ReStart is a JWI program that offers ongoing workshops and support to Jewish survivors of domestic abuse to help them gain the emotional and professional support needed to embark on their return-to-work journey with confidence.
ReStart is intended for Jewish survivors of domestic abuse. For more information, email Sierra or click here.
Upcoming ReStart Sessions
The ReStart program is comprised of 10 sessions, offered weekly on Zoom
Once enrolled, your clients can attend as many (or as few) of the 10 weekly sessions as they like. There is no requirement or expectation to attend them all.
Sign up to learn more or enroll your clients in the next ReStart session!
Sierra Schnitzer, LMHC, JWI’s Senior Director of Survivor Supports and Initiatives, will reach out to discuss this program and take the next step to enroll your client(s).
The ReStart program consists of:
Trauma-informed, survivor centered workshops: Each ReStart session includes 8 to 10 Zoom sessions that participants can attend on a drop-in bases when available. We provide a flexible program to accommodate survivors' evolving needs.
Workshop topics include: Boosting self-confidence, exploring imposter syndrome, goal setting, identifying and refreshing job skills, establishing a healthy relationship with money, and learning money management skills
One-on-one coaching.
Professional work attire provided by Our Closet In Your Neighborhood (OCIYN)
What are the goals of ReStart?
For survivors to reclaim their physical safety, financial security, and independence, survivors need the tools and job readiness skills to (re-)enter the workforce. Restart helps them gain confidence so they can ultimately find employment and achieve long-term economic security.
Why is job readiness so important for survivors?
98% of Jewish abuse survivors report a lack of financial resources as a key barrier to escaping violence (2021 Domestic Violence in the Jewish Community National Needs Assessment).
In 99% of all instances of intimate partner violence, survivors were left with “little to no income, no access to cash or bank accounts, fraudulent and/or coerced debt in their name, and damaged financial profiles.” (FreeFrom, Survivors Know Best)
Up to 60% of survivors lose their jobs as a result of abuse. (FreeFrom, Survivors Know Best)
How can I bring this program to survivors I work with?
Please reach out to JWI’s Senior Director of Survivor Supports and Initiatives Sierra at sschnitzer@jwi.org or fill out this form.
If you are a member of JWI’s National Collaborative of Jewish Domestic Violence Programs, your clients are eligible to participate in this program. For more information or to become a member of JWI’s Collaborative, click here. It’s free to join.
We are grateful to Our Closet In Your Neighborhood (OCIYN) for generously providing work attire to ReStart participants. OCIYN is a mobile basic needs program from Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia – providing vulnerable populations access to free food, clothing, social services, and more.
