Thursday, August 7, 2008

Quarterly Luncheon: Calling women into action!!

Calling women into action! That is the theme of this months (and quarters) luncheon. Shirley Sandage, will challenge all of us to become true advocates for women, not just bystanders.


Please join us at Dutch's Daughter, on Thursday, August 28th. Registration at 11:30am.



Please RSVP to kline901@comcast.net or Tracey@mcphersonassoc.com

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

3rd Tea a GIANT Success!

With a record turnout, The Women's Giving Circle of Frederick's 3rd Annual Tea was a delightful success. The food (how about those cupcakes?), drinks and decorating were complimentary to the jovial sentiment of giving.

And, The Women's Giving Circle of Frederick did just that! "I feel like a Giant," said Karlys Kline to the standing room only crowd as she and the entities receiving their grant checks stood for photos.

A big thank you to those who made this event possible, from the organizers of the event, to our members, and especially to Marlene Young and the entire Grant Committee for all of their efforts in bringing forth the slate of worthy and grateful grantees.

In the coming days, check back here (and/or go to the website www.WomensGivingCircleOfFred.org) for photos and additional details/write-ups about this wonderful annual tea and all future events. And, remember at the end of every day, find three to five things to be 'thankful' for, jot them down and you will find your days more embraceable and rewarding.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

3rd Annual Women's Giving Circle Tea

We are pleased to announce and invite you to the Third Annual Women’s Giving Circle Tea.

Happily again this year we will be awarding grants to several community not-for profits who provide services for women and children.

Thursday, May 15th 2008, 3–5 pm
Delaplaine Visual Arts Center, 40 South Carroll Street

You are welcome to bring your mother or daughter to celebrate Mother’s Day. We look forward to seeing you.

RSVP by May 8th
Karlys at 240-357-6400 or 301-378-0124
kline901@comcast.net

Monday, April 7, 2008

Women’s Giving Circle 2008 Grant Request Briefs

It is that very important time of the year, when The Women's Giving Circle of Frederick awards grants to some of the very needy not-for-profits in our community, whose mission's align with our members vision for a better future for so many in our county.

Please note that after careful review and discussion, the Grants Committee has recommended approval for funding of 16 programs requested from 10 different organizations. Those recommended fall in line with our mission to provide programs and services promoting self-sufficiency for women and their children.

We welcome comments, input, feedback, both good on bad, on the suggested recommendations of the Grants Committee. All grants are posted below and have links for feedback -- so please make sure your voice and vote are heard!

Thank you for your financial support, time and valuable presence at the 3rd Annual Tea which is approaching fast...

Seton Center -- Daughters of Charity

Number of Requests: 1 at $2,405.00
Recommendation: $2,500.00

Seton Center -- Daughters of Charity: requests $2,405 for a program called Jump Start Your Job Search: This program is to provide comprehensive assistance to increase the success of women who need to enter or return to the workforce by providing a half-day workshop and follow-up coaching calls. The program addresses the high level of poverty in northern Frederick County.

The Religious Coalition

Number of Requests: 4 at $5,000 each
Recommendation: funding $5,000 each for the Eviction, Energy Assistance, and Exodus projects.

The Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs: is requesting $5000 in funding for each of 4 programs are:

  1. Eviction Prevention: Provides emergency rent assistance, security deposits and motel placements, along with mandatory budget management sessions. Women requesting this assistance increased more than 15% from 1/06 to 1/07. Total budget: $111,500.
  2. Energy Assistance: There has been a sharp increase in the number of women requesting assistance to avoid utility turn-offs due to a cold February and increases in energy costs. Total budget: $61,600.
  3. Exodus Project: Women who come to the Emergency Shelter during the winter have the opportunity to join a rigorous 90-day program designed to take them out of homelessness and into independence. This program provides shelter, case management, and other supportive services to overcome obstacles that have led to homelessness. Total budget: $86,000.
  4. Emergency Prescription Medications and Dental Care: Total budget: $22,500 NOTE: While we funded this program last year, The Grants Committee determined that this type of care is being funded under our grant to Mission of Mercy and we therefore recommend passing on this request for this year.

Mission of Mercy

Number of Requests: 1 at $5,000.00
Recommendation: $5,000.00

Mission of Mercy: is requesting $5,000 to support the continuation of their existing Mobile Medical and Dental program. These funds will assist in treating 275 women and children at 850 free patient visits, and provide them with 2075 free prescriptions and 225 free dental procedures. Total budget: 795,395.00

Mental Health Association

Number of Grants: 1 at $3,763.00
Recommendation: $3,500.00

Mental Health Association: is requesting $3,763.00 for a Revitalization of Counseling Services, Community Mental Health Center. This project is for capital improvements on six therapy rooms and a waiting room to be renovated to create a calming place of wellness where clients can feel safe Counseling services are provided to people of all ages, many of whom are women and in many cases children, regardless of ability to pay for services. Total budget: $12,640.

