---

How are NCJW (National Council of Jewish Women) Dallas and The Suitcase Project impacting people in our community? 

SHERILYN and NONIE:

The Suitcase Project assists disadvantaged women, children and families impacted by abuse and trafficking in their transition to safer and independent lives. To advance our shared mission, we team up with Mosaic Family Services, Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation (TMWF) and City Square’s Transitional Resource Action Center (TRAC).

We provide essential transitional assistance to abuse survivors and children aging out of foster care and ASSIST OVER 400 FAMILIES IN CRISIS ANNUALLY.

What Dallas neighbors does the Suitcase Project support? Why is it so important?

SHERILYN and NONIE:

The people we are serving are extraordinary! With vital support from our partnering organizations, they begin living independently and strive to create new opportunities for themselves and their families. By empowering them, we create stronger communities!

What is the most rewarding part about working with the Suitcase Project? 

SHERILYN and NONIE:

There are so many rewards! However, what gives us such immense joy is moving our community toward a common goal. Together, we work across the religious and political spectrum to build safer environments for young people, women, and families.

Do you remember how the Suitcase Project started? 

SHERILYN and NONIE:

As former educators, we saw retirement as an opportunity to better the community. Together with NCJW Dallas leadership, and in partnership with Mosaic Family Services, we had a vision. We first brainstormed how to best assist women and children survivors of trafficking and domestic violence. Then, we agreed on shared goals and started planning.

We’ve immediately built a team of volunteers, and a wonderful collaboration began. Over time, we started expanding our reach to youth aging out of foster care assisted by TRAC and to women and children at the TMWF (Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation). It truly takes a village!

What kind of relationships have you built through the Suitcase Project? 

SHERILYN and NONIE:

Through our work, we’ve created so many wonderful friendships. While most of our volunteers tend to be NCJW Dallas members, some are fellow neighbors who wanted to touch lives and strengthen the community. We are also indebted to our social worker partners. Not only do they provide timely feedback, but they enrich our lives and their clients’ tremendously.

Witnessing how women and children can overcome challenges through concerted community efforts inspired us further. Not even the pandemic stopped us from pursuing our mission. Through creativity, flexibility, and commitment, our neighbors in need and our partnerships thrived.

Is there anyone you want to recognize?

We want to thank Nicole Gray for her unwavering support, initiative, and tireless energy. Without her, we could not reach our goals! We also appreciate our friends at the Dallas Modern Quilt Guild, Rotary, and everyone else who donated beautiful hand-crafted tote bags to the Suitcase Project.

Naturally, we are grateful to all the participants in our suitcase drives and to NCJW Dallas’ leadership for their sustained support and advocacy.

What would you want to tell anyone interested in NCJW Dallas and the Suitcase Project?

SHERILYN and NONIE:

If you are interested in helping us, we encourage you to reach out and contact the NCJW Dallas office. We would be happy to have you! We typically start by planning a shopping expedition and pairing teams of volunteer shoppers. Join us!