| A New Year of Promise, for Commitment and Collaboration |
A message from Wendy Bauer,
Chair, Executive Committee and Advisory Council |
 As we welcome in a new year with excitement and some measure of uncertainty, I can't help but think that this year, 2009, is a year in which it is more important than ever to make and keep some New Year's resolutions. It is now a proven fact that setting down one's goals helps to ensure their fulfillment. So at the Women's Fund we have developed our goals for 2009 - and set about achieving them.
We hope that you will be a part of turning our goals into real accomplishments to better the lives of women and girls in Southeastern Massachusetts. One of the Women's Fund 2008 goals, which I am delighted to report we have not only met but exceeded, is our Annual Appeal. With the bar set at $25,000, our generous donors came through with $25,867! Thanks to all who contributed.
You can read below in more detail about several efforts and opportunities to engage with us. It is through the contributions - big or small - of your time, talent and treasure that the Women's Fund will be a resource for change for the better. Together we can further the mission of the Women's Fund. Let's take inspiration from a new president, whose shared vision of "Yes We Can" has shown that collectively we can make a difference. READ MORE HERE |
Praise for our Partners:
Hetty's Thrift Shoppe & Attired 2B Hired |
 Several years ago the Woman's Fund partnered with Child and
Family Services to launch a program to help women entering the workplace with
clothing, accessories, grooming services and fashion tips. We called it Career Gear, later changing the name to Attired 2B Hired, but we needed an outlet to provide the clothing selections. Hetty's
was perfect. Women, and sometimes men,
receive referrals from their local social service and training agencies to
Hetty's Thrift Shoppe, where they can choose up to three work outfits free of
charge. Grooming services are provided
by the Beauty Academies - Rob Roy and LaBaron. READ MORE HERE |
Nutritious, Delicious and Fun!
The Power of Eating Right |
"What I like about the program is that we learn new things
and we can eat the stuff we make."
 That statement from a Keith Middle School
student sums up a successful after-school cooking program that has just
graduated its third class of students. Share Our
Strength's Operation Frontline® - nationally sponsored by the ConAgra
Foods® Foundation - provides the curriculum, a grant from the Women's
Fund pays for the food, and volunteers serve as chefs, nutrition teachers,
shoppers and helpers.
Operation
Frontline's collaborative program model works to connect families with food by
teaching them how to prepare healthy, tasty meals on a limited budget. READ MORE HERE |
| Tiara Classic 5K Mother's Day Road Race |
We are thrilled to announce that the Mattapoisett Select Board has approved the 3rd annual Tiara Classic 5K Mother's Day Road Race. We hope you will join us as a runner, walker or supporter of the Kid's Run on Sunday, May 10, 2009, beginning with registration at 7 a.m. Pre-registration (and the best deal) ends May 1, after which we will register at the event only.
Registration forms and a map of the race can be found here. You will also be able to register on-line at www.cfsema.org/womensfund. |
| Giving Circles |
 An article by Pamela Marean, featuring Giving Circles established through an effort of the Women's Fund, appeared in The Standard Times Jan. 4, 2009.
For the full article, click here
If you would like more information about the Giving Circles, click here or you can contact us at the number below. |
| Call for Grant Proposals for 2009 |
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 Grantmaking activity at the Women's Fund doubled in 2008 over the previous year; almost $200,000 in grants was awarded, both through the Action Fund and the Women's Philanthropy Initiative.
Grant applications for 2009 will be reviewed in April and October, and the maximum amount for any single grant has been increased to $5,000. We have also significantly revised the grant application form to focus on those aspects of the proposed activity that result in social change.
Please refer to the grantmaking pages of our Web site for detailed information on our grantmaking program, including the steps necessary and the schedules for applying for a grant. http://www.cfsema.org/womensfund/grantmaking.html |
| Breakfast with Naomi Arenberg of NPR |
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The League of Women Voters invites you to a breakfast meeting with Naomi Arenberg of National Public Radio.
When: Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009Time: 9 a.m.
Where: Ansel Gurney House - 403 County Road, Marion
There is no fee for this event. If you would like to attend, please
RSVP: nbrtmyr@aol.com or call 508 748-1262 |
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| Join Us/Help Us |
Support
us by sending this e-newsletter to friends and colleagues and urging
them to subscribe. Make a donation to build a permanent endowment in
support of women and girls in this area.
Contributions: On-line giving is now in place on our website making it easier to contribute. The link describes the various choices available to direct your gift. To view these choices, click here.
Clothing Donations
Consider donating your gently used clothing to Attired 2B Hired. For more information, click here.
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The Women's Fund
a fund of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts
63 Union Street, New Bedford 02740 www.cfsema.org/womensfund T: 508.717.0283 F: 508.996.8254
e-mail
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The Women's Fund