Hope Alive, Inc.

Number of Requests: 4, at $5,000 each.
Recommendation: funding the $5,000 grant for Residential Operations and the $5,000 grant for Children’s Programs. It was noted that many items under the Women’s Devel. grant application were also included under the Residential Ops. application.

Hope Alive, Inc.: is requesting $5,000 each for 4 programs. These programs include:
  1. Vehicle purchase – To purchase a late model low-mileage mini van to provide daily transportation to resident women and their children – Total budget: $15,500.00
  2. Residential Operations- Provides transitional housing, food services, utilities, security, supervision, activities, recreation, transportation, personal care items and clothing. Budget: $178,676.00
  3. Children’s Programs – Offers age-appropriate programming for all resident children through the child development center for ages birth to four while their mothers attend goal-related classes. Total budget: $143,775.00
  4. Women’s Development – Includes a four-phased programmed to prepare the resident women to gain life skills and establish the resources necessary to maintain self-sufficiency. Total budget: $100,205.00

Heartly House, Inc.

Number of Requests: 2 at $5,000 each
Recommendation: Funding $3,000 towards the exterior improvements and the requested $5,000 for the Emergency Shelter.

Heartly House, Inc.: is requesting $5,000 in funding for each of 2 programs in ongoing support of their commitment to achieving a society free of violence by providing services to survivors and non-offending family members of family violence, rape, sexual assault and child abuse. The programs are:
  1. Exterior Improvements (Capital improvement for installation of outside lighting and parking lot repairs) Total budget: $6,676.00
  2. Emergency Shelter (Funding for this project will be used for maintenance and operations to support crisis shelter services to victims of domestic violence) Total budget: $302,729.00

Habitat for Humanity - Frederick County

Number of Requests: 4 at $5,000 each
Recommendation: Funding $5000 for the Madison St. project – to Habitat of Frederick Co.’s first Women Build home and also recommends funding $5000 for the Middletown-1 project.

Habitat for Humanity - Frederick County: is seeking funding for 4 projects at $5,000 each which will provide a home for a single mother and her children where the mother is a low-to-moderate income single parent. The total budget for the combined projects is $656,215.00
The projects are:
  1. Madison St., Frederick (Women Build home)
  2. 8 Park Ave., Brunswick
  3. 211 S. Jefferson St., Middletown - 1
  4. 213 S. Jefferson St., Middletown -2

Families Plus!

Number of Requests: 2, one for $1,795 and another for $5,000
Recommendation: $3,500 for the Single Moms Support Project

Families Plus!: is requesting funding for 2 projects:
  1. Childbirth and Parenting Education for Teens and Twenties: Total budget: $1,795; and,
  2. Single Moms Support – a program to focus on educational topics such as financial planning, budgeting, career goals and training resources, parenting and childcare.
    Total Budget: $3,475

Boys & Girls Club

Number of Requests: 1 at $5,000
Recommendation: $5,000

Boys & Girls Club: is requesting $5,000 to fund the SMART Girls program. This project will be offered to 50 young girls in after school and summer programs to cover two components: It’s Your Body (physical and emotional growth, sexual myths and truths, eating disorders, victimization, personal values and relationships, dating responsibility and HIV and sexually transmitted diseases) and Part 2: Take Care of Your Body(the importance of regular exams, exercise and physical activity, culture and food, health care) Total budget: $6,666

Advocates for Homeless Families

Number of Requests: 2 at $5,000 each
Recommendation: The Grants Committee recommends funding the two programs listed at $5000 for Transitional Housing and $2,500 for Families Forward for a total of $7,500.

Advocates for Homeless Families: has requested $5,000 funding for each of 2 programs in their ongoing “Transitional Housing / Families Forward” project. “Advocates” empowers motivated families to overcome homelessness through a structured two-year program of education, housing and support services.
  1. Transitional Housing: provides housing for up to 2 years to participants in exchange for 30% of his or her income (minus child care expenses) for rent. The program requires a 2 year commitment from the participant to work toward economic independence. Total Budget: $294,676.00
  2. Families Forward: is a homelessness prevention program. The basic services and commitments required are the same as the Transitional Housing program. Total Budget: $81,259.00

Friday, January 4, 2008

2008 Quarterly Luncheon

Start your year laughing, with The Women's Giving Circle's first quarterly luncheon. Lois Walden, FNBSN, a health education specialist with FMH Wellness Center will give us a good dose of "A Lesson in Laughter, Humor & Health" on Friday, Feburary 22nd.

