Wendy Lipshutz was planning a celebratory trip; and having family in the legal field, she realized it was probably time to create a will. Raised by a family dedicated to helping others, she credits her Jewish upbringing for instilling in her the importance of Tikkun Olam, an aspiration to “repair the world,” and from a young age she began working for social change. Wendy quipped that giving back is in her DNA and this eventually drew her to her career as a social worker. As Wendy reflected, “a legacy gift allows you to leave the world a better place when you can no longer directly serve.” She had seen how a childhood friend’s bequest could impact the community and she was inspired to do the same.
Wendy is the founder and director of JF&CS’s Shalom Bayit (Peace in the Home), a program that provides short and long-term assistance to those facing physical, emotional or sexual abuse in their families or intimate relationships. With over 35 years of experience in the field, she understands how important a program like Shalom Bayit is to the women she helps and wants to ensure that it continues for many years to come. Since its inception in 1983, the program has had a life-changing impact on its clients, many of whom refer to Wendy as their “rock” and “anchor,” and they recognize that she and the program “saved their lives.” She is honored to lead this program and is committed to making sure the program and its mission survives, saying “through many different leaders and leadership styles, JF&CS has remained true to our mission, and being present for these women, providing safety, can help them heal and move forward in their lives.”
Wendy Lipshutz
For Wendy, making a difference in the lives of the women she works with has become her life’s mission. She hopes to leave this legacy to future generations, passing down the same legacy her father and mother left her. A non-sectarian organization that serves individuals from all backgrounds, faiths, cultures, and lifestyles, Shalom Bayit remains one of the first in the nation, and is the only program in Georgia that specifically addresses domestic violence within the context of the Jewish community.
Throughout her time at JF&CS, Wendy has worked tirelessly to serve people who otherwise would not have been helped, and her decision to be a legacy donor ensures that her program will continue to serve others for many more years.
If you are interested in participating in the Life & Legacy program by making a planned gift, please contact Stacy Fialkow at or 770.677.9357.