Jewish Women’s Group Dedicates Children’s Library at Tulsa Shelter

Library at Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS) is Jewish Women International’s 53rd in domestic violence shelters nationwide

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT
(d) 202-464-4803//(c) 301-529-8591
Meredith Jacobs, VP Communications
April 11, 2016

Washington, D.C. – JWI (Jewish Women International), the premier international Jewish women’s organization working to end domestic and sexual violence against women and girls, will dedicate a brand new children’s library at a domestic violence shelter on April 13th in Tulsa, OK. The library, to be housed in the Domestic Violence Intervention Services shelter, was funded through JWI’s 2015 holiday fundraising campaign. Launched December 1st (Giving Tuesday) and running through January 1, 2016, JWI committed to raising the funds needed to give the children living in DVIS, the gift of a library.

JWI’s National Library Initiative is working toward establishing 100 children’s libraries in domestic violence shelters across the country. The library in Tulsa is the 53rd to open as part of the initiative.

“JWI’s National Library Initiative puts the children front and center by providing a sanctuary where each child can find the comfort that only a good book and a safe place can provide,” said JWI’s CEO Lori Weinstein. “Our philanthropic commitment is anchored by our work across the country educating, training and advocating for the end of domestic violence.”

Domestic Violence Intervention Services, Inc. DVIS, a Tulsa Area United Way agency, is the only nonprofit agency in Tulsa, Okla., and the surrounding communities to provide comprehensive intervention and prevention services to men, women and, children affected by domestic and sexual violence. Its new 32,000-sq. ft. emergency shelter can house up to 80 women, men, children and transgendered individuals. The shelter is open 365 days per year, 24 hours per day to provide those affected by domestic violence with a safe place to stay, three meals a day and clothing. And, as of April 13th, the facilities will include a children’s library.

“This library will be a safe place to encourage reading and bonding between parents and their children in the aftermath of the trauma they have experienced,” said DVIS Executive Director Tracey Lyall. “We are grateful for the efforts of Jewish Women International and look forward to seeing positive memories created for years to come.”

If press is interested in attending the event, please contact Meredith Jacobs at mjacobs@jwi.org or 202-464-4803.

Jewish Women International (JWI) is the leading Jewish organization working to end violence against women and girls domestically and internationally. JWI is a Steering Committee member of NO MORE and the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women and convenes the Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and the Clergy Task Force to End Domestic Abuse in the Jewish Community, and is a member of the Gun Violence Table. JWI’s advocacy efforts focus on the passage of legislation that supports women and girls, ensures their economic security, and protects their right to live free of violence.

###