Location: Dutch's Daughter
Price: $15 per person, which includes all luncheon and speaker fees, checks payable to Women's Giving Circle of Frederick and mailed to the delightful Tracey McPherson, 7360 Guilford Drive #200, Frederick, MD 21704
Time: 11:30am registration, 12:00 introduction and 12:35pm wrap-up.
Comments and questions always welcome!

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Upcoming Luncheon

Please join us for a topic that never gets old...

Carolyn True, Director of Department of Aging, speaks on the topic of "How Family Aging Impacts Us".

Please join us at Dutch's Daughter for registration and socializing at 11:30am. A buffet lunch will follow as will the speaker, new member welcomes and news to know. We will wrap up at 1pm.

Cost is $15 with checks payable to "Dutch's Daughter". Bring a guest!

For any last minute questions or to RSVP, reach out to Tracey@mcphersonassoc.com, Karlys@structuralsystems.com or Lisa@ausherman.com.

We hope to see you there!

Monday, September 10, 2007

Newest Members...

It is with the support of our growing member base that The Women's Giving Circle of Frederick and continue to support the many worthy organization's to help women and women with children face each day with hope. Please welcome our newest members:
- Donna Gaver
- Mimi McLaughlin
- Shabri Moore
- Kathy Schultze
- Lauren Kremers
- Carolyn Judd
- Jean Peterson
- Renae Winnan
- Karen Lewis Young
- Colleen Bugler
Also, 29 members introduced new women to our organization! Let's hope they all see the great things this group does and will consider joining as well. Thank you Karlys for making this happen!!

Quarterly Luncheon

  • With over 80 attendees, Pat Hanberry (aka Orphan Annie), CEO of the Mental Health Assoc., helped us have a much better understanding of how things can happen in your life that create a snowball effect. It truly helps you count your blessings.
  • Kim Chaney gave a financial update announcing 91 members and a bank account of $163,000! She's even investing that amount for an annualized return of 11.42% to date - money making money, there's nothing better!
  • Paula, yours truly, announced the www.iGive.com/WGCoF program which will continue to drive funds into the coffers. Just go there and register and WGCoF will receive a $5 referral fee (but you need to shop for 1 thing in 30 days - please I can do that in 5 minutes). Download the .exe file and the program will track all of your online purchase and automatically tag those participating stores for the % of purchase donation! It's easy. CLICK THE BANNER AD TO THE RIGHT TO REGISTER NOW, TODAY!
  • Thanks to Lisa Ausherman and her committee for doing a wonderful job with planning the luncheon. Barbara Bodens’ guest, Joan Quinlan, made some incredibly clever centerpieces - thank you also.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Quarterly Luncheon

The Women's Giving Circle of Frederick welcomes Pat Hanberry, Thursday, August 30th to Dutch's Daughter at 11:30am. Pat is the CEO of the Mental Health Assoc and will present "One Woman's Story - Reasons for Hope"

11:30: Registration/Buffet Lunch
12:00: Introduction
12:10: Speaker Presentation
12:45: Closing remarks

Questions:
tracey@mcphersonassoc.com

Bring a first time in attendance friend for only $10 to this engaging event.

Monday, April 2, 2007

Women's Giving Circle 2007 Grant Request Briefs

Women’s Giving Circle 2007 Grant Request Briefs

Please note that after careful review and discussion, the Grants Committee has recommended approval for funding of 16 programs requested from 9 different organizations. Those recommended fall in line with our mission to provide programs and services promoting self-sufficiency for women and their children.

A separate blog summary has been created for each of the not-for-profits that have submitted a grant request. WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS!!!

Please NOTE that only actual questions will be answered in the blog area by one of the Grant Committee members. Voting by the members will take place via email in mid-April.

The Religious Coalition

The Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs is requesting $5000 in funding for each of 4 programs in their Self Sufficiency for Women: Providing the Tools project. More than 70% of their clients are single women who are heads of the household. Many are working but cannot make ends meet when faced with emergencies. The 4 programs are:


1) Eviction Prevention: Provides emergency rent assistance, security deposits and motel placements, along with mandatory budget management sessions. Women requesting this assistance increased more than 20% from 1/05 to 1/06.
Total budget: $74,000.

