No Man or Woman is an Island

By Michael George

November 17, 2010

     No man or woman is an island and it’s hard for a non-profit organization, like ParentJobNet, to stand alone. To that end, the New York Women’s Foundation, is a welcoming light in what can be a foggy sea, as several needful organizations, cast their nets out for funding. PJN is forever grateful to NYWF as a source for funding the program, which educates, prepares and connects public school parents with job opportunities, and other economic and social needs. On Tuesday, Nov 16, the NYWF (info@nywf.org), filmed the PJN in action as part of a documentary film, as they held a regularly scheduled Job Readiness/Computer workshop at P.S 84 in Manhattan. The video will be part of the program when the NYWF holds its annual fall dinner, Stepping Out and Stepping Up, on December 1, 2010 at Gotham Hall in Manhattan. The dinner is honoring the contributions and work of Academy-award winning actor Robert DeNiro and his wife, Grace Hightower DeNiro, along with Agnes Gund, President Emerita of the Museum of Modern Art. NYWF videographer, Gary Wachter, filmed participants as they focused on directions from the computer instructor. Ellen Burns, part of the NYWF production team, considers the PJN very worthy of the NYWF’s help.

    “This is a wonderful program to support,” said Burns. “It helps children and parents find a better way of life. With resume writing skills [and other programs] it helps with promoting their futures.”

    Helen Rosenthal, who chairs the board of directors for PJN, understands the mission of NYWF and how their goals align with those of PJN.

    “What NYWF has allowed us to do, with sustained funding, is give us time and mental space to build a strong foundation to go out and do the things we do,” said Rosenthal. “At a time when local, state and federal funds are tight, we can count on NYWF to give financial support.”

    The New York Women’s Foundation is a force for change and voice for women. PJN is dedicated to serving many of those women and their children. With continued support both organizations can meet their goals. Elizabeth Cho, the NYWF’s producer for the documentary being filmed, knows it's a win-win situation.

    “We’re hoping to highlight the great work of the ParentJobNet,” said Cho.

 For more information or questions call 917-546-9104 or 917-546-0971.  Or e-mail info@parentjobnet.org.