(Sheona Richardson, Bumni Esho)
Our co-founder, Gayle Tauber, welcomed our members and guests to begin the program. She gave an overview of Women Give San Diego’s success since our inception in September 2009. We have:
- Completed a comprehensive research report on self-sufficiency and security for women and girls in San Diego County
- Year 1, 2010 – Granted $46,000, with $23,000 granted over two years each, to three thoroughly vetted nonprofits; leveraged $26,000 from the Gary and Mary West Foundation
- Year 2, 2011 – Granted $67,000 with $33,500 granted for 2 years each, to three thoroughly vetted non-profits
- Formed six effective member leadership teams to reach our goals Since our inception in September 2009, we have:
- Completed a comprehensive research report on self-sufficiency and security for women and girls in San Diego County
- Year 1, 2010 – Granted $46,000, with $23,000 granted over two years each, to three thoroughly vetted nonprofits; leveraged $26,000 from the Gary and Mary West Foundation
- Year 2, 2011 – Granted $67,000 with $33,500 granted for 2 years each, to three thoroughly vetted non-profits
- Formed six effective member leadership teams to reach our goals
Our very own, June Tuttleman, graced our presence and shared about the energy and strength she receives from being with the ladies of Women Give.
JoAnne Berg, Chair of the Grants Leadership Team, shared an overview of the grants process and thanked the team members for dedicating their time and energy to reviewing all the proposals and conducting site visits. The Grants Team was tasked with finding organizations who were enhancing the economic status of women and girls in San Diego County as well as organizations who could offer an opportunity for members to get involved as volunteers and mentors. JoAnne introduced each grantee and presented them with a certificate.
Jose Cruz, Executive Director, and Tanya Monzo from Barrio Logan College Institute thanked Women Give for the grant and spoke about it will positively impact their girls support group that works with high school girls who will be the first in their family to attend college. Often these young women face challenges and opposition to gaining a higher education – even within their own family. This gender-specific support group provides a safe place for 40 girls to discuss their challenges to find support and solutions. Jose and Tanya invited Women Give members to get involved as volunteers by participating with the support group or conducting college mock-interviews.
Murugi Kenyatta, VP Community Development for the Foundation for Women, thanked Women Give for the grant and said “we’ve been dancing a jig since we received the grant.” The grant will help serve 535 women through their local microcredit program where they are ‘banking on women’. Murugi personally thanked a few of our members who have been volunteering with the Foundation – Bunmi Esho, Sheona Richardson and Deirdre Maloney. She finished with “If I could give you all a big old hug, I would.”
Dr. Mary Leslie, Lead Instructor, and Re-al Lewis, Administrative Assistant, from the Office Professional Training Program at Grossmont College spoke about the benefit that the Women Give grant will assist the students in their job training program by providing a full-time counselor who helps students overcome barriers to stay in school. Re-al who graduated from the program described the counselor as her personal glue: “I was suffering from post-traumatic stress and she put me back together.” They are also looking for volunteers to help with their twice yearly mentor night and donated clothing drive.
Co-founder, Linda Katz, closed out the evening by introducing guests and giving special thank you’s to:
- Bobbie Gilbert for hosting the party in her home
- Sasha Cline for planning the party
- Sasha’s mother for providing the beautiful music
Have a wonderful holiday season and we look forward to all the incredible things that will happen with Women Give in 2012!
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