Partner Spotlight: Fabrangen Tzedakah Collective

Today we’re featuring one of our longest-standing partners, the Fabrangen Tzedakah Collective, which has been a dedicated supporter of Calvary Women’s Services since 1989, not long after Calvary was founded. Through three decades of support, the Fabrangen Tzedakah Collective has touched the lives of thousands of women in our community who have experienced homelessness and successfully transformed their lives. They are truly a testament to the power of a committed group of people working to support their community.

The Fabrangen Tzedakah Collective was established in 1975 to provide a forum for Fabrangen members to contribute to charity in a democratic and involved manner. Fabrangen, founded in 1971, is an independent, egalitarian, participatory havurah in Washington, DC. Twice each year, the Fabrangen Tzedakah Collective meets to learn about recipient organizations and to make decisions on charitable allocations to a variety of Jewish, local, Israeli, and international organizations.

In honor of nearly 30 years of partnership, we asked the Fabrangen Tzedakah Collective to share a bit about their history with Calvary Women’s Services and their work in the community.

Tell us a bit about Fabrangen Tzedakah Collective.

The Collective has been in existence for more than 40 years, beginning with a small group of people, and now includes about 50 households. Or original goal was to make regular semi-annual contributions to groups where small amount of support would make a difference – for many years, we supported and provided almost all the funding for the toys and books at My Sister’s Place shelter. We estimate we have given away about two million dollars or so, mostly in amounts of $1,000 or less.

How did you first get connected with Calvary Women’s Services?

We found Calvary when it was solely an overnight shelter at the church and have happily watched you grow into the amazing organization you are today.

Why have you chosen to support Calvary Women’s Services?

Calvary is a great example of an organization whose mission has grown thoughtfully and deliberately, and changed as its clientele has; the work you are doing on employment and permanent housing is inspirational.

What other kinds of work do you support in the community?

Our list includes a number of housing and homelessness groups, several youth serving organizations, a number of local and national Jewish organizations, and our focus has been on supporting smaller groups where modest contributions can make a real difference.

Our sincere thanks to the Fabrangen Tzedakah Collective, whose long-standing support is an investment in women in our shared community who are working to transform their lives, and build stronger futures for themselves and their families.