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Sarah From Cites Micah Influence in Winning Award for Contribution to Social Justice
Temple Micah religious school graduate Sarah From has won the prestigious Cornerstone Award from the Jewish Funds for Justice (JFSJ), a New York-based group that gives grants and other awards for social justice work based on Jewish values. The award is given to four recipients annually.
From, 29, is director of public policy and communications for the Women's Prison Association (WPA), a New York organization that helps more than 2,500 women who have been released from prison reenter society, reconnect with their families and find work and housing. The association was founded in 1844 by abolitionist Quakers.
"The threads of Judaism and social justice have been intertwined for me since childhood," said From, whose parents Ginger and Al From, are Temple Micah members and social activists. "I cannot remember a time when I was not compelled to help repair the world around me. I will probably spend my life devoted to public service and social justice.
"The heart of what I do is to support the voices of formerly incarcerated women in discussions that affect their lives," From added. "The women we send far away to prisons, who we reject from our communities because they are drug addicted, mentally ill, poor or have made horrible mistakes can and do go on to become the cornerstones of their families and communities. They are helping to shape a new world where fewer women are sent to prison and our communities are safe and whole."
The Cornerstone Award includes a $10,000 cash prize, three-fourths of which goes to WPA. The rest can be used by recipients for professional development. From is considering using the award money to travel oversees to study criminal justice systems in other countries or perhaps to go to graduate school. In the meantime, she is participating in a JFSJ leadership program called "Selah."
From credits Temple Micah with giving her a strong base in social justice and education by emphasizing the contributions individual members can make. She said religious school students were encouraged to get involved in social and other causes.
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