ABOUT US

Our Mission

The Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Berkshires, in the spirit of Tikkun Olam, is dedicated to addressing critical needs in the Berkshire community and supporting social action to create a more just and equitable society.

Through grant funding and member engagement we pursue our mission to empower and strengthen organizations working to improve the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors.

Why is This Our Mission?
Berkshire County is one of the poorest counties in Massachusetts. Too many of our neighbors experience food insecurity and cannot pay for adequate fuel in winter. Berkshire residents also lag in health outcomes and length of life compared to those in the rest of the Commonwealth.

How Do We Fulfill Our Mission?  
We give back by

• Making grant awards to Berkshire organizations that increase access to food, housing and other essentials; promote self-sufficiency; and empower youth and young adults
• Contributing toward ongoing support for the Jewish community and our neighbors for camp scholarships for Jewish youth and the PJ library.
• Distributing relief funds for emergent needs
• Tutoring at-risk elementary school children through Project Connection

Our History
Under the leadership of Jane Glaser, JWF was started in 2009 by a small group of women moved by the needs in the Berkshire community. Collaborating with the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, our founders realized that they could help support some of Federation’s programs and also create new programs beneficial to the Berkshire community at large. As our membership grew, we established a Grants Program to solicit and review grant applications and recommend allocation of funds.

Our Leadership
 

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OUR GRANTS

Established in 2009, JWF, under the auspices of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, has since granted a total of more than $400,000 to community organizations.

In 2024 our Grants Committee voted to award 21 local organizations grants totaling $100,000 for basic needs, self-sufficiency and youth empowerment. We welcome local organizations to apply for grants.

2024-2025 FUNDED GRANTEES

Addressing Basic Needs
 

Berkshire Bounty provides nutritious food to local food distribution organizations to mitigate food insecurity throughout Berkshire County. The Food Purchase Program increases the amount of nutritious food collected, purchased, and delivered to those in need.  www.berkshire-bounty.org
 

Berkshire Community Diaper Project provides diapers to low and moderate income families. Diapers are a basic necessity for infants. Despite the cost they are not covered by WIC or SNAP programs. The Diaper Distribution Program delivers diapers to its partner agencies for families in need. berkshirecommunitydiaperproject.com
 

Berkshire Grown works to create a thriving Berkshire food economy through outreach, farm support and access to locally grown food. The Share the Bounty program supports local farmers by purchasing CSA shares in the winter and providing fresh, locally grown food to local food pantries. berkshiregrown.org

Berkshire South Regional Community Center aims to build a sense of community, enhance the recreational, educational, cultural, health and social well-being of the residents of the Southern Berkshires. The Free Community Supper Program provides a free, weekly community dinner to help alleviate food insecurity and build community among a diverse group of people. This new program offers training for immigrant community members who will receive training at competitive wages in meal preparation. berkshiresouth.org

Construct is the leading nonprofit provider for affordable housing and supportive services across the southern Berkshires. Transportation Services for Construct Transitional Housing will provide taxi and volunteer mileage for women in transitional housing to commute to work or plan basic errands. constructberkshires.org

The Peoples’ Pantry mission is to respectfully serve Berkshire residents experiencing food insecurity. The Food Distribution Program provides healthy, locally sourced food to our neighbors concerned about meeting basic needs. The Pantry is serving many more young and multi-generational families, as well as recent immigrants. thepeoplespantrygb.org

Roots and Dreams & Mustard Seeds is an immigrant led organization that serves almost 1200 low-income Pittsfield residents. Mercado De Vida is a food pantry co-led by Latina immigrants providing culturally compatible fresh organic food and vegetables to immigrant families, the homeless, single mothers, and members with disabilities. rootsandmustardseeds.com
 

Roots Rising empowers youth and builds community through food and farming. The Pittsfield Farmers Market, a year-round teen-run market increases the buying power of low income residents using WIC, SNAP, and other benefits by providing matching funds and engaging Pittsfield youth in work on farms, in food pantries and at the farmer’s market. www.rootsrising.org

South Community Food Pantry is an emergency food distribution site that serves the food insecure population of Pittsfield and surrounding towns. Its mission is "to provide for our neighbors in the spirit of generosity, respect, kindness and acceptance so that no one in our community goes to bed hungry."  southcommunityfoodpantry.org

