Israel Site Reports from Doris Gordon

Please review these two excellent reports from Doris Gordon who visited Economic Empowerment for Women and Mahut in October.

First-hand visits like the ones Doris made are our best source of information about programs that we fund. If you are planning a trip to Israel, I hope you'll consider spending time with one of our grantees and sharing your learning with us.

And special thanks to you Doris for your excellent work and report!

Best, Susan

Mahut Center visit on October 21, 2009 by Doris Gordon

1. The Mahut Center without question fits the BJCWF’s goals and mission.

2. The organization is clearly fulfilling its mission of empowering, educating and training economically marginalized women.

3. I spent 3 ½ hours at the center. The first two hours I attended a class on empowerment with 15 women. The director Michael Dagan and Robin Arnon translated for me. I was very impressed with the facilitator, she helped the women face their personal fears, share their problems with each other and talk about the obstacles and barriers to finding employment. It was a second meeting, for a mix of both Jewish and Arab women. These women, all over age 40, are subject to substantial age discrimination. Consequently, even after they find employment, they keep coming back for added skills and support. The participants were fully engaged in the training during my time there.

I spent another hour and half with the Director, staff, the facilitator. I was impressed with their dedication, professionalism, and with how they continually work to improve their programs. They were very open with me, and we talked a lot about the challenges which low income women face. The National Insurance Institute has selected Mahut to study its methods. It is a prestigious honor. The Institute hopes to use Mahut as a model for other groups in Israel.

4. I have no concerns or hesitation in recommending Mahut for a grant.

5. If Mahut did not receive funding from BJCWF it would be forced to cut back on its support for these women. Mahut has made many improvements and modifications to the program. They are constantly upgrading to improve their offer.

We should definitely fund it. Our funding is needed and appreciated. It is a dynamic agency and I am proud that we have supported it.


Economic Empowerment for Women (EEW) visit on October 19, 2009 by Doris Gordon

1. EEW fits BJCWF’s goals and mission.

2. This was my second time visiting this amazing organization. It is clearly fulfilling its mission. I am proud that we have funded this organization for 3 years. Two years ago I attended one of their sessions, this year I sat with three of their staff, two of whom I had met before.

3. They have expanded and improved their incubator program—it is working better than before by expanding in more cities. It is helping many women become successful in their own business by offering business training, improving self-confidence, peer support and mentoring. EEW appears to utilize its resources efficiently.

4. I have no concerns or hesitation in recommending EEW.

5. I understand that we have already supported EEW for three years. Continued funding would be well used.

6. I wish that we can continue to fund EEW.