Since 1997, the J. Jill Group, Inc. has been instrumental in helping Women In Need, Inc. (WIN) provide its programs and services to some of New York City’s most vulnerable citizens—homeless women and children. Over the past eight years, J. Jill has contributed approximately $400,000 through cash and in-kind donations.
In 2000, WIN identified after-school childcare as a major obstacle to the progress of newly employed mothers, as well as to mothers receiving job training at WIN. And in 2001, J. Jill helped eliminate that obstacle by funding Homework Helpers, a program with the goal of providing elementary school–aged children of homeless women in transition with a safe, structured after-school environment while their mothers continue their workdays or receive job training. To that end, we are pleased to announce that through the guidance of a dynamic teaching staff, Homework Helpers has exceeded its goal. At the Monica Apartment Program in Brooklyn, more than ninety children were provided with homework assistance year-round from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., five days a week. Demand has been so great that WIN is adding special activities on Saturdays to increase the number of children able to participate. In addition to homework assistance, the children receive tutoring with their school assignments, participate in literacy projects, and are introduced to using computers, dictionaries and library facilities.
During the summer months, the program continues with a focus on enrichment activities to reinforce what the children have learned during the school year. This is accomplished through field trips to museums and zoos and other culturally enriching activities. The children are also engaged in art projects as well as summer literacy groups. This year, the J. Jill Compassion Fund provided $50,000 in funding to continue the program. Through this commitment, children continue learning and accessing information on computers using a range of age-appropriate software. Children who need individualized attention are given the extra time, support and encouragement needed to complete their homework assignments. Additionally, all children are given strategies to improve their academic performance and their social skills and to help them build self-confidence as they attend schools with other children who haven’t experienced homelessness.
To learn more about WIN, please contact:
Women In Need, Inc.
115 West 31st Street
New York, NY 10001
phone: 1.800.HELPWIN
website: www.women-in-need.org