EVALYN BROWNSTEIN: 2016 WOMAN OF THE SECTION

Evalyn Brownstein was born and educated in the shadow of Ebbets Field, Brooklyn.  From early on, she seemed destined to be involved with children – as mentor of a girls’ group at the YMHA, leader of a Girl Scout troop, counselor and then head counselor at a Federation camp, and eventually a first grade teacher in New York City.

After marriage to Irwin, her children Joy and Mark were born, and the family moved from Brooklyn Heights to Teaneck.  As a stay-at-home mom, Evalyn served on the Board of the League of Women Voters, became a PTA President and subsequently President of Teaneck’s PTA Council.  She was also heavily involved in many other community projects.

Evalyn took graduate courses to become a certified reading specialist and learning disabilities/special education teacher and then worked in the Teaneck school system.  While there, she helped develop and launch the Reading Center, an intensive program for children experiencing very serious literacy problems, taught in-service staff programs and served on numerous professional committees.  Concurrently, she accepted an appointment to the Teaneck Library Board and has served as its president for some time.  Bergen County honored her as a Volunteer of the Year.

After retiring, Evalyn was recruited for NCJW by a close friend, and she immediately became deeply involved, For many years, she has worked as Co-Chair of the section’s HIPPY program (Home Instruction for Parents of Pre-School Youngsters), reading interesting stories and devising creative projects for the 3-to-5 year olds while their parents were attending workshops.

She is currently Chair of the Scholarship Committee, which recognizes deserving Jewish women graduating from Bergen County public high schools, and was Chair of the Nominating Committee and of Section Awards.  Recently, Evalyn was the recipient of a Volunteer of the Month award.

To quote Evalyn, “These experiences introduced me to the many extremely talented and devoted members of NCJW.  Without their dedication, none of my responsibilities could have been fulfilled.  As I look back, my life has been very busy but gratifying, buoyed by the loving support and encouragement of my family.  Hopefully I will be able to enjoy both my family and involvement in this very special organization for many years to come.”

The recipients of this award exemplify the spirit of NCJW. “A woman who, by her deeds and actions, has indicated her commitment to and her support and love for this organization.”