National Council of Jewish Women Greater Dallas Section

NCJW GREATER DALLAS IS AN ORGANIZATION THAT UPHOLDS THE IDEAL THAT ORDINARY PEOPLE CAN MAKE A REAL AND LASTING DIFFERENCE IN OTHER PEOPLE'S LIVES SIMPLY BY TAKING ACTION. THOSE ACTIONS ARE ALL THE MORE EXTRAORDINARY BECAUSE THEY REPRESENT THE EXPONENTIAL IMPACT OF A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS ACTING TOGETHER WITH A COMMON PURPOSE. NCJW DALLAS COMMUNITY IMPACT PROGRAMS seek to address immediate and persistent needs while also working to change the systemic issues that sustain cycles of poverty. Current volunteer opportunities focus on 3 impact areas: Families in crisis, Education, Health & Wellness. KIDS IN COURT, an award-winning collaboration with the DAs office and other nonprofits to familiarize youth who are testifying in court about abuse they have experienced or witnessed with court process to alleviate fears and make them feel confident in court.THE SUITCASE PROJECT Provides gently used suitcases and new home goods for individuals and families experiencing displacement due to domestic violence, trafficking, or family separation to alleviate stressors associated with starting life in a new home, increase dignity, and bolster self-confidence. WEST DALLAS INITIATIVE is designed to empower women, children and families in one of dallas lowest income areas through partnerships with government agencies and schools. The goal is to develop close relationships with school, community and government leadership lead to regular assessment and adjustment of the types of supports provided and have included free childrens clothes closet, thanksgiving meal distribution, diaper/wipes distribution, school uniforms/school shoes, tutoring and other education support, teacher support, winter coats/hats/scarves and more. HIPPY EXTENSION PROGRAMS/SCHOLARSHIPS promote educational advancement that transforms the lives of children and families, breaking the cycle of poverty. NCJW Dallas volunteers support 3 Greater Dallas school districts HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Pre-school Youth) by organizing and leading excursions to local cultural institutions, expanding the concept of where learning happens. NCJW Dallas also supports former HIPPY children continuing their post-high school education with scholarship opportunities.FOOD+FIT=FUN volunteers educate and encourage underserved families to pursue healthier lifestyles through a comprehensive nutrition education and physical activity program.ADVOCACY AND EDUCATION: MANY OF NCJW DALLAS ADVOCACY EFFORTS ARE GEARED SPECIFICALLY TO THE EDUCATION OF OUR COMMUNITY ABOUT THE SYSTEMIC ISSUES BEHIND OUR COMMUNITY IMPACT WORK AND THE FREEDOMS AND RIGHTS THAT ARE ACCORDED TO ALL. From our Catalysts speaker series to our hot topics programs, to our Lunch & Learns and trips to Austin to meet with our legislators, NCJW Dallas provides issue education and training on civic engagement to members and nonmembers alike who are concerned and involved in their community. NCJW collaborates with other organizations in the Dallas area and across the state to engage community members in advocacy with local, state, national legislators about important issues of the day. NCJW offers services, membership, and support to men, women, and children regardless of religion, race, gender, sexual orientation or ability. While based on the Jewish values of "tikun olam - repairing the world", we do not engage in any religious or political activity, nor do we limit our services to people of a certain religion. It is our belief that as members of the world community, we have an obligation to do everything in our power to work to make the world we live in a better place for all. Some of the issues we follow include domestic violence prevention and recovery, human trafficking, early childhood through college education, immigration, gun violence prevention, health care and Medicaid expansion, reproductive justice, economic justice and empowerment for women, LGBTQ rights, appointments to the judiciary and many, many more.