For over 100 years, NCJW Dallas volunteers have been on the cutting edge of identifying critical needs in the Dallas community and developing programs to meet those needs. Join us as we engage in the “repair of our world.”
Food+Fit=Fun
COCHAIRS: Marlene Cohen, Liz Cooper, Sharan Goldstein, and Robin Zweig
Food+Fit=Fun was created in 2007 by NCJW Dallas and teaches lower-income families and individuals of all ages how to improve their lifestyle by combining nutrition classes with physical activity in an enjoyable environment. The program aims to combat obesity before it begins by showing participants how affordable, easy and fun living a healthy lifestyle can be.
HIPPY – Home Instruction for Parents and Preschool Youngsters
Cochairs: Carol Tobias, and Jane Lachman
Chair Emeritus: Syl Benenson
Over three decades ago, NCJW Dallas was one of four NCJW sections nationally that brought the HIPPY preschool preparedness program to the U.S. from Israel. The program was so successful that HIPPY is now an international, independent organization bringing their three-year teaching program to preschoolers and their families around the world.
NCJW Dallas now supports the HIPPY programs in Dallas ISD, Richardson ISD and Irving ISD. We offer three kinds of support:
- Field trips for preschoolers and their families to the Arboretum, the Dallas Museum of Art and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science;
- By holding graduation ceremonies and school readiness support for 5-year-old HIPPY graduates and;
- By presenting annual scholarships to college-bound HIPPY graduates.
Kids in Court
Chair: Alyson Ray
Chair Emeritus: Judy Hoffman
Kids in Court helps the children, and their families successfully prepare for the challenge of the impending court process. This award-winning program is designed to aid children aged 3-18 who are expected to testify in court either as victims or witnesses to a violent felony crime.
Initiated in1994, Kids in Court partners with the Crimes Against Children Division of the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office to provide age-appropriate education for children – and their families – who must testify in criminal court. The majority of the children served are victims of violent crimes, primarily sexual and physical abuse and child trafficking; others have witnessed violence against adults and other children.
During each session, the younger children are taught the role of courtroom personnel through role-playing and engaging materials. Older children meet with a prosecutor and a psychologist to discuss their fears and concerns.
Kids in Court has its next session scheduled for Friday, September 27, 2024.
The Suitcase Project
Cochairs: Nonie Schwartz and Sherilyn Bird
The Suitcase Project (TSP) provides support to individuals in difficult transitions in partnership with Mosaic Family Services, The Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation and TRAC. These critical interventions can make a substantial difference in the success of the overall transition.
More specifically, TSP assists women and their children coming out of domestic abuse and trafficking situations by providing them with in-shelter necessities as well as with essential home items when they begin to live independently. They also support children aging out of foster care as they transition to adult responsibilities.
CLICK HERE to learn more about this project and what inspires its leaders and volunteers.
West Dallas Initiative
CHAIR: Lori Karp
The West Dallas Initiative (WDI) is NCJW Dallas’ largest project. Founded in 2017, it serves the West Dallas community by providing critical interventions with an evolving array of services and resources. It consists of many components including:
• The provision of uniforms, underwear, shoes, jackets, hats and scarves to all students in four West Dallas elementary schools enabling students to attend school with dignity and confidence;
• an annual back-to-school fair and holiday turkey giveaways; and
• NCJW Dallas’ Reading Buddies program
