About NCJW Pittsburgh

Our Mission

Inspired by the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam (healing the world), NCJW Pittsburgh promotes increased equity through the empowerment of women.

What We Do

Built on over a century of activism and direct service, our approach to community impact is integrated, data-informed, and always centered on the experience of women. We dream of a world where the need for direct service no longer exists. We know that in order for this to happen the systems that negatively affect women and families must be reformed.

Our programming provides the opportunity for those who need support to receive it, but that is not the end of the story. It is important that we listen to those seeking our services and work with them to craft sustainable solutions for a stronger future where all can thrive. This intersection of direct service and systems change advocacy creates the opportunity for women to be empowered in their own lives. Whether it's achieving gender equity in the workplace, defending the right to choose, or participating in a more fair democracy, NCJW Pittsburgh is here to help.

Our History

For over 125 years, NCJW/Pittsburgh has been a powerful force for social change across the country, around the globe – and right here in Pittsburgh. The oldest Jewish women’s organization in North America, NCJW boasts advocates who step forward, speak out, and stand up for the needs of women, children, and families.

Land Acknowledgement

The National Council of Jewish Women, Pittsburgh Section acknowledges that for thousands of years, native peoples have lived on this land, and they still do. Their relationship with the land is at the center of their lives and spirituality.

Thriftique is located in what is presently called Lawrenceville, but we recognize that this land was once an important Lenape village known as Shanopin’s Town in the 1700’s.

Anathan House, Thriftique, and the Children’s Rooms are located in what is presently called Pittsburgh, and we acknowledge that this is the traditional land of the Seneca, a principal member of the Haudenosaunee, or Iroquois Confederacy. This land has also been home to the Monongahela, Moundbuilders, Lenape, and Shawnee peoples. We are grateful for their stewardship of this land throughout the ages, and we acknowledge that, while there are still many Indigenous peoples across this land, many have been displaced to reservations far from here.

Jews of many backgrounds have experienced a sense of geographical and cultural displacement over the years. We acknowledge our history of displacement, and as importantly, we acknowledge the ways in which many of us as non-indigenous peoples and settlers have benefited from colonialism, former and ongoing, which has hurt and oppressed Indigenous peoples. We ask for forgiveness as we pledge to continue to educate ourselves and take action to right these wrongs.