NCJW/Essex rebrands as Tovah and becomes independent nonprofit

By AI, Created 8:06 PM UTC, June 01, 2026, /AGP/ – Tovah, formerly NCJW/Essex, has launched as an independent nonprofit serving women, children and families in New Jersey. The name change formalizes a broader chapter for the Jewish women’s organization as it keeps its advocacy, volunteer and community programs in place.

Why it matters: - Tovah’s move to independent nonprofit status gives the organization more room to expand its service and advocacy work. - The rebrand preserves a long-running community presence while signaling a new operating structure. - The organization’s programs affect women, children and families through direct services, workforce support and public policy advocacy.

What happened: - Tovah, formerly known as NCJW/Essex, began operating as an independent nonprofit in Roseland, New Jersey. - The organization serves as a community of Jewish women who connect, volunteer and advocate. - Board members voted in March to become independent of NCJW, Inc. - The board approved the Tovah name change and bylaws in May. - A Special Membership Meeting approved the name and bylaws. - Updated documents were filed with the state of New Jersey.

The details: - Tovah means “good” in Hebrew. - Andrea Rakitta Mintz, president of Tovah, said the organization will continue its commitment to community service and advocacy on behalf of women, children and families of all backgrounds. - Caitlin Higgins Joy, executive director of Tovah, said the nonprofit’s future brings more possibility as an independent organization. - The Linda & Rudy Slucker Tovah Center for Women provides job readiness support for women seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce. - The annual Back 2 School Store gives 1,000 children entering kindergarten through fifth grade a free shopping experience for coats, sneakers, books, a full outfit, socks, underwear and more. - Tovah also focuses on reproductive rights, voting rights and gun violence prevention. - The organization offers educational, volunteer and social programs throughout the year that are open to the wider community. - Tovah describes itself as an inclusive, member-driven organization united by service and advocacy. - More information is available at the organization’s website. - Tovah also maintains social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook.

Between the lines: - The name Tovah reinforces the group’s service mission through a Hebrew word associated with goodness. - The shift away from NCJW, Inc. suggests a desire for more organizational independence while keeping the existing mission intact. - The breadth of programs shows Tovah is positioned as both a social service provider and an advocacy group.

What’s next: - Tovah will continue operating under its new name as an independent nonprofit. - The organization is expected to keep delivering workforce support, school-readiness aid, advocacy and community programming. - Leadership says the new structure creates more opportunity to grow its impact.

The bottom line: - Tovah is opening a new chapter with a new name, but the mission remains focused on service, advocacy and community support.