“There is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.” — Amanda Gorman
Dear Social Justice Friends,
I am writing this as Susan Goodman and Wendy Case are in the midst of leading a group of dedicated volunteers to plan an exciting program and project, Shining a Light on Reproductive Justice: An Issue that Affects Us All. Please see the details below on how you can join this effort and register to join us on May 12th.
Through this effort I have learned that Reproductive Justice is not only defined as women having control of their own bodies, but having the right to raise children in safe and sustainable communities; and a part of raising children includes access to diapers! Our friends at Newton Neighbors Helping Neighbors are sponsoring a citywide diaper drive (details are below). Please consider helping out. My practice in donating diapers has always been to purchase the diaper size for each of our grandchildren. We have now reached a milestone, no more diapers! I will just have to buy one of each size in honor of this event!
Best wishes for a happy and healthy Spring season with increased light shining on you, your friends and family.
Marion Pollock Tzedek Newsletter Editor
JOIN US FOR AN INFORMATIVE EVENING ABOUT A CRITICAL ISSUE
Temple Shalom’s Reproductive Justice Initiative (RJI) task force advocates for reproductive justice, educates congregants on pertinent issues, and offers support to those receiving reproductive health services.
We are proud to sponsor Shining a Light on Reproductive Justice: An Issue That Impacts Us All, an educational program following services and dinner on Friday, May 12th at Temple Shalom. Teens and adults are invited as we focus on the critical state of Reproductive Justice locally and nationally.
Join us for services at 6:30 and dinner at 7:30. We will be serving a variety of dinner salads and assorted breads from Judith's Kitchen for $20/person. Or just attend the program at 7:45 in-person or via zoom. A zoom link will be provided closer to the date of the program.
The evening will feature two dynamic experts: Kristie Monast, Executive Director, HealthQ Sexual and Reproductive Health in Lawrence MA, and Claire Teylouni, Director, Government Affairs, Reproductive Equity Now.
At the event, we will also be introducing our upcoming campaign to create Nechama Comfort Packages for Post-Abortion Care for patients of HealthQ in conjunction with other local temples and Jewish organizations. Come learn how you can help this important effort!
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ON MAY 12TH! The event begins at 7:45pm.
For more information about Shining a Light on Reproductive Justice, contact Susan Goodman at susan.d.goodman@gmail.com or Wendy Case at wbcase@aol.com. To learn about RJI’s on-going efforts to advocate for reproductive justice issues, please contact Joy Elbaum at j.elbaum@verizon.net.
Do you Sew?
As a part of the Nechama Comfort Packages for Post-Abortion Care we are considering the possibility of volunteers making reusable microwave warm bags. If we have enough “stitchers” we will proceed with this project. Please contact Marion Pollock at mcpollock32@gmail.com if you can sew, have a sewing machine or would like to learn more about how you can help. More details regarding the Nechama Comfort Packages will be forthcoming, watch for them in the TSConnect weekly email and the June Tzedek newsletter.
Newton Neighbors Helping Neighbors Diaper Drive and Distribution April 22 - May 6: Citywide Diaper Drive May 13: Diaper Pickup
One in three families struggle to afford diapers, making it even harder for them to buy food and other necessities. Help us support local families who need diapers! Last year we were able to provide diapers to 100 families and we hope to support even more this year.
Sizes requested: Newborn through 7. Open boxes are welcome, but please put diapers in labeled plastic sleeves or bags. Donate diapers at: FamilyACCESS of Newton (492 Waltham St, West Newton)
Drop off inside the front doors from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm when the building is open. Look for a table with a diaper dropoff sign. NO weekend dropoffs.
American Legion Nonantum Post 440 (295 California St, Nonantum)
Drop off in the main office 7 days a week from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. From the parking lot, enter the glass doors, up the steps, and turn left.
Porch dropoff (128 Herrick Road in Newton Centre)
Leave your donation in the bin marked "Diapers" at the top of the driveway or on the front porch depending on the weather.