Promoting Self Sufficiency
 

Berkshire Center for Justice (BCJ) provides direct legal services on a sliding fee scale and free legal services to a diverse client-base of  low-income Berkshire County families. BCJ offers Free Legal Clinics to provide needed support in the areas of health, housing, property, family law and a wide range of community services. berkshirecenterforjustice.org

Berkshire Immigrant Center advocates for the rights of all immigrants by helping them navigate the U.S. immigration system with affordable legal services and education. The Education Program provides free citizenship examination preparation classes and beginning classes in English to immigrants. berkshireic.org

18 Degrees’ EMPath program helps under-resourced families work towards self-sufficiency. 18degreesma.org

Elizabeth Freeman Center is the domestic/dating/sexual violence response agency serving Berkshire County. The Money School (Escuela de Finanzas) Project is a financial independence initiative that addresses the needs of survivors of domestic and sexual violence. elizabethfreemancenter.org

Volunteers in Medicine offers free, comprehensive healthcare for Berkshire adults who do not qualify for government supported health insurance. A Path to Citizenship is a pilot program coordinating and supporting immigrant/refugee medical needs while supporting their legal pathways for asylum. vimberkshires.org

Enrichment

Flying Cloud Institute inspires young people and educators through dynamic experiences with science and art the ignites creativity.  It runs classroom residencies and after school programs at 12 public schools and collaborates with organizations to identify and reduce access barriers for underserved and immigrant populations in the community. flyingcloudinstitute.org

Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center/Girls Inc. of the Berkshires supports the Eureka! program that introduces young women to STEM careers through a supportive environment, STEM summer camp at MCLA and mentoring from caring, understanding adults. brighamcenter.org
 

Greenagers engages teens and young adults with meaningful work in environmental conservation and addresses food insecurity. The Food Justice Initiative educates youth in sustainable agriculture and food justice issues. They aim to increase the region’s capacity to grow and provide food by installing vegetable gardens free for income-eligible families offering advice to garden owners, community gardening workshops open to the public, and donating produce to pantries. greenagers.org

Railroad Street Youth Project provides group mentoring specifically designed for students of color. It expands horizons of young people by providing them with the sense of community and providing the support they need outside of schools and family. rsyp.org

UCP of Western MA serves people with all types of disabilities including Cerebral Palsy. The agency is dedicated to advancing the independence, productivity, and full community inclusion for everyone it supports. ucpwma.org

Walking Our Talk provides support and connection for women through facilitated women's circles and speaker events. It uses a structured format to create a safe space for individual growth. walkingourtalk.org

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JOIN US

With over 200 members who are passionate about giving back to the Berkshire Community, JWF uses the power of philanthropy to contribute to the betterment of our neighbors. The Berkshires has so many cultural and natural wonders that it is hard to believe it is one of the poorest counties in Massachusetts. But our reach is limited by available resources, which are dependent on the size of its membership. 
 

Your annual $750 contribution supports our grants program and enables us to help non-profit organizations improve the lives of our neighbors. All members are invited to serve on the Grants Committee, which decides how the funds are distributed.

Want to Get Involved?

There are many opportunities to become involved both within JWF and in the organizations JWF supports through our grants program.

• Events Committee
• Grants Committee
• Membership Committee
• Publicity Committee
• Volunteer Committee

To learn more, contact JWFberkshires@gmail.com and you will be contacted by the appropriate Committee Chair.

NEWS

The Jewish Women’s Foundation is busy preparing to launch our Season of Caring. As we look forward to reuniting in the Berkshires, we must remember that our mission of Tikkun Olam is more important than ever before. Our grantees are facing major cutbacks and they urgently need our help.

To address the growing critical needs in our community, we are offering an expanded roster of activities. Please read below a brief description of our upcoming program. More details to follow.
 

SAVE THESE DATES

May 14 - 3 pm Planned Parenthood Zoom with Anne Lieberman

June 5 - Spring Fling Gala - Wyantenuck Country Club, Egremont MA. Our first ever Gala, chaired by JWF founder Jane Glaser and Sherry Londe, to launch our Season of Caring. You won’t want to miss this special evening of cocktails, hors d’oevres, dinner, dessert and a Broadway cabaret. Space is limited. See invitation below.

June 9 - Grantee Day - Our Grantees are the heart of our organization. Spend the morning mingling with our grantees and learn first-hand how they help our community. This is the reason we do what we do.

