The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) are among the recipients of a mini-grant from the Jewish Women’s Foundation of New Jersey (JWF) as part of their mission of empowering women and girls through strategic grant-making, enabling them to realize their full potential. 

JWF is an advisory council of the Jewish Community Foundation of MetroWest NJ, the planned giving and endowment arm of United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ (UJC).

 The up to $15,000 grant is for NCJW’s Career Closet project.  The project equips women seeking to get back into the workforce with interview and career appropriate clothing.

Due to the devastating impact of the recent hurricane, Career Closet was forced to close its doors at St. James Episcopal Church in Montclair and is seeking new space and inventory.  Career Closet works with over 50 social services agencies located throughout Essex County and the surrounding area.

“With these mini grants, we continue to highlight the many challenges facing women and girls and encourage agencies and organizations to address these issues and realize that for a few dollars they can develop meaningful programs that truly can create social change,” said Teddi Dolph of North Caldwell and Amy Schechner of Short Hills, JWF co-chairs.

 Also receiving a grant was the JESPY House in South Orange.  Based on an increase of street crime, law enforcement in South Orange recommended that a course on basic safety in the community be offered to JESPY House’s female clients, women with severe learning and/or developmental disabilities.  The mini grant will enable JESPY House to protect its female clients and enhance their safety through basic self-defense training.