For kids whose lives have been upended by violence, JWI creates children's libraries inside of domestic violence shelters, providing a safe place to relax, escape into a book, and keep up with homework when they're most at risk of falling behind.
A note from Cora:
I am Cora Pessin, I am 12 years old, and I love to read. Ever since my mom read me my first book, (well obviously I do not remember that, but it’s for dramatic effect OKAY?!?!?!?) I have loved the feeling of seeing little pictures of cows on cardboard sheets. Also, I like normal 12 year old books like chapter books and graphic novels, like Heartstopper, which is one of my favorite series, and Harry Potter which IS my favorite series. Reading sparks your imagination more than anything else can even barely simulate. Books allow you to find a way out of your life and let you see other perspectives.
For my bat mitzvah project, I chose to help stock a library at a shelter for domestic violence victims because books allow people to develop imagination. Books allow for emotional freedom and can help you learn how to cope with emotions. Happiness comes from books, and you form deep emotional bonds with the characters, who become your friends. Kids find safety and comfort in books. When you someone like yourself in a story, then you are able to know that there is nothing “weird” or “wrong” about you and that you are not alone.
Kids need this kind of connection, and when kids have gone through hard times, that is when they need it most. I want to provide that safety and comfort to kids that have gone through tough times.
I hope you’ll help me do this by bringing a children’s book to my bat mitzvah, or donating to Jewish Women International’s library project. If you’d like to make a donation, please complete the form below.
