JANE ABRAHAM ADVOCACY AWARD

BARI-LYNNE SCHWARTZ NAMED FIRST RECIPIENT OF THE JANE ABRAHAM ADVOCACY AWARD

This new award was established to honor the memory of Jane Abraham, our inspirational Co-President who passed away in 2019. Jane made advocacy come alive in our Section through her passion and commitment to social justice. This award honors an NCJW BCS member who has been a leader and instrumental in advancing social change in the community. To receive the award, the recipient must fulfill the following criteria:  further the mission of NCJW; exemplify innovation, creativity and courage; serve as a role model in our Section and our community; and raise awareness of NCJW through pioneering efforts, mentoring and motivation of others. We will be pleased to present this award to Bari-Lynne Schwartz at the April General Meeting’s Advocacy Forum on April 21, at 12:30 pm at Temple Emeth.

Bari-Lynne grew up in Fitchburg and Leominster, Massachusetts, mill towns 50 miles west of Boston. Her early life mostly centered around a small Jewish community. Her grandfather was a founding member of the synagogue, and she enjoyed many after-school activities at the Jewish Community Center. Bari-Lynne graduated from the University of Massachusetts and taught high school English for five years. She then lived in London for six years. Returning to the US, she moved to New Jersey and immersed herself in volunteer activities. As a docent at the Montclair Historical Society and the Montclair Art Museum, she produced and coordinated participatory education programs for children. She served on the State Public Affairs Committee of the Junior Leagues of New Jersey, advocating successfully for family life education and education for children with disabilities in the public schools.

In 1988 Bari-Lynne received a Master of Social Work degree. She served as the Planning Officer at the Bergen County Department of Human Services, where for 20 years she oversaw the grants/contract office and administered the Human Services Advisory Council (HSAC) and the Bergen County Commission on the Status of Women. She became a champion for social justice. She advocated and testified for policy and legislative reforms, coordinated successful legislative breakfasts and programs celebrating women’s rights and much more. While there she met two articulate, powerful activists, Connie Hochberg and Bea Podorefsky, who were on the HSAC representing NCJW Bergen County Section.

After retiring, Bari-Lynne attended two of Bergen County Section’s impressive advocacy forums and joined Council. Soon she was on the Board as a co-chair of the next forum. She is a co-chair of the Grants Oversight Committee, served two years as Co-Vice President of Advocacy and Education and currently is a Co-President.

Bari-Lynne lives in Little Falls. She has two children and two fabulous grandchildren!

When informed of her selection as the first recipient of the Jane Abraham Advocacy Award, Bari-Lynne said, “Educating others and championing social justice reform have been constants in my life. I am truly honored to be the first recipient of the Jane Abraham Advocacy Award. For three years Jane guided my Council activities, and I will always cherish her friendship and her passion.”