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December 11, 1998/ 22 Kislev 5759, Vol. 51, No. 12
Group's shower benefits domestic violence shelterDANE D'ANTUONO
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 National Council of Jewish Women member Irene Magerman models a denim jacket, which was one of several items available in a silent auction at the event. |
But a move can be particularly challenging for those who are stepping out on their own after years of abuse at the hand of a companion.
Knowing that moving out by itself is tough - let alone leaving the safety of a shelter - members of the Phoenix chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women recently held a shower and brunch to benefit the Chrysalis Shelter and some of its soon-to-be ex-residents. Since 1982, the center has been a haven for women and children escaping abusive environments.
After passing out fliers to friends and inviting work colleagues, the council was able to attract 45 women to the shower, held Nov. 22 at the home of council member Yvette Goldstein. NCJW is a volunteer organization with the goal of improving the quality of life for women, children and families.
The women played shower games, such as counting the number of M&M candies in a jar; and munched on a buffet spread, while they listened to performers sing Sophie Tucker melodies. But what made this shower different from all others is the fact that each attendee voluntarily paid $8 to come, and in addition, each woman brought a shower gift to assist the women and children of Chrysalis center who need supplies to live independent, healthy lives.
"Terrific gifts were bought," said Judi Gross, co- vice-president of the council's membership. "Every necessity, from extra large boxes of Tide, to shampoo, to kids' underwear, to car seats, to strollers were donated."
Why would these women feel so compelled to help? Gross said it's because incidents of domestic violence touch all people.
"In the Jewish community, domestic violence mirrors that of the general community," Gross said, explaining, "It happens all over. In the rich community, the poor community, the every-religion community and the any-nationality community. There are no boundaries."
According to a national crime survey conducted by the Department of Justice, more than 960,000 incidents of assault, rape and/or murder were inflicted upon women and girls age 12 and older at the hands of a current or former spouse or intimate partner annually between 1992 and 1996.
"This is a very conservative estimate. A lot of people don't report," Gross said.
"We wanted to do something for these victims. It's just a start."
The local council's humble start raised $700, in addition to the diapers, appliances and personal items donated for the women.
Chrysalis Shelter Inc. has two homes - one in Phoenix and one in Scottsdale.
"We can house 50 women or children (total in the two facilities) at any given time," said director Patricia Klahr.
Chysalis also offers a 90-day program that provides counseling, advocacy, case management, financial aid, education, employment services and housing assistance.
"Groups such as the National Council of Jewish Women help give people hope," Klahr said. "We are on a shoestring budget. Money is very tight. And typically when women come in they have absolutely nothing."
Klahr said in severe cases, fleeing with nothing can mean literally nothing. For example, Klahr said that years ago, she encountered a woman living in Scottsdale with a partner who beat her up horribly, and "the only way (for her) to get away was by running away naked to the neighbors, who clothed her and called the police," Klahr said.
"The women will be able to use the items right away," she said of the materials collected at the shower. "For some, it can mean the difference between being able to feed their family properly or not."
Ideally, Gross would like to never have to hold another shower like this. "I would like not to have to raise another penny, but in reality we need to."
For information about the NCJW's next domestic-violence follow-up meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, call Gross at 473-8603.