The people we are supporting are calling on us now more than ever – your gift at this time will help us to make a real difference.

Our programs - Caring Mums, The Jam Project and Golden Age Clubs - are continuing thanks to our fantastic volunteers and staff, with the help of technology and some creative thinking!

The Jam Project: 

Recruit, train and supervise more Jam Buddies so that we can offer our Year 9 girls mentoring program to more schools to help girls navigate the stresses of adolescence. We want to help girls become stronger. 

COVID-19 Response: The Jam Project pivoted from fortnightly to weekly one-on-one catch-ups (Year 9 participants and buddies) via phone/Facetime ; A Jam newsletter was established, packed with Stay-Home activities and good vibes ; Monthly Jam group sessions are now held via Zoom, augmented by ad hoc group activities via Zoom.

Caring Mums: 

Train and supervise more Caring Mum volunteers to support new mothers from across Melbourne from a range of cultural backgrounds experiencing isolation, depression and anxiety. We now operate in 6 local government areas.

COVID-19 Response: The Caring Mums weekly meetings with the mothers and their volunteer are done via phone/FaceTime ; Caring Mums Supervision and training is done via Zoom ; A fortnightly newsletter has been introduced to keep the Caring Mums community connected ; Caring Mums Together - new initiative - a weekly virtual mothers’ group facilitated by Caring Mums Coordinator, Michelle Kornberg

Connect – Programs for Older Women: 

Continue to run weekly gatherings that provide social connection for older people, including Holocaust survivors and those from the former Soviet Union, living in the community. These gatherings provide an opportunity to come together in a safe environment and connect with their Jewish identity. Your support shows these people that someone cares about them. 

Covid-19 Response: The Golden Age Clubs meet in small groups facilitated by our coordinator Nellie Khoroshina, using telephone conferencing and Skype. The new virtual meetings include guest speakers and educational programs, connecting participants to Judaism and celebrating the chagim; NCJWA Vic Sessions - new initiative for Seniors Program volunteers. Group discussions and guest speakers via Zoom.

Advocacy: 

Continue our advocacy work campaigning for the voices of women and girls to be heard on issues of gender equality and equal representation.