National Council of Jewish Women - Greater Long Beach & West Orange County

With the recent Supreme Court decision depriving so many of their access to reproductive freedom and justice, many women across our nation have found themselves in the unfortunate position of no longer having constitutional freedom over their own bodies. As a result, many find it necessary to travel long distances under great hardship to get an abortion. California is one of the fortunate few states where women still have control over their own healthcare and have retained the ability to exercise their right of personal choice to have an abortion. It is currently estimated that hundreds of women come to Southern California every month to obtain an abortion, and the need is growing.

The purpose of our Long Beach Gives project is to support women who have undergone an abortion at a local clinic by giving them comfort kits which include sanitary items, disposable heating pads, as well as water and snacks. The kits also include a personal message of support.

Besides abortion comfort kits, NCJW
--provides backpacks filled with school supplies, hygiene items, and age-appropriate toys for children taken into the foster care system;
-- helps plan and participate in the Long Beach School District's kindergarten festivals, servicing at least 500 students and their families as they prepare for kindergarten in the next school year;
-- distributes blankets, warm clothing, and tarps to the Long Beach homeless community;
-- runs voter education and voter registration projects; and
--conducts other programs emphasizing economic justice issues, including food, clothing, and toiletry drives for the unhoused, for food-insecure college students, and for victims of domestic abuse.

Testimonials

"NCJW has been an incredible partner to Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties (PPOSBC). This collaboration is a remarkable step toward promoting women's health and advocating for reproductive rights. PPOSBC appreciates the time NCJW devotes to creating care kits for patients who visit our 9 health centers. Each kit is filled with self-care items and snacks, but more importantly, they are made with passion, empathy and understanding, reminding patients that they are not alone and that we stand with them in their journey toward reproductive health and wellness."
-Krista Hollinger, COO, Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties

Good afternoon, I am just writing to say thank you. I recently traveled to California from Louisiana to terminate a pregnancy with a chromosomal abnormality. It was an extremely difficult and emotional time as I have been trying to conceive for 3 years. When the procedure was over they handed me a bag full of goodies from your organization and it really lifted my spirits. In the current social and political climate, one can begin to feel like nobody cares, nobody is listening, nobody wants to stand together. Your gesture proves that notion wrong and shows me we must continue to show gratitude and love and acceptance to all. Thank you for your kindness.
--One of our first recipients of our Comfort Kits

"We are honored to consider the National Council of Jewish Women a community partner. There are no other associations or agencies that provide backpacks with supplies, so we highly value what you provide year after year. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable youth in our community."
-- Adela Estrada, Los Angeles County Dept. of Children and Family Services Administrator

"I have been a member of National Council of Jewish Women for over 60 years and always thought it was a very progressive organization. Never losing sight of our mission to support women and children, we have not been afraid to promote new causes; for example, our adoption of 3 Afghan women. NCJW is a stimulating, contemporary, vital group of women and one I am happy to support.
-- Audrey Zahler