From all around the San Fernando Valley a band of multi talented, dedicated women has merged, delighted with the stir being created with their contributions to the community, and they are . . .
. . . Making a Difference!
Who? The fun, fundraising ladies of Zahava Chapter, Jewish Women International (JWI), founded in 1897 as B’nai B’rith Women. They are all working diligently to break the cycle of domestic violence through action and advocacy programs. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., JWI is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization, Federal Tax Exempt ID 52-6040461, enjoying membership that approaches 100,000 women. Here’s their story:
“Locally Zahava supports two shelters for victims of abuse, Haven Hills and Jewish Family Services’ Hope Cottage, where we have installed and main-tain libraries for the children. We also support the Womens Care Cottage which houses and counsels homeless women and children, and we have installed a library there as well. Other beneficiaries of our volunteer actions and donations are the Humor Cart at Northridge Hospital and SOVA, the JFS non sectarian food bank for the homeless and hungry.. We are proud to sponsor Northridge Hospital’s Center for Assault Treatment Services (CATS), which provides, in an atmosphere of dignity and respect, medical evidentiary exams, forensic inter-views and case management to victims of sexual abuse on a 24 hour-a-day basis. A beautiful library has been installed for the comfort of these children and adult victims of assault. We also participate in the Prejudice Awareness Project which educates middle school children about discrimination and prejudice.
“Nationally, JWI’s National Legal Project provides legal resources and support for victims of domestic violence and we offer training on subjects relating to domestic abuse to over 3500 lawyers, mental health professionals, academics and clergy. The National Library Initiative is engaged in establish-ing and maintaining 100 libraries across the United States for children in domestic violence shelters. The Women’s Economic Security Program builds economic literacy for young professional women. Our Mother’s Day Project raises funds for these and other projects and also delivers a beautiful floral arrangement to 150 shelters around the country.
“Our efforts reach people in need locally, nationally and internationally. We are very proud of JWI’s Children’s Home in Israel, one of the world’s finest residential treatment facilities for emotionally disturbed boys and girls.”
For local information on attending a meeting, making a contribution, funding a library, or learning more, contact - lorrainez@sbcglobal.net or 818.700.9942
www.jwi.org is our National JWI website.
