By Michele Wickwire
The Women of Vision Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Central Pennsylvania recently issued grants to support three individuals and one organization administered by three agencies. All applications received were approved by the WOV Grants Committee and the Women of Vision at-large membership.
The Women of Vision is a collective of philanthropically minded women who pool their charitable gifts to assist Jewish women and children in the Harrisburg area. Local Jewish agencies and synagogues are offered the opportunity to apply anonymously for grants that they will use to assist individuals and families they know are in need. A total of $3,110 was approved for distribution for 2020. Grants through the WOV Fund of the Foundation will help as follows:
- One young Jewish woman recovering from an emotional and financially abusive relationship needing assistance to get back on firm financial footing. Assistance with rent to provide an opportunity to move forward and create a new life for herself.
- Two scholarships for Sababa (Hebrew High) to youths who are interested in continuing their participation and development in Jewish life. Family finances would prohibit their participation without the WOV grant assistance.
- A special contribution was made to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania in memory of Betty Caplan. These funds will be reserved for Hospice assistance specifically to Jewish residents through Carolyn’s House (a 24-hour end-of-life care residence for individuals who are unable to remain at home).
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and social distancing rules, the Women of Vision Spring Event and Grants Award Presentation has been suspended for June of 2020. We are remaining positive and hoping to resume our Women of Vision gatherings in the future. Please watch the Community Review for future events when we are able to gather again.
Women of Vision and the Jewish Community Foundation of Central PA wish you all good health and will continue to support our community now and in the future. We will adapt to our “new normal” as it unfolds. Thank you for all your support of our efforts. Please contact the Foundation to learn of opportunities to assist our community as needs arise.
Note: The grant application process was pre-COVID-19.