June 12 - Vietnamese cooking class with Julie Gale at her studio kitchen.

June 20 - Annual Meeting and Brunch at the Country Club of Pittsfield, chaired by Hope Silverman and Lainey Simonson. This year’s program will focus on Immigration. Open to paid/pledged members and their guests.

July 8 - Legacy Project workshop. Join filmmaker and writing coach, Barbara Newman as she helps us write the stories of our life and record our memories as a lasting legacy. Graciously hosted by Shirley Yohalem.

July 15, 1:30 pm - Panel Discussion, presented by Phyllis Cohen, chair of Education and Social Action. Join some of the author contributors from the book On Being Jewish Now to learn about Artists Against Antisemitism formed after October 7.

July 18 - Game Day, chaired by Carol Smoler and Deborah Schreier. Join us for a fun-filled afternoon playing your favorite game at the Country Club of Pittsfield. Guests and spouses invited.

July 28 - Idyllic Country Evening at the Berkshire Botanical Garden featuring live music by the Soren Smedvig Quartet. Enjoy jazz standards while we picnic in the garden. Always a popular event.
 

August 5 - Decoupage workshop led by Marsha Edell. Materials supplied for this fun-filled craft project.

August 12 - New Member Coffee, chaired by Pommy Levy and Marian Faytell. New members gather and mingle for a delightful morning with our Presidents and Membership committee to learn more about JWF.

August 15 - The Evil Inclination, book discussion. Chair of Education and Social Action, Phyllis Cohen, will present this program with author Daniel Victor and our member Laura Patinkin Urken, who narrated the audio book.

August 22 - General membership meeting at Berkshire South Community Center, 10 am to 12 noon. Open to all members.

September 4 - Trivia Night at the Locker Room. Open to members and guests. Join us for a fun evening of dinner and trivia. Because …We have fun while doing good!

PAST EVENTS

Grantee Day
Our first ever Grantee Day was held on June 3, 2024 at Carol Striker’s house. The event, chaired by Esther Messing and Ann Falchuk, drew 18 grantees and over 50 members. Grantees spoke about their programs, offered volunteer opportunities, and mingled with our members. Pictured are Grant Chairs, Ann Falchuk, Esther Messing, JWF Presidents, Carol Striker and Geri Liemer.

Annual Meeting and Luncheon
On June 21, 2024, JWF held its annual luncheon and membership meeting at the Country Club of Pittsfield, chaired by Elaine Silberstein and Shirley Yohalem. The focus of this year’s luncheon was the lack of affordable housing in Berkshire County. Terry Moore from the Old Mill restaurant, Jane Ralph from Construct and Linda Shafiroff from Creative Building Solutions all spoke about various aspects of the housing crisis. Raffle proceeds will benefit our grant program focusing on housing needs. Publicity Chair, Susan Abramowitz was honored for her extraordinary work. Four new board members were elected, Sherry Londe, Hope Silverman, Susan Friedman and Ann Falchuk.  Joan Kleinman, Lauren Spitz and Louise Galpern, were thanked for their wonderful contribution to the JWF board, as their terms had expired.

First Ever Tag Sale
Geri and Roy Liemer generously provided the wonderful venue for our first ever tag sale on Sunday June 23, 2024. Chairs Julie Goldberg and Mimi Heyman, and their committee of energetic volunteers worked tirelessly to make this event a huge success. A special thank-you goes to Tag Sale Pro Sherry Marks who helped us organize and price a barn full of donations and created order out of chaos.  Thank you to all our members who generously donated fabulous items to make the sale such a huge success. The community came together in good spirits to raise money to address unmet needs in the Berkshires. It was a ‘win-win’ for all

JWF Annual Card Party
JWF held its annual game day on July 12, 2024 at the Country Club of Pittsfield. Members and guests had lunch, mingled and played their favorite game. The sold out event raised money for our grant program.

JWF Members Volunteer at Construct’s Designer Showcase
Construct, a nonprofit provider of affordable housing and support services to Southern Berkshire residents, held a Designer Showcase at Cassilis Farm, gilded age estate in New Marlborough each weekend in June.  Construct purchased the estate, which they intend to convert to 11 affordable 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments. Joan Ury, Chair of the Volunteer Committee recruited over 30 JWF members who volunteered to greet guests, scan tickets, sell raffle tickets, hand-out programs, answer questions and circulate throughout the house the last three days of the Designer Showcase.