2) Energy Assistance: There has been a sharp increase in the number of women requesting assistance to avoid utility turn-offs due to a cold February and increases in energy costs.
Total budget: $55,000.

3) Exodus Project: Women who come to the Emergency Shelter during the winter have the opportunity to join a rigorous 90-day program designed to take them out of homelessness and into independence. This program provides shelter, case management, and other supportive services to overcome obstacles that have led to homelessness.
Total budget: $75,000.

4) Emergency Prescription Medications and Dental Care: Provides immediate assistance for prescription medications and dental care through a voucher system. The clients are predominantly single women with families.
Total budget: $144,000.

ACTION: The Grants Committee recommends funding the requested $5,000 per program, totaling $20,000.

Mission of Mercy

Mission of Mercy: is requesting funds to support the continuation of their existing Mobile Medical and Dental program. These funds will assist in treating 275 women and children at 850 free patient visits, and provide them with 2075 free prescriptions and 225 free dental procedures.

ACTION: The Grants Committee recommends funding a $5,000 grant.

Maryland School for the Deaf

Maryland School for the Deaf: is request $4,950 for a College and Career Development Center to help MSD students explore careers and develop plans for life after high school. The request included purchase of computers, furniture, videos, and supplies
Total budget: $64,432.

ACTION: The Grants Committee recommends not funding this request as it does not have specific application for benefiting women and/or women and their children.

Interfaith Housing Alliance

Interfaith Housing Alliance: is requesting $5,000 to establish a full-time Homebuyer and Financial Education Program to provide training on homeownership and financial planning to the 50% of families in Frederick County who are single mother households.
Total budget: $84,544.

ACTION: The Grants Committee recommends funding the requested $5,000.

Hope Alive, Inc.

Hope Alive, Inc.: is requesting $5,000 toward a security system to be installed. Hope Alive has established a family-centered transitional housing program to provide shelter and program services to homeless women and their children.
Total budget on Adult and Child Development Center project: $398,586.

ACTION: The Grants Committee recommends funding a $5,000 grant.

Heartly House, Inc.

Heartly House, Inc.: is requesting $5,000 in funding for each of 2 programs in ongoing support of their commitment to achieving a society free of violence by providing services to survivors and non-offending family members of family violence, rape, sexual assault and child abuse. The programs are:

1) HVAC Project (Capital improvement)
Total budget: $46,000

2) Emergency Shelter (Funding for this project will be used for maintenance and operations to support crisis shelter services to victims of domestic violence)
Total budget: $283,808

ACTION: The Grants Committee recommends funding the requested $5,000 each for these two programs.

Habitat for Humanity – Frederick County

Habitat for Humanity – Frederick County: is requesting $5000 to provide suitable housing for a divorced, handicapped mother and her 11 year old son. The housing will be a condominium located on the lower level of a property currently being converted to condominiums by Habitat for Humanity.

ACTION: The grants committee recommends funding the entire $5000 requested.

Frederick Memorial HealthCares Systems: Prenatal Care Clinic

Frederick Memorial Healthcare System: is requesting $5000/year for 5 years to fund a prenatal care clinic which is adjacent to the BirthPlace. The funds will be used to offset the estimated net loss of over $300,000 per year, which includes $182,500 for 25% of the cost to have OBs in-house 24/7 for the delivery of unregistered maternity patients. Yearly operating budget for this project is $556,000.

ACTION: The grants committee recommends not funding this project only because it was believed that with the hospital’s budget, grant dollars available for the Women’s Giving Circle could make a larger impact with other organizations with smaller budgets.

Frederick Community College Foundation: Women's Center

FCC Foundation – Women’s Center: is requesting $19,556.10 for a program called Allied Health Academy to assist women in public housing to become self-sufficient by helping them prepare for and obtain access to training in high demand allied health fields.

Funds will be used to pay for two separate projects:

1). course development and instructor salaries, and
2). tuition, books and ancillary expenses for 12 women to participate in the curriculum.

ACTION: The grants committee recommends funding $5000 towards the first project of course development and instructor salaries.

Families Plus!

Families Plus! is requesting $4000 to fund an 8 week support program,“Stepping Up & Out-Finding a Career”, to motivate women to think of work as a career and more than just a job. Funds will be used to provide a meal, childcare, incentive gifts and a workshop related to building a career.

ACTION: The grants committee recommends funding the entire $4000 requested and recommends an additional $1,000 for a total grant of $5,000.

