DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
We are so thankful for your support in the past, and most recently, this year!
What a fantastic year! We defiantly pulled together as a community to help those at a significant financial disadvantage heal from the effects of the pandemic. We saw new vital programs launched, and our critical services expanded. Although no one could have imagined the impact of the pandemic, here we are, two years later, stronger together.
We would not have made this progress without your generosity. Your unwavering support is valued immensely, and we invite you to make one last gift before the end of the year.
Here are a few highlights we are so proud to share with you:
- Rental Assistance: We successfully kept Angelenos affected by COVID caught up on their rent and onboarded community partners to reach more female-led households struggling in the pandemic.
- Scholarships: We revamped the program to hone in on exceptional students with low-income backgrounds. We will announce our Fall/Winter 2021 scholarship recipients soon.
- Guaranteed Income: Our most significant feat of the year! We successfully launched the micro-pilot program earlier this year and are knee-deep in this vital process.
- Advocacy: We continue to support our programs by backing laws and policies that close the financial gap on housing, household costs, and education for working women.
We look forward to expanding our reach in 2022. Let’s continue to work together to ensure that all Los Angeles communities remain supported as we continue to heal.
We are excited to confirm this year’s Master of Ceremonies for the virtual convening is Vanessa LeMaistre, Program Coordinator at Black Women for Wellness: Reproductive Justice, Get Smart B4 You Get Sexy!
Stay tuned for the announcement of a special Key Note Speaker! Early registration is highly encouraged!
Over the past 12 weeks, our Advocacy Training Project (ATP) participants gathered virtually for an immersive six-week course made up of two tracks based on knowledge and levels of expertise. Our Emerging ATP track offered introductory level content to individuals new to NCJW|LA advocacy, and our Rising ATP track offered higher-level subject matter for experienced advocates.
In each session, participants gained new knowledge and skills. In addition, they acquired new tools to utilize in a wide range of advocacy activities. And for the first time in ATP history, participants engaged in 30-minute Q&As with notable guest speakers, enhancing the value of the training.
A special thanks to the following speakers (in alphabetical order):
- Amardeep Gill, LAANE Campaign Director
- Dan Walters, CalMatters News Reporter
- Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, National Council of Jewish Women Scholar-in-Residence
- John Erickson, City of West Hollywood Councilmember
- Katie Walters-Smith, California Work & Family Coalition Political Organizing Director
- Keely Field, Feminist, Political Activist, and West Hollywood Women’s Advisory Member
- Monica Miller, Sacramento Advisors, LLC Lobbyist
- Naomi Goldman, Principal at NLG Communications | Award-winning Public Relations, Public Affairs, Crisis Management
As we head into the holiday season, the hours of light are shorter, the weather is colder, and even everyday struggles seem slightly more significant now than at other times of the year.
This month, we invite you to “take a seat at Council” during a special Community-Centered Wellness session on December 20, from 5 pm – 6:15 pm, facilitated by certified members of staff. Learn more about the process here.
As 2021 comes to an end, we thank our Advocacy Working group members for their support and commitment – coming together every month to collaborate on our advocacy efforts. Your dedication to our mission allows us to further our advocacy work and meet our mission goals to advance economic justice and equity for women and families.
As we prepare for 2022, we hope your continued support and commitment only gets stronger as we have a full year of actions and activities planned!
AWG meetings are held virtually on the first Thursday of the month from 3-4:30 pm PST. Our first meeting of 2022 is Thursday, January 6th. For more information or to RSVP, email: Advocacy or Nabila.
These meetings are a space for community members, leaders, and advocates to learn, plan, and reimagine what can be possible WHEN communities join forces and advocate for the issues impacting those most in need. NCJW|LA is an open and safe place; we encourage, welcome, and celebrate diversity and inclusivity at our meetings.
How were you introduced to NCJW|LA? Trudi’s mother, Norma Hammerman, supported The Council Shop stores throughout her lifetime. Her patronage was strong, and many of our employees remember her well. Sophia Orshansky, our VP of Retail, remembers her very well and keeps a photo of Norma hanging in the Veteran Store. “Both of us joined the Thrift committee and were very active for many years with Bob, Sophia, and the staff at the stores,” Trudi notes.
Trudi, what do you enjoy most about volunteering for NCJW|LA? “Through the years, I have enjoyed many hours of camaraderie with the shoppers, donors, and staff in the stores. However, what gives me the most pleasure is knowing that I am helping others through volunteer service.”
Is there anything else you would like to share with our supporters and volunteers? “Yes, we congratulate NCJW|LA for the excellent work that has been taking place for many years; planning and executing the extremely important programs and services to the Los Angeles community.” Because of over ten years of volunteering at the Veteran Store, Trudi saw firsthand how these services helped others.
“We just celebrated our B’nai Mitzvah this past October, we knew we didn’t want gifts, and we were overjoyed to share NCJW|LA with our family and friends who contributed directly to the organization. It is our great pleasure to be part of NCJW| LA’s success.”
We thank you for your service and dedication to our mission Trudi and Victor.
Want to volunteer at NCJW|LA? Let us know how you’d like to serve; we will reach out to you when new opportunities arise. Click here to learn more.
