Children’s Library to Open in Sacramento Domestic Violence Shelter
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2018
CONTACT: Meredith Jacobs, JWI - direct: 202.464.4803 // cell: 301.529.8591
Library at WEAVE is Jewish Women International’s 76th in domestic violence shelters nationwide
Washington, D.C. – JWI (Jewish Women International), the leading Jewish women’s organization working to end domestic and sexual violence against women and girls, will dedicate a brand new children’s library at a domestic violence program on Friday, November 16th in Sacramento, Calif. The library, to be housed in WEAVE, is made possible by generous donations from Bette Johnson and Rivka Yerushalmi in memory of Donna Buck, who was Johnson’s sister and Yerushalmi’s dear friend.
“We could think of no better way to honor the memory of our dear sister and friend than to give this gift to the children who need it most,” said Johnson. “I know the impact these libraries have—finding solace, adventure and affirmation in books can help children to deal with the stress and trauma they have endured in their formerly violent homes” said Yerushalmi, who had previously funded a JWI library in Aurora, Colo. “It is vital to give the mothers a chance to simply sit with their children and read a story book in peace, perhaps for the first time in their lives.”
Children are encouraged to take their favorite book with them when they leave the shelter. Part of JWI’s commitment to the libraries created as part of the National Library Initiative is a periodic restocking of the shelves.
“JWI’s National Library Initiative puts the children front and center by providing a sanctuary where each child can find the comfort that only a good book and a safe place can provide,” said JWI’s CEO Lori Weinstein. “Our philanthropic commitment is anchored by our work across the country educating, training and advocating for the end of domestic violence.”
JWI’s National Library Initiative is working toward establishing 100 children’s libraries in domestic violence shelters across the country. The Sacramento library is the 76th to open as part of the initiative.
In addition to books and bookshelves, the library is redecorated with child-sized furniture, as well as computers and software to support homework and studies.
“Domestic violence affects everyone in the home, especially the children, so we have created our residential programs to reflect an equal commitment to the youngest victims of domestic violence,” said Beth Hassett, CEO of WEAVE. “Our onsite charter school, Children's Advocates and children's counseling program depend on contributions from our community. We are humbled by the support of JWI in sharing the gift of literacy with children who rely on books to learn, to heal, and to imagine a life without violence. This library celebrates the resiliency and the potential of the youngest survivors and will be loved for years to come.”
WEAVE is the primary provider of crisis intervention services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Sacramento County. Through a multi-disciplinary effort with Sacramento County, law enforcement, the Commercially Sexually Exploited Children Court, Child Protective Services, and the District Attorney’s Office, WEAVE also provides 24/7 response, outreach and services for victims of sex trafficking.
Jewish Women International (JWI) is the leading Jewish organization working to end violence against women and girls domestically and internationally. JWI is a Steering Committee member of NO MORE and the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women and convenes the Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and the Clergy Task Force to End Domestic Abuse in the Jewish Community, and is a member of the Gun Violence Table. JWI’s advocacy efforts focus on the passage of legislation that supports women and girls, ensures their economic security, and protects their right to live free of violence.