New Member Coffee – On August 2, 2024, Pommy Levy hosted a new member Coffee and Conversation at her beautiful home. New and prospective members had a chance to mix and mingle with other new members and our presidents while learning about the Jewish Women’s Foundation. We are always delighted to welcome new members into our midst, as we fulfill our mission of Tikkun Olam.

Visit to the Yiddish Book Center – On August 19, 2024, JWF enjoyed a private tour of the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, MA.  This marked the inaugural program of our newly created Education and Social Action Committee, chaired by Phyllis Cohen. Over 30 members and guests participated in this interactive tour and learned about the extraordinary history of the beautiful center which includes artwork, a bookstore, cultural artifacts, a beautiful theater, and a workshop, all set on lush grounds.

Book Event – on September 13, 2024, sixty people heard author, Christopher C Gorham, discuss his newest book, The Confidante, the biography of Anna Marie Rosenberg, the Hungarian Jewish immigrant whom FDR dubbed “my Mrs. Fix-It.”

‘FUNdraising Event – On September 22, 2024, JWF enjoyed the success of its first ever FUNdraiser featuring the renowned comedian and musician, Sarge. Co-Chairs Robin Weiser and Joan Kleinman spearheaded this lively event. Members and guests mingled and enjoyed shared laughter while raising much needed funds for our grant program.

JWF and United Way Partner to Feed the Hungry, October 9th, 2023

Joan Ury, Chair of Volunteers, organized a successful food packing event in collaboration with United Way and Berkshire Bounty. Fresh food was packed and delivered to our local food pantries. Great Barrington Community Center, one of our grantees, generously donated the space for our event.

Community Vigil for Israel, October 11, 2023

MEMBER TESTIMONIALS

“I’m so inspired by JWF’s grants. The needs are so great, I feel it’s incumbent upon each of us to do whatever we can to help alleviate problems facing so many in our community.
Pat Fingeroth

“Joining the Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Berkshires has added another wonderful dimension to my life in the Berkshires. It has given me an opportunity to give back to this magical community. I feel it is truly a gift to be a member of the Foundation. To be able to be a part of all the important work it does for so many people.”
– Pommy Levy

“I’m proud to be a charter member of the Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Berkshires as we’ve done so much to help our less fortunate neighbors in both the Jewish and greater communities. Most people think of this area as one of arts and culture without realizing that it is actually one of the poorest in the region.  Helping to combat food and housing insecurity, promoting education, empowering women, as well as caring for Jewish youth and seniors represent a small sampling of what we’ve accomplished. Working with other bright and caring women towards tikkun olam is one of the most gratifying experiences ever.”
- Bobbi Cohn

 “As a privileged second homeowner who enjoys all the cultural and social blessings of the Berkshires, I was unaware and ignorant of the financial and emotional stresses that many residents face in their daily lives. Only after I volunteered at the Muddy Brook School’s tutoring program and joined the Jewish Women’s Foundation Grants Committee did I become cognizant of the needs of people in the community who are struggling and are largely invisible to us.  They are experiencing food insecurity, employment instability, a deficit of skills and resources to help them cope with huge ongoing pressures, made more acute during this pandemic period.”
- Elaine Cohen

“I found that packing boxes for Meals of Hope so personally rewarding - I couldn’t stop smiling when I left. This organization is so focused on its goals - I think most people are unaware of the level of poverty in this area. Kudos to our organizers.” 
- Sue Sussman

2022 GRANT TESTIMONIALS

“This grant is arriving just in time to be factored into our plans to upgrade our facilities for our clients and our many volunteers. We could not do this without community supporters like you.”

- Nancy Cook, South Community Food Pantry
 

“Your generosity helps us further our mission to connect young people with their community and the great outdoors in hands-on, meaningful ways.”

- Will Conklin, Executive Director, Greenagers
 

“…thank you for your contribution and support. Your donations are vital to our ongoing impact on food insecurity in our community.”

- Morgan Ovitsky, Executive Director, Berkshire Bounty
 

“This grant will help participants make strides toward financial independence and self-sufficiency and position themselves and their children for a better future. We couldn’t do it without you and we are full of gratitude for your generosity.”

- Sarah Cook, President and CEO, 18 Degrees

CONTACT US

196 South Street Pittsfield, MA 01201
phone: 413-442-4360
email: jwfberkshires@gmail.com

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