The Jewish Women’s Foundation of New Jersey (JWF-NJ), a giving circle affiliated with the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest, announces five new awards of $25,000 each. The grants will support critical projects that benefit women or girls in our local communities.
“We are thrilled to partner with incredible organizations that are making a tangible difference in their communities,” said Pam Greenwood, JWF-NJ’s Director. “Each of these grants for 2024-25 represents our dedication to the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing our world) and to fostering environments where all women can thrive.”
The Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center (DASACC) will use the funds to purchase necessary items at an emergency shelter, including a swing set, dining room set, and commercial washer/dryer.
The Boys and Girls Club of Newark will provide 90 girls with bathing suits and teach them basic swimming skills to ensure water safety.
CUMAC ECHO will pilot a case management system for food-insecure women at a trauma-informed pantry.
The Trinitas Foundation will provide lymphedema and mastectomy products for impoverished breast cancer patients.
The Perinatal Health Equity Initiative will provide community healthcare visits to 50 Black mothers in their prenatal and postpartum periods.
In 2023-24, the giving circle funded an innovative project that also impacted women with breast cancer, and another project geared toward expectant mothers. A grant to Sharsheret, a national Jewish organization for women with breast cancer, was used to send care packages to New Jersey residents undergoing treatment, providing much-needed support to the patients and their families. A package recipient, who is struggling with medical interventions while trying to provide a sense of normalcy for her children, expressed her gratitude: “We received the beautiful gifts that you sent! The toy box is amazing, and I’m so touched by the gift for me… it makes this a little easier!” In a program addressing maternal health, KinderSmile of Bloomfield – a pediatric dental office – provided free treatment and education to uninsured pregnant women, in recognition of the fact that good oral care is linked to healthy moms and the development of healthy babies. As one mother commented, “I need to do better! This program made me realize going to the dentist is not an option, and I cannot just go when I have pain.”
The Jewish Women’s Foundation of New Jersey is committed to making a difference in the lives of women and girls by addressing their unique challenges through philanthropy. The foundation, which will be celebrating its Chai (18th) anniversary in September, currently has 75 members and is growing stronger each year. For more information on joining or to learn how to apply for a grant, visit jwfnj.org.