Advocates for the Homeless

Advocates for Homeless Families: has requested $5,000 funding for each of 4 programs in their ongoing “Transitional Housing / Families Forward” project. “Advocates” empowers motivated families to overcome homelessness through a structured two-year program of education, housing and support services. The 4 programs are:

Transitional Housing: provides housing for up to 2 years to participants in exchange for 30% of his or her income (minus child care expenses) for rent. The program requires a 2 year commitment from the participant to work toward economic independence.
Total Budget: $246,648

Families Forward: is a homelessness prevention program. The basic services and commitments required are the same as the Transitional Housing program.
Total Budget: $84,258

Individual Development Account: (IDA’s) are specialized, incentive-based savings accounts for low income individuals and families. The account holders own savings are matched 2:1 with reserve funds. The recipient must use the funds to purchase a home or for post secondary education.
Total Budget: $80,000

Community Outreach: involves raising awareness of the homelessness prevention services as well as informing the general Frederick population of the needs of the homeless. Targeted marketing will be directed toward the at-risk population and the landlords who house them.
Total Budget: $10,000

ACTION: The Grants Committee recommends funding the first two programs listed at $5000 each for a total of $10,000. The second two programs did not specifically meet our mission for the express benefit of women and their children.

Friday, March 30, 2007

Reminder: The Grant Review Process Will Open for Comment on April 3rd!

The commentary section of the blog, will be opening on April 3rd. Stop back to see what the process entailed and the names of the organizations that have submitted requests for The Women's Giving Circle of Frederick's 2007 inaugural grants.

The comment/questions period runs from Tuesday, April 3rd through Friday, April 14th.

Stay tuned - for a summary of grant award recommendations. We welcome the membership to review all recommendations and post comments and/or questions.

Please keep in mind, only QUESTIONS, will be responded to by a representative of the Grant Committee.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Luncheon Speaker SUMMARY: Conclusion

Karlys thanked Tracey McPherson, Diana Grimm, Doris Vona, & Julie Myzick for organizing the luncheon. She also explained how beneficial it is to be teamed up with The Community Foundation. They keep all the documentation needed for tax purposes, thank the donors, plus invest our monies. The fee is minimal compared to the return and the services. We currently have $275,000 in pledges and have collected $150,000 already. The Pink Diamond Level has been added for members that pledge or have given over $10,000.

The Women’s Giving Circle of Frederick County has made substantial progress during it’s 1st year . We are continuing to fine tune the application, by-laws, etc. as we work through our initial year.

New Member Teapots were given to Greg Light, Karen Keller, and Michelle Leveque.

Luncheon Speaker SUMMARY: Grant Process

GRANTS

Paula Jagemann has created a ‘blog’ to have discussion regarding the grants. More info with be sent out in a few weeks. Marlene Young explained the grants process plus the timeline. March 15th is the deadline for the applications to be returned. A summary will be e-mailed to all members and they will have the opportunity to vote. The grants will be announced at the annual tea on May 10th at The Delaplaine. The grants committee has done an incredible job with our most critical task.

Luncheon Speaker SUMMARY: Barbara Martin, Heartly House

Barbara Martin praised the collaborative efforts between community organizations and our law enforcement; especially their sensitivity and competence. Heartly House services include:

· A shelter mainly for abuse women & children
· ’24 hr Hotline’ ; 13,000 calls in 2006
· Assistance in the legal process; 500 women in 2006
· Counseling services
· Transitional housing
· Safe accompaniment to the hospital

She also shared some success stories. The most dangerous time for a victim may be immediately after obtaining a ‘peace order’. They nurture and help in any & every way possible. When they are stretched beyond their capacity they reach out to other organizations to get help. Nobody is ever turned away.

Luncheon Speaker SUMMARY: Chief Kim Dine

Chief Kim Dine and Barbara Martin, CEO of Heartly House, were the guest speakers. Our topic was ‘Services for Domestic Violence Victims’. Chief Dine has a distinguished 32 year career in law enforcement. He stated that domestic violence is taken seriously. Special training is provided to officers and the organizations that deal with the victims & abusers.
· Nationally there are 5,000,000 reported cases…85% involve women
· 45% of these result in physical injury to the women
· A large % of the deaths are to prior victims
· Nationally the cost is $8.3 billion
· Nationally we have 3,000,000 cases of child abuse

Sunday, February 18, 2007

WGC Luncheon a RAGING Success!

Much news and information was shared at the recent, icy, but successful WGC luncheon this past Friday at Dutch's Daughter. A summary of the events will be posted here shortly. Meanwhile, feel free to share your thoughts...

Friday, February 16, 2007

Luncheon at Dutch's Daughter Feb 16, 2007

Drive safely to today's WGC luncheon.