NCJW NY is Becoming Nava NY

Today we are announcing a new and exciting chapter: NCJW NY is becoming an independent New York nonprofit. Soon we will be known as:

For more than 130 years, we’ve put our Jewish, feminist values into action to improve the lives of New Yorkers – people from all walks of life and all racial and religious backgrounds. Like our founding foremothers, we take a two-pronged approach to making change happen:

• We provide direct social services to support and empower our neighbors in need today.
• We strive for a better tomorrow by advocating for laws and policies to advance systemic change.

Nava NY will continue this vital work, uninterrupted and undaunted.

Why now? Our national headquarters, NCJW, Inc., is pursuing a major strategic change, focusing its work nationwide on a core set of policy areas and advocacy campaigns. We hope to continue to partner with NCJW, Inc. on our shared advocacy goals, joining with them to fight for economic and reproductive justice for women, in New York and beyond. However, we recognize that the full spectrum of vital programming at Council House does not fit into NCJW’s new, narrower focus. We are fiercely committed to our two-pronged approach of both direct service and advocacy, and our work will always be driven by the unique challenges and opportunities here in New York City and State.

Why Nava NY? Our new name means “beautiful” in Hebrew. Because to us, there’s nothing more beautiful than when values become action. It’s beautiful when people show up to work toward common goals, connecting with each other and strengthening the fabric of our community. With well over a century of impact behind us, and so much more still to do, we have faith in what is possible for New York and New Yorkers. And together with all of you, we have the power to create a beautiful future. Together, we are Nava NY.

As a 130+ year old organization, we know better than most that change is inevitable. As times shift, we shift. But what moves us never will. We’re guided by Jewish values – pursuing justice, welcoming the stranger, recognizing the inherent beauty and dignity of all humans, and repairing the world.

Please stay tuned over the next few months as we complete our name change and organizational transition. We expect to complete this process by January 1, 2027. Until then, we will continue to operate as NCJW NY.

Now is the perfect time to invest your time, energy, and resources in this organization. Please reach out to share your thoughts and ideas – we want to hear from you, our community.