Our Mission and Values

OUR MISSION

National Council of Jewish Women New York (NCJW NY) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW NY strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.

OUR GOALS

NCJW NY strives for social justice and empowerment for historically excluded and underserved individuals and families in New York City and state. Our hands-on approach combines direct social services—to alleviate the effects of poverty and inequity today—and passionate, focused advocacy to make lasting systemic change for the future.

OUR VALUES

WE BELIEVE EVERYONE IN OUR COMMUNITY DESERVES:

  • Opportunities to learn, connect, grow, and thrive.
  • Healing and support during life’s most challenging moments.
  • Access to a choice of quality, nutritious foods.

 

WE ARE COMMITTED TO:

  • Responding Today: Direct support that is empowering, impactful, and of the moment.
  • Creating a Better Tomorrow: Strategic activism to advance systemic change in NYC and beyond, fighting for economic and reproductive justice for women. 
  • Honoring Yesterday: Inspired by Jewish values, we stand on the shoulders of the visionary women who founded our organization 130 years ago. 
  • Valuing One Another: Everyone in our vibrant community—from staff and volunteers to donors and those we serve—is welcomed, understood, and appreciated for their individual worth and the tangible contributions they can make to help fulfill our mission. 
  • Making Change Happen: By mobilizing the skills, ideas, energy, and compassion of our community, we can make our city and our world a more equitable place.

 

WE BELIEVE IN A VISION OF RACIAL EQUITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE, AND BELONGING:

  • We are committed to moving away from a “charity” mindset and towards a model of social justice, transformation, and empowerment for the people we serve. 
  • We recognize the strengths and abilities our clients bring to our work together, and we strive to provide programming that builds on those strengths. 
  • We learn from our clients and center their experiences, providing impactful services that respond directly to their needs.
  • We seek out partners, volunteers, and staff that reflect the diversity of New York City, knowing that a broad range of voices strengthens the conversation. 

“I am so proud to lead an organization that truly shares my values. In these difficult times, when some of our leaders attempt to create and exploit divisions, NCJW NY is a haven – an organization with strong and clear convictions, but one that is also a welcoming community and a big tent for everyone who believes in our mission.”

Andrea Salwen Kopel, NCJW NY Executive Director