The Greater Philadelphia Section of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children and families and by safeguarding individual rights. The Greater Philadelphia Section focuses on Advocacy, Promoting Education, Hands On Community Service and Tzedakah. NCJW confronts today’s most urgent social and economic challenges facing women, children and families. Powered by the Jewish imperative to ensure dignity for all, we impact policy, advocate for justice, and support the community. Your voice has never been more essential and our voices together make a meaningful difference in the world.

Watch our website  for information on when our other, in person, activities resume.

Our Section’s Grants Committee awards small grants, not to exceed $500, to organizations that qualify under IRC 501(c)(3) and assist through their programs and initiatives the needs of women, children and families.

Organizations receiving funding this fiscal year are Mitzvah Circle Foundation, Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy Scholarship Program, SOWN and the National Giving Alliance.

The Mitzvah Circle Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides material support to individuals and families dealing with crisis, poverty, homelessness and serious illness. Mitzvah Circle provides resources through three programs: Critical Needs, Diaper Bank and Personal Hygiene Supplies.

Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy Scholarship Program provides funds to children and adults with disabilities so that they participate in the Pegasus therapeutic horseback riding program. Pegasus is the only program of its kind in the city of Philadelphia and this experience improves the participants quality of life. Scholarships are awarded on a sliding scale basis according to U.S. poverty guidelines.

SOWN meets many of the needs of low income, grandparent -headed families with children. They provide group meetings with a skilled SOWN facilitator as well as individual counseling, information and referral services and educational workshops on topics including nutrition, health, child literacy and adult digital literacy.

National Giving Alliance improves the quality of life of low-income and homeless children, women and men in the five counties of southeastern Pennsylvania by collecting and distributing new clothes, household linens and toiletries.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Aileen Salus

Vice Presidents

• Membership: Cindi Pasceri / Joyce Gometz

• Programs /Edu: Anita Shomer / Rosalie Marcus

• Advocacy: Lynne Jacobs / Judy Heath

• Community Service: Faye Benshetler

• Fundraising: Robin London / Patti First

ADDITIONAL OFFICERS

• Treasurer: Pearl Tragash

• Assistant Treasurer: Margie Zukerman

• Corresponding Sec: Bobbie Berman

• Recording Sec: Susan Chace

• Financial Sec : Ellen Mirbach

Honorary Founding Director : Diane Steinbrink

DIRECTORS AT LARGE

Betsy Parziale

OTHER BOARD MEETING ATTENDEES

• Grants: Gerrie Greene

• State Advocacy Reps Barbara Hoffman / Rhonda Mandel