Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund Conducts Awardee Site Visits
Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund Conducts Awardee Site Visits
The Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund (JWEF), founded in 2001, provides grants up to $2500 to non-profits improving the lives of women and families, especially children at risk, embodying the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam—repairing the world. Past grants have supported projects like solar cookers for Jewish World Watch, prenatal care for the Rhema Project in India, therapeutic equipment for LOGAN Children’s Services, and domestic violence protection programs by the United Religious Community of St. Joseph County.
On July 16th, JWEF President Donna Ayres and Grants Committee Chair Judy Wein visited the Children’s Dispensary’s “A Place to Be Me” program in South Bend. This 100+-year-old nonprofit enriches the lives of about 100 participants with disabilities through educational, social, and recreational activities. This program operates after-school from September to May for two hours on Monday and Wednesday evenings, occasionally on Saturday, and as a 4-day/week 9 am-3 pm summer camp. Program activities include culinary arts, music and movement, creative arts, dining etiquette, and field trips in groups of fifteen people. Participants pay what they can afford; about 60% of them are on some type of financial aid. A partnership with the University of Notre Dame’s Art Department students is one field trip example. The $1,500 JWEF grant funded transportation and art supplies for a collaborative painting session with Notre Dame’s Art Department students.
On July 31st, Donna Ayres, Marsha Brook, Diane Sarnat, and Cheri Schuster visited the Food Bank of Northern Indiana. Established in 1993, the Food Bank distributes 9.5 million pounds of food annually across six counties. Executive Director Marijo Martinec explained how the $2000 JWEF grant was used to purchase essential items like garlic, tomatoes, and turkeys, which recipients consider luxuries. Marijo reported that getting these ‘luxuries” brings tears to recipients’ eyes. The Food Bank relies on grants, donations of food products and funds, partnerships, and other public and private financial assistance. The Food Bank can turn $1 of funds into eight pounds of food. Unfortunately, donations have been down since the Pandemic.
To join JWEF and make an impact, contact Donna Ayres at ayres02@comcast.net or Elliot Marino at emarino@thejewishfed.org. Joining JWEF gives members a direct voice in charitable giving, reflecting the Jewish value of Tzedakah—charity. As our newest member said, “By joining JWEF I can have a feeling of ownership and fulfillment of how my money will be spent.” Another member stated, “I can grow the impact of my small contribution when combined with the contributions of other members.”
