NCJW Rockland celebrates 75 years
Last month, the Rockland section of the National Council of Jewish Women celebrated its 75th anniversary in New City with a Diamond Jubilee celebration brunch commemorating its legacy of community service, education, and advocacy in Rockland County and beyond.
The speakers included Rockland County Executive Ed Day and executives from Meals on Wheels, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Nyack Soup Angels. After brunch, there were displays, skits, and a poem and slide show highlighting the 75-year history of the section’s accomplishments and memorable events.
Janice Beibin of New City said: “My sister and I joined NCJW Rockland because we found the members to be friendly and welcoming. I especially enjoyed the camaraderie of community service projects, including making fleece blankets, and fulfillment of knowing that the blankets will bring comfort to infants, sheltered children, and hospitalized adults.”
The section is part of a national organization, founded in 1893, that is the oldest Jewish women’s organization in the country. Inspired by Jewish values, the nonprofit aims to turn progressive ideals into action, and improve the quality of life for women, children, and families. Through the efforts of 225,000 grassroots advocates and 49 sections, NCJW combines education, direct service, and advocacy to effect lasting social change at the local, state, and national levels.
The NCJS’s Rockland section began in Spring Valley in 1949, when 28 charter members signed on for “the promotion of social betterment” by pursuing social justice projects in their community. Through advocacy, education, and community service, the section has continued to pursue dozens of impactful programs.
In 1974, Rochelle Berger, now a member of 55 years, saw a need for providing homebound seniors with nutritious meals. Starting in her basement with seed money, working with volunteers from NCJW Rockland, and using small grants from the Knights of Columbus and the Office for the Aging, the fledgling project provided nearly 10,000 meals in the first year. The program eventually grew into an independent $3m nonprofit — Meals on Wheels of Rockland — which has delivered more than 10 million meals since its inception.
Similarly, the section played an instrumental role in founding Child Care Resources of Rockland, Ramapo Senior Activity Center, and the West Street Child Care Center, in collaboration with other concerned women.
Today, the section has nearly 250 members and collaborates with 20 other nonprofits in the county as it continues to advocate on behalf of women, children, and families. Key projects include summer camp scholarships, holiday gifts and hand-made blankets for hospital patients, food drives and meal preparation for food pantry clients, homeless and abuse victim necessities, school supplies, and children’s literacy support.
More recently, the section initiated the “Winter Coats for Kids” collection county-wide to supply warm winter outerwear for school children, including those who may have recently immigrated to this area with no winter clothing. In Israel, Rockland section supports grants focused on social and gender justice and empowers Israeli and American women to create a fair and just society.
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