Sharsheret Named One of North America’s Most Innovative Jewish Nonprofits and Grant Recipient
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Elana Silber, Director of Operations
Telephone: (866) 474-2774
E-Mail: [email protected]
Teaneck, New Jersey (October 18, 2011) – Sharsheret, a national not-for-profit organization supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer, has been named one of the nation’s 50 most innovative Jewish nonprofits for the sixth consecutive year in Slingshot, a resource guide for Jewish innovation used by philanthropists, volunteers, not-for-profit executives, and program participants to identify trailblazing organizations grappling with concerns in Jewish life.
This year, Sharsheret was also one of only seven organizations to receive a capacity building grant from the Slingshot Fund. Inspired five years ago by Slingshot, a group of next-generation philanthropists launched the Slingshot Fund, a collective giving mechanism to support innovative Jewish life. The Slingshot Fund has contributed more than $1.8 million to innovative Jewish not-for-profits. “The Slingshot guide makes a statement to the Jewish community and beyond that next-generation funders embrace change, innovation, and evaluation when meeting the needs of our community,” said Slingshot Chairman Jonathan Raiffe. “Slingshot promotes organizations that hold themselves accountable to all their stakeholders and up to the same scrutiny as for-profit organizations, while pushing the boundaries of how to solve the most pressing issues. Slingshot is about making a statement as to what we believe are the greatest needs and what organizations are doing the best job to fulfill those needs. Organizations that receive grants from Slingshot clearly identify an unmet need and offer proven models and solutions that can have a far-reaching impact.”
Sharsheret was selected for this list and as a grant recipient for its innovation in providing culturally-relevant support to young Jewish women and families, of all backgrounds, facing breast cancer and ovarian cancer at every stage – before, during, and after diagnosis. Sharsheret enables women and families to connect to its Jewish community in the way that feels most comfortable, taking into consideration their stage of life, diagnosis, or treatment, as well as their connection to Judaism. Sharsheret provides educational resources, offers support to those at high risk of developing breast cancer or ovarian cancer, and creates programs for women and families to improve their quality of life. “By educating the next generation of women and families about breast cancer and ovarian cancer, Sharsheret empowers the Jewish community,” said Director of Operations Elana Silber. “We send the message that breast cancer and ovarian cancer are diseases that affect the entire Jewish family – our mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, sons and daughters and we provide invaluable support to Jewish women and families nationwide. “
About Sharsheret
Since its founding in 2001, Sharsheret has responded to more than 24,000 breast cancer inquiries, involved more than 1,400 peer supporters, and presented over 200 educational programs nationwide. Sharsheret now offers a continuum of care for the Jewish community – addressing the needs of those who are concerned about the risk of breast cancer in their family, those who have been diagnosed with the disease and are undergoing treatment, and those who face issues of survivorship or recurrence. Over the past 10 years, Sharsheret has developed 11 national programs, including the Peer Support Network, connecting women newly diagnosed or at high risk of developing breast cancer one-on-one with others who share similar diagnoses and experiences; Embrace, supporting women living with advanced breast cancer; Genetics for Life, addressing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, and the Ovarian Cancer Program, providing tailored resources and support for young Jewish women and families facing ovarian cancer. For more information about Sharsheret’s programs, visit www.sharsheret.org or call (866) 474-2774.
About Slingshot
Slingshot was created by a team of young funders as a guidebook to help funders of all ages diversify their giving portfolios with the most innovative and effective organizations and programs in North America. This guide contains information about each organization’s origin, mission, strategy, impact and budget, as well as details about its unique character. Now in its seventh edition, Slingshot has proven to be a catalyst for next generation funding and offers a telling snapshot of shifting trends in North America’s Jewish community. The book, published annually, is available in hard copy and as a free download at www.slingshotfund.org.
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