When a family arrives at a domestic violence shelter, they've left almost everything behind.
Through the National Library Initiative (NLI), JWI makes sure they don't have to leave their dignity too. Libraries full of books for the kids. A space for teenagers to be themselves. A room where a mom can have five minutes of quiet — and begin to think about what's next. Built inside shelters across the country — because surviving isn't the same as thriving.
How you can support the NLI:
STOCK A LIBRARY
Books that look like the children who read them. Toys. Crafts. Backpacks full of school supplies. Here's what it takes to stock a JWI library.
JWI has built 70 fully-furnished libraries in domestic violence shelters across the country — and we’re working toward 100. Every gift gets us closer.
New books to spark a child’s imagination — $36
Fun toys so a child has something to play with — $72
A backpack filled with school supplies so a child can keep up with school — $180
A shelf full of books so every child has one to call their own — $360
A cozy reading nook where a child can get lost in a book — $720
Laptops and printers so a teenager can do their homework — $1,800
Sending a Mother's Day card this year? Gift books through Books of Love →
SPONSOR THE NLI
Inside every JWI library, there are kids reading, teenagers doing homework, and moms with five minutes to themselves. Your gift makes that possible.
Sponsorship opportunities start at $5,000. Naming opportunities start at $25,000. See all options →
To learn more, contact Sara Hefez at [email protected].
JOANIE'S FUND
The Joan Margolius Cherner Women's Empowerment Fund, generously established by her family in her memory, builds Resiliency Rooms in shelters across the country.
What’s Inside the NLI
Childrens Libraries
Most kids have a favorite book, a stuffie to sleep with, a special backpack for school. In the rush to get to safety, those things get left behind. JWI builds libraries inside shelters — books, toys, crafts, and backpacks with school supplies — so there's something that feels like home.
Teen Spaces
No teenager wants to feel like a guest in their own life. In a shelter, that's not a given. JWI builds teen spaces inside shelters — places to hang out, do homework, and just be a teenager — somewhere that's theirs.
Resiliency Rooms
Every mom knows what it means to need five minutes alone. JWI builds resiliency rooms inside shelters — calm, designed with care, just for her — no demands, no crisis, no noise. A place to exhale. And start to think about what comes next.
The Difference a Library Makes
“When we left our home we were not able to bring our books. The children’s library has been a blessing to us. It offers an opportunity for me and my children to escape to a world of imagination during such a stressful time in our lives.”
“I like the library because it has comfortable chairs and I can read and relax at the same time”
“When you live in a violent situation, that becomes your normal. With routines and rituals such as reading and learning together, JWI is redefining what’s normal to a child.”
Some of Our Favorite NLI Moments
