Allyne Schwartz founded the Auschwitz Jewish Center (AJC) with Fred Schwartz in 1995. She had a background in teaching, education and social work. For more than 30 years she was a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteer in the Family Court in Manhattan. CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in courtrooms and communities. Volunteer advocates–empowered directly by the courts–offer judges information to ensure that each child's rights and needs are being attended to while in foster care. Ms. Schwartz was a graduate of the City College of New York and a board member of the AJC. Reflecting on her work with the Auschwitz Institute, Ms. Schwartz said, "Through education, we're trying to lessen ongoing atrocities occurring throughout the world. When people feel there is a future–one free of violence and mass atrocities–they can live full, secure lives in peace."