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| 2010 WLF Grant Recipients |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 3, 2010
Orange County Women’s Leadership Fund Awards Over $30,000 in Grants
Despite Economic Downturn
MONTGOMERY, NY – Fueled by the dedication and generosity of its members, donors, and founders, Orange County Women’s Leadership Fund, in partnership with Orange County United Way, announced its second annual distribution of grants for programs that promote the financial independence of women and girls on August 3rd at The Kaplan Family Pavilion of the Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center in Newburgh.
Grant recipients were selected through a rigorous review process, and represent a range of programs designed to help women and girls in Orange County achieve financial independence. Grants were awarded to the following organizations:
The Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center - $6,000
The Orange County Women’s Enrichment Program (OCWEP) provides information and support to at-risk women in Orange County who face barriers to living safe, healthy and financially independent lifestyles. Women will have the opportunity for face-to-face contact with representatives from community agencies, and will receive multi-faceted guidance and support in seeking resources in their targeted area of need. Women emerge from the program with the tools, resources, and self-confidence needed to navigate through barriers on their journey towards an independent lifestyle.
YWCA Orange County (in partnership with Jewish Family Service) - $9,656
Heels in Motion provides entry to mid-level professional women with the knowledge, skills and tools they need to advance in their careers and increase their household income. Heels in Motion will share the spirit of the Women’s Work initiative (funded by Orange County United Way) but will address a different segment of the working women population. Through workshops, mentoring and peer support, women will increase their negotiation and bargaining power, build supervisory and managerial skills and develop the potential to climb their chosen career ladder. Heels in Motion is a collaborative program of YWCA Orange County and Jewish Family Service. This grant will allow more women to participate in these meetings and workshops.
Nora Cronin Presentation Academy - $10,000
Graduate Support Program will support and mentor graduates of Nora Cronin Presentation Academy as they prepare for high school. Funding also provides for mentoring support for students while they are in high school, to increase their likelihood of graduating from high school in four years and continuing post secondary education. This new program for eighth grade students provides preparation for high school and support during the students’ first year of high school. Further funding will permit this program to continue through high school and will permit additional students to be part of the program.
Town of Wallkill Boys and Girls Club, Inc. - $7,000
Orange County Women’s Leadership funding will allow for two, ten-week programs for middle school girls, grades 6-8, that will educate them about the importance of financial literacy, how they can further their own lives through financial independence, and give them the tools to succeed financially in their teenage and adult lives. The plan also includes a mentoring program, where the young women can spend time exploring traditional and non-traditional career opportunities that interest them, while working with professional women in the field.
Orange County Women’s Leadership Fund is an initiative of Orange County United Way. It supports projects that generate positive opportunities which help women and girls obtain financial self-reliance.
Orange County United Way is a nonprofit organization that funds programs and projects that help children and youth succeed, promote financial stability, and promote health and well-being. United Way also provides Targeted Care grants for projects that positively impact the community. Orange County United Way makes a measurable difference in people’s lives by securing resources and developing relationships to build a stronger, more vibrant community.
For more information about Orange County Women’s Leadership Fund, ways to help your community through Orange County United Way or for a list of the programs United Way funds, call (845) 457-4774 or log onto www.uwoc.org. Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/OrangeCountyUnitedWayNY, and Twitter – www.twitter.com/ocunitedway.
Photo Caption: Women’s Leadership Fund grant recipients (L to R): Ellenjane Gonyea, Nora Cronin Presentation Academy; Michelle Winchester-Vega, Nora Cronin Presentation Academy; Sister Yliana Hernandez, Nora Cronin Presentation Academy; Orange County Senior Assistant District Attorney Neal Haberman; Linda Muller, Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center; Christine Sadowski, YWCA Orange County; Sonia Wagner, Jewish Family Service of Orange County; Domani Ragni, Town of Wallkill Boys and Girls Club
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| Browsing at Power of the Purse |
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2010
The Orange County Women’s Leadership Fund’s Annual Power of The Purse Event Raises More Than $16,000 For Grant Pool
Montgomery, NY - The third annual Power of the Purse event was an overwhelming success as more than 130 women bid on designer and vintage handbags and prizes, raising more than $16,000 for the Orange County Women's Leadership Fund on April 23rd. The money raised will be added to the Women’s Leadership Fund grant pool for programs that promote the financial independence of women and girls in Orange County.
