Women’s Alliance Endowment Fund grows

Last year, the Women’s Alliance Endowment Fund celebrated its 20th anniversary, raised $16,000 and grew to more than 100 members. Six new members joined the Fund, and another ten women renewed their commitment by contributing an additional $1,000 toward the goal of growing the fund and making an even greater impact.

Founded by Gloria Feibish, Selma Stanzler and Janet Zurier in 1993, the WAEF was created to engage members in a more hands-on process that would support programs and services for women and girls. “It has been rewarding to see how the fund has resonated with women in the community,” said Gloria Feibish, “and how seriously the members take the selection process.” Every year, the full membership is invited to an annual meeting during which  they discuss the proposals and allocate funds.

Last year, the WAEF funded six compelling and change-oriented projects. One of them was the Mother’s Circle Holiday Preparation class. Mother’s Circle, created by the Jewish Outreach Institute, is a Jewish Alliance program for non-Jewish mothers who are raising Jewish children. The program, brought to Rhode Island in 2008, gives women the opportunity to explore the “how-tos” and meaning behind raising Jewish children, empowering mothers through education, instruction, and support, and reminding them that the Jewish community champions their efforts and choices to raise Jewish children.

In an evaluation letter to Kit Haspel, program coordinator, one woman wrote, “I really appreciate the huge amount of effort that went into teaching us. But it will pay off, as our family is 100% more committed to being Jewish than we were.  So even though you were teaching me, the lessons affected the four of us in our family.”

The Holiday Preparation class is comprised of three sessions that focus on Hanukkah, Passover and the High Holy Days. Each workshop covers the background, traditions and celebrations of the holiday, as well as sharing them with children and incorporating Jewish values and ideals into everyday life. Haspel says, “The program is designed to help parents learn to celebrate the holidays with their children and partners in a meaningful and inclusive way.”

The women are eager to learn about Judaism and many end up sending their children to Hebrew School or to the Jewish Community Day School (JCDS). Another woman wrote to Haspel, “The experience has been truly life-changing. I feel as though it has been a gift to participate in the sessions.”

Another program funded by the WAEF is the Haifa Rape Crisis Center (HRCC), a group dedicated to fighting sexual violence in northern Israel. HRCC’s mission is to support survivors of sexual violence and their families, to raise awareness and to protect survivors’ rights. The WAEF helped fund a support group for victims of sexual violence that fosters exploration and resolution of the trauma and its aftermath. According to Shira Sanders, Resource Coordinator of HRCC, “The support group provides a safe, confidential environment in which women can share their experiences.”

One woman who was helped by the group wrote, “I want to thank you from the depth of my heart for the space and wide heart that you give to women who have survived sexual abuse. Thank you for what I have learned, for how I have reorganized my life, for teaching me to accept and take care of myself and my spirit. For giving me the place and the tools and the direction to continue my life. Thank you for who you are. Continue in your way because there are a lot of women who need you.”

TRINE LUSTIG is a senior development officer for the Alliance. Contact her at 421-4111 or tlust-ig@jewishallianceri.org to learn more about the WAEF.