Northbrook's Shwachman finds her latest role helping others
The Jewish United Fund has announced that Northbrook resident Kim Shwachman is general campaign chair for the 2021 JUF Annual Campaign, one of the largest collective fundraising efforts in the country.
The JUF Annual Campaign supports a network of more than 100 human service agencies, educational institutions and community-building programs in Chicago, Israel and worldwide. It enables agencies to serve 500,000 Chicagoans of all faiths and millions of Jews internationally.
"In many ways I was raised by JUF," Shwachman said.
"As a young Northbrook mom, I was invited to someone's home to learn about the work of JUF. Following that event, I was invited to tour the ARK, one of many agencies JUF supports. That experience was a turning point for me. I learned firsthand about the selfless work provided to the most vulnerable in the community.
"I met a dentist who was volunteering his time to make dentures for a client. I was overwhelmed by his selfless desire to serve others on his days off from work. I asked myself, 'What am I doing to help others?'" she said.
Married with three children, Shwachman serves on the JUF board of directors and has been successful in several other leadership roles including serving as chair for the Major Gifts dinner for the 2016 JUF Annual Campaign.
She currently is a member of the JUH Women's Board and a trustee of the Jewish Women's Foundation.
Shwachman also has served on a wide range of JUF committees, including the Overall Planning and Allocations committee, Community Outreach and Engagement, and Israel and Overseas.
She's the immediate past co-chair of the Health and Human Services Commission, and a past chair of the Partnership Together and Missions committees.
"No one should have to make decisions about whether they buy food or medication or have to live in fear that they cannot pay their rent or utilities.
"The fact that JUF supports the ARK's operations and so many other organizations doing this lifesaving work was a true moment of clarity for me," Shwachman said of her early involvement with the Jewish United Fund.
"That day set me on a path of greater involvement with JUF and I have never turned back."