The newly-founded NCJW Dallas had community service as its core. As early as 1914, five volunteer projects were underway – Immigrant Aid, Medical Inspection of Schools, Penny Luncheon, Day Nursery and Free Kindergarten – all reflective of progressive Jewish values and precursors of our future projects.

In 1914, NCJW Dallas established its first Dallas public schools volunteering program. The Penny Luncheon project served 300 children nutritious hot lunches for the cost of a penny and became very successful, compelling other schools to emulate it. By 1918, the Board of Education officially adopted this initiative, and school lunches became part of every child’s public school experience.

Founded during the WWI era, NCJW Dallas campaigned for food conservation and worked with other Jewish organizations on the Soldiers and Sailors Welfare Committee. The Philanthropic Committee disbursed contributions to dozens of beneficiaries ranging from the Jewish Welfare Relief Fund to the Times Herald Free Ice Fund.

During this time, an NCJW Dallas $1,000 donation to the Children’s Ward at the National Jewish Hospital in Denver was aknowledged by a dedication plaque.

Presidents:

1913-1915 Grace Goldstein*
1915-1919 Minnie Hexter*
1919-1921 Jennie Rosenfield*

* of blessed memory