A primary focus of NCJW since its beginning has been community activism, service and advocacy to work toward a better world for women, children and families and to safeguard individual rights and freedoms. As part of NCJW's 75th anniversary celebration in the Long Beach area, we are pleased to honor the family of our long-time devoted member, Sylvia Manheim, who, through three generations, has been in the forefront of activism for equality, justice, and opportunity for all.

If you'd like to know more about Sylvia's life of achievements before the event, CLICK HERE to read a special woman's biography.

PLEASE JOIN US on Sunday, April 25, at 1 pm for presentation of the highlights of their family involvement through the years in working for a better country and community. Participating will be Sylvia; her son Karl, a constitutional law professor; her daughter Lisa, an artist and yoga therapist; her daughter Camryn, an actor; her grandchildren Noah, Micah, and Milo; as well as her niece Laura. There is no charge, but a suggested donation of $36 is encouraged to honor both the Manheim family and our Section's 75 years of accomplishment. Of course, all donations are gratefully accepted.

Beth David Sisterhood and NCJW - GLB & WOC present a virtual tour of the National Constitution Center’s exhibit entitled The 19th Amendment, How Women Won the Vote on April 22 at noon. A check for $10 per person payable to Beth David Sisterhood may be sent to 6100 Hefley St., Westminster, CA 92683.

Questions? Email sisterhood@templebethdavid.org.

Join us as we hear from three experts about how to recognize domestic violence, what to watch out for, and how to help. We will also be sure to include that domestic violence happens in the Jewish community, as it does everywhere.

Judge Jacqueline Lewis, who runs the Domestic Violence Court in West Covina, will talk to us about what legally constitutes domestic violence and how restraining orders work. For 17 years prior to this court appointment, she was in the Juvenile Court hearing cases centering around child abuse and neglect.

Deidra King, the Community Based Services Coordinator at Jewish Family & Children’s Service in Long Beach, will take us through the cycle of violence, and tell us what to watch for in our family and friends. As a member of the domestic violence team, Deidra oversees the intake process for new members interested in the court-approved group Healthy Relationships, Healthy Kids, which offers support and education to women impacted by domestic violence.

Jennifer Barbosa is the Youth Services Coordinator at WomenShelter of Long Beach, where she fosters a safe and supportive environment for youth victims and her staff. She will share her experience as a domestic violence survivor and give us some ideas on how to help a victim leave an abusive relationship.

Every year, women from our community come together to make a difference through the funds raised at the Arlene Solomon Visions Event. While this year is different, it is still a celebration to keep our tradition alive. You will meet our guest speaker, New York Times bestselling author Hallie Ephron, whose latest book is “Careful What You Wish For.” Hallie’s presentation will be followed by a virtual social gathering in breakout rooms.

There will be no admission charge. However, you will have the opportunity to join us in Lighting the Way Forward for our Jewish community by making your pledge to support Jewish life and those in need, locally, in Israel and around the globe. You may pay online when you fill out the registration form, or you may pledge now and pay later by calling Yolanda Placencio at 562.426.7601 ext.1314. In order to receive the event link, you must register in advance here: https://events.idonate.com/visions2021. If you have any trouble accessing the registration form, please contact Melanie Edwards at 562.426.7601 ext.1007. Thank you for your investment in our community!

NCJW CA is not going to let the continuing pandemic stand in the way of our advocacy for the issues and people we care about! In fact, advocacy this year is more important than ever, so we will be holding our second virtual NCJW CA Lobby Day on May 26, 9 am - 12 pm. Join us on behalf of the women, families, and children of California – no experience needed. Prior to May 26, there will be training on the issues and the process of advocacy. It’s fun, important, and you don’t even need to leave the comfort of your home.

NCJW CA Lobby Day 2021 will be held via Zoom. In the morning, the Executive Director of the legendary Equal Rights Advocates will talk about the remarkable coalition they lead, of which NCJW CA is a proud member, and you will hear speakers from organizations leading the fight in each of our issue areas. The do’s and don’ts of advocacy and how to be most effective in a virtual environment will also be discussed. Then, in the afternoon, members from each Section will “meet” (either via Zoom or telephone) with legislators and/or legislative staff from their districts. Registration is free. Stay tuned for a link!

Do you know a deserving Jewish college, university or trade school student?

NCJW - GLB & WOC is now accepting applications for scholarships for Jewish students with 12 undergraduate or 8 graduate credits in college, university or trade school whose permanent residence is in greater Long Beach or West Orange County. Selection is based on financial need, academic standing, Jewish involvement, personal motivation, and past achievements. You can find the application form, along with stated criteria, at www.ncjwlongbeach.org/scholarship.

The completed application, personal statement, and necessary recommendations must be received by May 1, 2021. They may be submitted online or mailed to NCJW Scholarship Committee, 6216 E. Pacific Coast Highway, #239, Long Beach, CA 90803. Awards will be announced on June 1, 2021, and are dependent on the number of qualified submissions as well as NCJW’s fundraising for this purpose.

Please consider dedicating your Tributes donations to the Linda Calderón Memorial Scholarship Fund at www.ncjwlongbeach.org/tribute. For more information, contact the chair Linda C. Fox at communityservice@ncjwlongbeach.org or 657-235-2511.

Wouldn't it be fun to bake a birthday cake for a foster child?

For Goodness Cakes gives underprivileged youth in the foster care system the chance to have a birthday by matching volunteers to bake special cakes just for them. Its mission is to give individual youth one special moment that is about them, helping to nurture optimism and confidence at a critical age. A wonderful and meaningful opportunity for our Section to get involved.

How it works: For Goodness Cakes receives requests from nonprofits that work with at-risk youth for cake orders. After you complete an online orientation and quiz, you become part of the Sprinkle Squad, which lets you to pick a cake-making assignment according to YOUR schedule. To learn more, visit www.forgoodnesscakes.org/volunteer. Once you have joined the Sprinkle Squad, please contact Bobbi Horowitz at 657-235-2511 or email communityservice@ncjwlongbeach.org.

Thursday, May 6: Board meeting, 7 pm. RSVP for Zoom link.

Thursday, June 3: Board meeting, 7 pm. RSVP for Zoom link.

Email us at info@ncjwlongbeach.org, call (657) 235-2511, or send mail to NCJW Greater Long Beach & West Orange County, 6216 E. Pacific Coast Highway, #239, Long Beach, CA 90803. Please add this contact information to your contacts list.