Begun in Fall, 1894, by Rabbi Moses Cleveland to help resettle Jewish immigrants, National Council of Jewish Women/Cleveland (NCJW/CLE) has become a 2,000-member, volunteer force of strong women (and men) with powerful voices who meet the needs, then improve and change the lives of women, children and families locally, regionally, nationally and in Israel. Originally located on E. 105th St., NCJW/CLE’s offices moved to Shaker Heights, then to its current location in Warrensville Heights.
Throughout its 126-year-old history, the organization has recognized community crises and established and co-founded institutions that remain resilient today. They include:
- Jewish Community Federation in 1903
- Camp Wise in 1907
- Big Sisters in 1919
- Thrift Shop, one of the first resale stores in Cleveland (now called Thriftique Showroom) in 1936
- Council Gardens, the first independent living facility for low-income senior adults, in 1962
- NCJW/Montefiore Hospice in 1991 now the Vinney Hospice and Palliative Care
- LiveSpecial.com, a website and magazine with resources for the special needs community, in 2012
- School libraries for underserved schools in Cleveland (2015-2020)
Through strong advocacy, dedicated community service and educational (and entertaining) programming, we create impactful solutions to social justice challenges. The power of NCJW/CLE’s collective voice currently
- increases literacy among underserved students through book clubs, book donations and theater groups.
- provides awareness and help for human trafficking survivors.
- supplies toiletries, new clothing and a measure of dignity for women and children of sexual assault.
- offers school supplies and clothing for students in need.
- advocates with elected officials to legislate protection of women’s rights, voters’ rights and other social justice issues.
Standing on the shoulders of outstanding leaders, such as Barbara Mandel, Roz Wolf, and Lois Zaas, we remain dedicated to addressing critical, societal challenges and creating coalitions for progressive and impactful change.
More info can be found at: ncjwcleveland.org