Women4Women, is the story of women who want to help other women. A banal story of sorority that leads to an exceptional surge of solidarity in an entire neighborhood of Brooklyn.
At the origin of this association: Juliette Fisbein, 40 years old, former business lawyer in search of meaning in her professional activity. And one day, the trigger, or rather the meeting, with Fathema, a 29-year-old young woman of Bangladeshi origin whose 8-year-old son attends the same school in Carroll Gardens as Juliette’s children. The young woman is housed in an emergency home, while waiting for something better. “I met her in the fall of 2021 after a friend of mine told me about her, says Juliette Fisbein. Little by little, we managed to gain her trust, and she told us her story. That of a woman physically and psychologically abused by her husband who considered her more as his servant than as his wife. She had to flee because she was afraid for her life and that of her son. It’s awful. »
Giving survivors a future
Troubleshooting small household chores, donating shoes and clothes, tutoring for her son, the two friends do what they can to help the single mother in her daily life. But this small-scale support has its limits. “He needed money, housing, a job. A future “, sighs Juliette Fisbein, remembering this period.
Hence the idea of a real structure to benefit from 501(c)(3) status. This status of apolitical and non-profit organization allows associations to raise funds from companies which can then have this donation tax exempt. Then other good wills are added to the project. And the status is quickly obtained thanks to the skills of the team, mainly made up of female lawyers. On their sitethe objective is clear: “Our association aims to support all women who face social and economic difficulties. Above all friends, we have decided to join forces to help survivors of domestic violence by combining our skills and using our networks”.
Juliette Fisbein and Fathema
«Not just an association, it’s a family”
Thanks to the 40,000 dollars quickly collected by the association, Fathema begins studies in the field of health, finds accommodation that she can furnish. And regain confidence. “I can’t thank Juliette, Anik and Regan enough. Now, I am a medical assistant, I help other people, and above all I provide for my son’s needs on my own”. The young woman even allows herself to be more ambitious and would like to obtain her nursing diploma. ” Women4women, it’s not just an association, it’s a family for me » says Fathema. A family of which she is now a full part. “The circle is complete when they want to come back to help other women”, proudly concludes Juliette Fisbein.
Next challenges for Juliette, Priscilla, Flavie, Clémence, Joanna and Fathema: a third fundraiser, the writing of a solid annual report, a weekly newsletter and better streamlining of all their processes. But also and above all find other goodwill to join the team. “A grant writer to solicit more companies and find new financing and a banker who could teach the basics of management to our beneficiaries”. The call is launched!
2023-08-31 11:43:46
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