Message from

Faye Bass, President

Those of you who pay attention to the news know that this past year was no different from any other.  It was fraught with new information, twists and challenges, and forced us to question what have historically been considered fundamental tenets of our society.  While our country was experiencing what could only be considered major growing pains, we at NCJW/Cleveland were also growing and changing, but in ways that I believe to be much less dramatic and far more exciting. 

Here are a few highlights from this past year:  

NCJW/Cleveland continued to stay on top of the issues with our Play It Safe campaign with volunteers working at venues all across the city, educating parents about constructive play and encouraging them to ask if there are guns in the homes where their children play.  We also held a press conference in August highlighting "I Will Ask", where we presented Cleveland's Chief of Police with a quilt adorned with the hand prints of children who have pledged not to touch guns.  We celebrated our 5th year of Share What You Wear at the Tudor Arms, where we provided over 200 children with back-to-school clothes and supplies.

Last fall we celebrated our best-ever attended Opening Meeting, which featured Ali Wentworth and welcomed 525 guests.  Our Advocacy Department encouraged voter registration with our initiative Promote the Vote, Protect the Vote, and we tackled the issue of bullying at the Lois Zaas lecture in November.  

Our newly formed Traditions in the Kitchen project sent High Holiday packages to Jewish soldiers overseas, who thanked us via email for making the holidays so special.  However, nothing screams FALL quite like Designer Dress Days, which had another groundbreaking year, raising enough money to make sure that we are in the black at June 30th.

NCJW/Cleveland welcomed the winter season with a new monthly electronic bulletin, and partnered with Federation and Hands-On Northeast Ohio to collect coats, hats, gloves and other personal items for the Cleveland Homeless Stand Down. Our Winter Meeting and Boutique in February that featured Cantor Kathryn Wolf Sebo, boasted another record-breaking attendance.  Evening Branch hosted a Purim Party at Menorah Park, and Entertainmobile and High Notes charmed audiences when they performed at a Cavs game singing both O Canada and the National Anthem.

Spring saw our Community Service Department excel as Purim packages were sent to Jewish soldiers overseas, pillows were made for breast cancer patients through our Done in a Day project, and Digknitty knitters continued to meet weekly to knit beautiful items to donate around the city.  Evening Branch hosted the 22nd Annual Women's Seder in March with a theme of Unity, and encouraged attendees to donate to their tzedakah boxes for the Israel Granting Program. 

Also in March 18 of our members traveled to Washington Institute to meet with elected officials and inform them of the NCJW National agenda. 

In April, we hosted our annual Stanley and Hope Adelstein Volunteer Recognition Brunch, celebrating our most precious volunteers plus the "official" launch of LiveSpecial.com, our new online resource guide for individuals with special needs at our One Special Night...Everyone Shines event.LiveSpecial.com significantly elevated our profile within the community.

Thriftique turned a handsome profit this fiscal year. In our bright 9,000 square foot showroom, it could be the one of the best years in our 76-year history.

And, of course, the programs and projects that happen all year long including the Artist Bio series, Hello Israel, the Committee to Stop Gun Violence, Judaic Outreach, Partners in Reading, Readers' Theatre and Reading Buddies prove just how versatile NCJW/Cleveland really is.

None of these spectacular programs and events could ever have happened, of course, without the incredible membership and volunteers of NCJW/Cleveland.  Our volunteers are the best in the city.  Whether you are an active volunteer, interact once-in-a-while, or support our section financially, I thank you for your engagement! 

There is no other group of women that I would rather grow and change with than the more than 1,800 members of NCJW Cleveland.  These are women who know what it is like to evolve both personally and professionally and who meet change head-on.  It has been an honor to be your president this past year, and I look forward to another year of continued progress and success. 

                                                                 Faye

Heather at the NCJW Office: 216.378.2204 ext. 101  

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