowed, but a new White House report shows that on average women still only make about 75% as much as their male counterparts.

Continue reading here

During our visit, we assisted in food prep by peeling potatoes… for 4 hours! Although there were a lot of potatoes, knowing that our hard work would provide less fortunate families with a hearty meal was very fulfilling. In addition to ourselves, there were two other groups of volunteers including men with special needs from the local community. Each week, they come to Masbia to assist in food preparation. Not only does this promote their development and social skills, but it also provides them with an opportunity to become involved in the community and perform a mitzvah. It was great to see so many people getting involved to help others.

We had the chance to meet with Masbia Director Alexander Rapaport. Masbia follows the laws of kashrut and all locations are fleishig (meat only); therefore, any food purchased or donated must be kosher. This often presents problems because Masbia is not allowed to accept all food donations from places like the NYC Food Bank and/or local charities. They are working with the Food Bank to receive fruits and vegetables and receive funding from generous donations to purchase kosher meat and other food products.

Overall, this experience was very enlightening. As a member of the Advocacy Committee, it was very interesting to get a first-hand look at the work that is being done in the community to promote the well-being of families in the Jewish community. We hope to further our work by meeting with legislators to help bring to light the special needs of children and families, especially in these turbulent economic times. Volunteering at Masbia reminded me that something as simple as peeling potatoes can make a difference in someone’s life. Please consider joining us for a second volunteer outing at Masbia on May 10, 2011. For more information, contact Trudy at trudy@jewishwomenny.org.

–Sandy Greenberg (JWFNY Board & Advocacy Committee member)

Nassau County Girl Scouts brings anti-bullying to synagogues, JCCs.

It happened two years ago, but it is still fresh in the mind of Avigail Borah, 11, of Hewlett, L.I. “A bunch of people — maybe four or five — were yelling at someone I knew during recess,” she recalled. “They were yelling things like, ‘You’re so stupid.’ I told them to stop yelling at her, and then some other people joined me in telling them to stop. They stopped.”

Continue reading here

Currently, the most pressing issue in children’s welfare is the re-funding of the federal Childhood Nutrition Act. You’ve probably see First Lady Michelle Obama on TV talking about the need for funding and getting nutritious food to children. This act, first passed under President Johnson, has not been renewed until now. Monies go for school food programs, infant care programs and nutrition education programs. And, monies are passed down to city and state child nutrition programs. It is critical that this act is passed before the next Congress is sworn in. To this end, we are asking our membership to send letters to their legislators asking them to support the bill. Our advocacy does not end here. Many other bills on all governmental levels are in our sight: Medicaid eligibility to foster care adolescents, youth mentorship programs, health care services, rent subsidies and adoption issues.

We are planning a full agenda. We are considering a roundtable focus group of child care providers, metting with like minded organizations, forming coalitions, meeting with legislators and doing a “hands-on” child nutrition event, and hoping to complete a “silver bullet” list of people to go to help with our advocacy.

A full and exciting year ahead…!

Submitted by Naomi Lazarus, JWFNY Advocacy and Policy Chair