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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN SOUTHERN COOK SECTION
WHEREAS, May is Jewish American Heritage Month, an annual recognition and celebration of Jewish American achievements in and contributions to the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, in light of this celebration it is important to honor the people and organizations that make many contributions in Cook County, such as National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) South Cook Section; and
WHEREAS, NCJW is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms; and
WHEREAS, the history of NCJW South Cook began in 1921 in Chicago Heights, Illinois and will be 100 years old in 2021. That year, the Jewish Ladies Aid Society of Beth Israel Synagogue joined with the National Council of Jewish Women, Chicago Heights Section with the primary purpose to provide Jewish religious education to the children of families living in the community; and
WHEREAS, the motto of NCJW South Cook is “A Faith in the Future/A Belief in Action”; and
WHEREAS, the members of NCJW are advocates, tutors, readers, art appreciation volunteers, local agency board members, actors and singers who entertain special needs populations, supporters of local emergency shelters, lunch servers, donors, event planners, and so much more; and
WHEREAS, one of the mainstay members is Gloria Lippert, who has been an active member and advocate of NCJW South Cook for many years, and was awarded a Special Volunteer Award in 1996 and again in 2017; and
WHEREAS, Gloria is the recipient of the Iris Dreyfuss Volunteer Recognition Award, which is a special award given by NCJW South Cook in memory of Iris Dreyfuss to a member, who by her service to NCJW has been a model to all, and said award is not given out every year due to the significance of the award to the South Cook Section; and
WHEREAS, Gloria was President of NCJW South Cook from 2002-04, has chaired our Garden Walk from its inception, and does the ads for our directory; and
WHEREAS, Gloria is very focused on our never forgetting how hard-won Roe v Wade was, and how important it is for this generation to not take it for granted and so Gloria doesn’t go anywhere where she does not advocate for our Section and everything we stand for; and
WHEREAS, members are involved in numerous programs and projects that reflect the values of NCJW with the goal of improving the quality of life for women, children and families; and
WHEREAS, NCJW South Cook committee members include: Ellen Kaplan, Debby Pebworth, Debra Borodkin, and President Sharon Johnson; and
WHEREAS, in the past 10 years, NCJW South Cook has contributed approximately $500,000 to over 15 social service programs that positively impact families and individuals in our community, and as a section locally support the following organizations: South Suburban Family Shelter, Respond Now, Aunt Martha’s, Glenwood Academy, JUF Shalom Over 50s, Israel Granting Program, Prairie State Book Scholarships; and
WHEREAS, it is more important than ever that courageous, compassionate women find a place to come together and take action and NCJW South Cook provides that place; and
WHEREAS, some of their recent public awareness, advocacy and education campaigns include: Exodus Anti-Sex Trafficking Initiative, Voices for Reproductive Choices Campaign, Higher Ground Domestic Violence Campaign, Judicial Nominations Campaign, Plan A Campaign for Contraceptive Access, and Promote the Vote campaign; and
WHEREAS, the members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners are pleased to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month by highlighting the good work of NCJW South Cook;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners proudly honor National Council of Jewish Women Southern Cook Section for their steadfast service to the community, Cook County, and our Country; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that a suitable copy be presented to Gloria Lippert and President Sharon Johnson as a symbol of our respect and esteem.
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