Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to believe.

There are so many crazy things happening in the world that it’s sometimes hard to remember to think positively about the things that matter - the things you believe in. I believe in kindness, showing up for people, being part of a community, and the power of people coming together for a common cause.

I also believe in the need for coffee. And, as most of you already know, I believe in the need for at least one Diet Coke a day, often two. And yes, it must be a McDonald’s fountain Diet Coke.

I digress.

It turns out, we believe in a lot of things at NCJWSTL. We believe in justice. We believe in community. We believe in showing up. And, with so many things happening at NCJWSTL, apparently, we believe in making sure there is always something on our calendars!

What I love about NCJWSTL is that we don’t just believe in making our community stronger. We believe in doing something about it. That’s why I’m especially looking forward to NCJW Believes on October 15. This year the event will celebrate Court Watch, an important NCJWSTL program that brings trained volunteers into courtrooms to observe domestic violence and order-of-protection proceedings. Volunteers' presence helps shine a light on the experiences of people navigating the court system and help us work toward a system that better serves survivors and their families. This is an example of how we turn what we what we believe into action. And that same belief in action extends to our advocacy.

As we approach the November election, NCJWSTL is encouraging a NO VOTE on Amendment 3, which would repeal the reproductive healthcare protections Missouri voters approved in 2024. A NO vote would leave those protections in place.

I “believe” the Missouri government should listen to the will of the people. For me, this is about believing that people should have the ability to make their own personal healthcare decisions and believing that our voices matter when those rights are at stake.

There are lots of ways to act on what we believe. If you’d like an NCJWSTL yard sign, they’re available at our office for you to pick up whenever it’s convenient.

I hope you’ll join me on October 15 as we celebrate Court Watch and all the programs NCJWSTL believes in and does for our community. And yes, I believe there will be a great deal of fun at the event, too!

September 2026

The Hebrew month of Elul is a time for reflection - a chance to pause, look inward, and think about what we want to carry with us into the new year and what we might want to reset.

I had one of those moments recently at the Back to School! Store. I was supposed to be a “floater,” but the shoe-fitting area was so busy that I ended up spending most of my time there. And I’m so glad I did. There was something incredibly special about finding the right pair of shoes for a child and watching them jump up and down with excitement. Even more special was doing it alongside my daughter, Melanie. We were working side by side, and more than a few people (and kids) got a kick out of the mother-daughter duo.

That experience reminded me that sometimes we need to reset our perspective and remember what really matters. At NCJWSTL, our programs give us those moments every day. This organization gives us opportunities to make a difference, connect with one another and turn our values into action.

As we look ahead to Believes on October 15, our annual event highlighting the important work of Court Watch, we are reminded of another powerful way NCJWSTL creates change. Through Court Watch, volunteers are trained to observe public domestic violence and order of protection hearings and collect data related to courtroom protocols and case outcomes. It is one more way we can use our voices and our presence to advocate for women and children.

And The Resale Shop gives us another opportunity to make an impact. Giving gently loved items a second life while supporting the important work of NCJWSTL feels like the perfect metaphor for this time of year - renewal, purpose and the opportunity for a fresh start. Whether we are helping a child find the perfect pair of shoes, advocating for women and children through Courts Watch, or supporting any of the many programs that make up our organization, the impact is real.

As we enter the High Holiday season, I hope we all find time to pause, reflect and reset - to spend time with family and friends, appreciate the moments that matter, and think about how we want to show up in the year ahead.

L’Shanah Tovah. May the coming year bring us renewed purpose, connection and many more moments that remind us why the work we do together matters.

August 2026

August is a month of transition. I’m not sure how we got to August already! Summer begins to wind down, students head back to school (some say the happiest time of the year!) and before we know it, fall is on the horizon. Here at NCJWSTL, we're experiencing a transition of our own as we prepare to celebrate CEO Ellen Alper's retirement after 23 years of extraordinary leadership.

While change is never easy, it also brings new opportunities. Ellen has helped shape this organization with vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication, leaving us well positioned for the future. We are deeply grateful for everything she has given to NCJWSTL and wish her nothing but happiness in her next chapter, (and with a new pool under construction, I have a feeling she’s going to transition to retirement just fine!).

As always, our work in the community continues without pause. This August, we're helping Missourians make informed decisions by providing nonpartisan information on statewide constitutional amendments and making voter advocacy resources available through our office.

And, of course, August means one of our signature programs - the 26th annual Back to School! Store. Every year, I'm amazed by the dedication of the volunteers and leaders who make this incredible event possible. My heartfelt thanks go to Renee Sigel-Hearst, Director of Community Impact; Cindy Frank, VP Community Impact; and chairs Sara Beth Matt, Alison Fox, Taryn Goldstein, and Judy Grosz (and Judy’s amazing daughters!), along with the many volunteers who bring this program to life.

The Back to School! Store is more than an event. It’s a reminder of what happens when volunteers come together to support children and families in our community. Seeing the smiles, confidence, and excitement of students as they prepare for a new school year is a powerful example of NCJWSTL's mission in action.

As we head into a new season, thank you for everything you do to make that impact possible. Until next month… be well, do good, and stay connected with NCJWSTL.

July 2026

Hello everyone! This is my very first bulletin message as NCJWSTL Board President, and I am deeply honored to serve this extraordinary organization alongside the remarkable people who make it so special.

I begin my presidency following in the footsteps of Phyllis Langsdorf, who guided NCJWSTL through the purchase and renovation of our beautiful, new building while continuing a successful Capital Campaign. As I said in my installation, I have big shoes to fill and a big space in which to fill them! Thank you, Phyllis, for your vision and dedication.

Speaking of my installation, it was probably the first in NCJWSTL history to include a “roast” by Board member, Amy Fenster Brown, and NCJWSTL Past President, Susan Katzman. All in fun. Their remarks set the stage for my presidency! Thank you to all who attended.

Our new building is more than just a space; it is a place where community is built. I was reminded of that at the 50^th anniversary celebration of our Wife, Widow, Woman (WWW) brunch, chaired by Peggy Cohen Voss and Eleanor Zimring. You could feel the connection between the women who went through the program – they all walked away with true friendships and lifelong support.

There was not a dry eye in the room as Denise Thimes, an outstanding guest vocalist, closed the program by singing “I Hope You Dance.” At that moment, I could not have been prouder to be part of an organization whose impact can truly be felt. To add to the ambiance of this lovely event, entertainment was provided by two string quartets of young artists participating in the 2026 Arianna Chamber Music Festival. All came together beautifully for this milestone event.

Another program that brings our community together is the Back-to-School Store! on August 2. Please consider sponsoring a child for this important event that helps elementary-aged children start the school year with everything they need. Your sponsorship helps defray the amount it takes to stage such an enormous project. Emails have been sent with information about sponsoring a child and volunteering before, after, or at the event.

Finally, membership renewal season is here! Our programs and mission are only possible because of our members. If you haven’t already, please renew your membership or join NCJWSTL for the first time! Please check with Sherrie Hodgins to ensure your dues are current or start a membership.

I look forward to the year ahead and to building community together. Until next month…be well, do good and stay connected with NCJWSTL.