Today the National Council of Jewish Women Greater Houston Section (NCJW) is honoring Council Member Abbie Kamin, Houston City Council District C, at their annual Women of Influence Luncheon. The Council Member has been named for this recognition alongside the Houston Women’s Commission Chair, Beth Matusoff Merfish.
Together, Kamin and Matusoff Merfish spearheaded the effort in partnership with Mayor Turner for the historic passage of a paid parental leave and pre-natal and child wellness policy for city employees in 2022. Both women continue to combat disparities that women face and advocate on critical matters of gender equity.
Founded in 1893, NCJW is a grassroots organization improving the quality of life for women, children, and families through hands on community service programs and advocacy. One of their core advocacy branches, and an issue CM Kamin remains steadfast in addressing on Council, is tackling domestic violence. Thanks to the direct efforts of the Houston Section’s leadership, in 1980 Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA) was founded. Today that work helps thousands of families in need. The Greater Houston Section continues to focus efforts on domestic violence, reproductive justice and access for women, early childhood education, and period poverty, among other worthy causes.
The luncheon will raise funds for core projects NCJW Houston Section works towards, including programs like their “Back 2 School Store, AVDA Emergency Client Assistance Fund, HIPPY graduation celebration, community service partner scholarships, and homeless and foster youth educational programs and services. NCJW GHS social justice programs provide education and legislative advocacy on issues that affect and impact women, children, and families in the areas of children’s rights, economic justice, healthcare, human trafficking, reproductive justice, LGBTQ rights, and gender related violence.”
