End of Year Dinner 2024

Each year we gather to honor our accomplishments of the past year and look forward to the coming year. Featuring the annual Woman of Valor Award, new board installation ceremony, and lots of time to get to know fellow Sisterhood members.

Main Event

Guest Speaker:  Cathy Campbell, volunteer teacher with the Refugee Sewing Collective and Board Member of AJPR

The Refugee Sewing Collective was formed by Refugee Services of Texas over seven years ago and is a volunteer-led program to give women of newly-arrived refugee families a place to learn to sew and to socialize.  Currently, it is sponsored by the AISD International Welcome Center and Austin Jews and Partners for Refugees, AJPR, a non-profit that provides volunteer support to refugee families. 

These refugee women are often isolated in their new country and it is difficult to forge new friends and navigate a new culture.  The sewing collective provides childcare and volunteers to teach a 10-week beginner sewing course that covers basic sewing skills by making practical projects each week.  Most have never used an electronic sewing machine before.  Women from different countries and cultures  gather each week to learn new sewing skills, practice English,  and just enjoy a creative outlet with new friends.

Over the years many people have donated fabric, thread, sewing kits and funds to purchase sewing machines in order to keep this program going.  This year AISD is providing interpreters, a few sewing machines, and is providing stipends to 3 women who previously completed the sewing course to help teach the current classes, alongside the volunteers.  But, there is a great need for more sewing machines to enable 10 AISD refugee moms to participate in the fall semester and another 10 to participate in the spring semester. 

We also hosted a silent auction for handmade quilts from the Collective to support purchasing sewing machines for the initiative. As a result, 7 new machines were purchased for the refugees.

Woman of Valor

As the esteemed Chairperson of Sisterhood's Internet Cafe, Ruth Siegel has demonstrated unparalleled dedication and leadership. She has successfully raised significant funds for Greene Family Camperships, ensuring that countless young individuals benefit from enriching camp experiences. Ruth's ability to attract and inspire new volunteers is remarkable, as she consistently infuses the organization with fresh enthusiasm and energy. Her unwavering passion for the vital role that Sisterhood and community play in the lives of our congregation members is truly inspiring.

Ruth is known for her inclusive approach, always welcoming anyone eager to contribute and not shying away from finding them active ways to contribute. Her genuine commitment to helping new members find their place within Sisterhood is a testament to her spirit. Ruth firmly believes that the commitment of time is even more valuable than monetary contributions. This profound belief drives her exceptional ability to bring people into the fold, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging active participation. Ruth Siegel's dedication and heartfelt efforts have made a lasting impact, enriching our community and strengthening the bonds that hold us together.

Vote and Installation of the 2024-2026 Board

President: Savannah Farmer

President Elect: Kristina Boshernitzan

Claudia Sanchez: Past President, Gift Shop Chair

Corresponding Secretary: Nancy Schumann

Media Chairs: Jenna Pagel, Kimberlee Newmark

Editor’s note: since the initial board installation, some members resigned while others were added. The 2024-2026 Executive Leadership Board includes Savannah Farmer (President), Kristina Boshernitzan (President Elec), Claudia Sanchez (Immediate Past President and Giftshop Manager), Jenna Pagel, Nicole Villapando, Wil Byrd, Ruth Siegel, Nancy Stewart, and Nancy Schumann.