Over 100 purses from major designers such as Coach, Brighton, Ootra, Furla, Guess, Dana Buchman, Etienne Aigner and more were enthusiastically bid on in a series of live and silent auctions. Two gift baskets, each containing eleven designer bags and accessories were raffled off. Two students from Rutgers University volunteered their time, modeling stylish handbags, and four freshman boys from Pine Bush volunteered their time, selling raffle tickets to further the cause.
Special guest emcee Kimberly Kay of Star 93.3 got the evening off to a lively start. Guests were treated to live music while they browsed the tables, a mouthwatering selection of Hors d'oeuvres to maintain their energy level as they shopped, and goodie bags filled with treats and treasures to take home. Catlin Gardens provided a beautiful backdrop for the event.
The evening wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor: Walden Savings Bank; Media Sponsor: Star 93.3; Event Sponsors: Central Hudson; Frontier Communications; Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union; Kohl’s, Mount Saint Mary College; Price Chopper Golub Foundation; Orange & Rockland Utilities; Rosenthal & Rosenthal, Inc.; Tarshis, Catania, Liberth, Mahon & Milligram; Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell; and ZipIt; and Event Supporters: Faith Ferguson Productions; and Skin Deep Skin Care Studio & Spa. Community support from merchants, artisans, and individual donors also contributed to the success of the evening by generously donating a wide selection of purses, luggage, accessories, and other gifts to suit every taste.
The Orange County Women's Leadership Fund, in partnership with Orange County United Way, is dedicated to creating lasting change that moves women and girls toward financial independence. Funds raised are returned to the community through grants to nonprofit organizations whose programs will move women and girls in Orange County toward financial independence.
Orange County United Way is a nonprofit organization that funds 34 programs through 28 health and human service organizations throughout Orange County, and provides Targeted Care grants for projects that positively impact the community. Orange County United Way makes a measurable difference in people’s lives by securing resources and developing relationships to build a stronger, more vibrant community. For more information about ways to help your local community through Orange County United Way or for a list of the programs United Way funds, call (845) 457-4774 or log onto www.uwoc.org. Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/OrangeCountyUnitedWayNY, and Twitter – www.twitter.com/ocunitedway.
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Press Release Photo Caption: (L to R) Mindy Circelli and Elizabeth Rowley from Inspire browse the selection of handbags at the Women’s Leadership Fund’s Power of the Purse event on April 23rd.
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2009
PLEASE NOTE: The Grant Application Deadline Has Been Extended to May 15, 2010
Orange County Women’s Leadership Fund Seeks Applications for Grants to
Promote Change for Women and Girls
Montgomery, NY -- The Orange County Women’s Leadership Fund (WLF) is now accepting applications for projects designed to promote women’s financial stability and independence and/or opportunities for girls. WLF, a special initiative of the Orange County United Way, promotes the independence, growth, and self determination of women and girls by supporting projects that create systemic change and move women and girls toward financial stability and independence.
This marks the WLF’s second round of funding and is again based on a one-year cycle subject to review and funding availability. Any Orange County 501(c)3 nonprofit is eligible to apply. Collaborations with other nonprofits, organizations and/or business are strongly encouraged.
Applications are available by clicking below or by contacting the United Way office at 845.457.4774. Applications may be hand delivered, submitted via mail or electronically and should be directed to:
Orange County Women’s Leadership Fund
c/o Orange County United Way
30 Scott’s Corners Drive, Suite 102
Montgomery, NY 12549
Deadline for grant proposals is May 15, 2010. All applicants will be notified on or before June 30, 2010 as to their funding. For further information, please contact the Orange County United Way at 845.457.4774.
Orange County United Way is a nonprofit organization that funds 34 programs through 28 health and human service organizations throughout Orange County; and provides Targeted Care grants for projects that positively impact the community. Orange County United Way makes a measurable difference in people’s lives by securing resources and developing relationships to build a stronger, more vibrant community. For more information about ways to help your local community through Orange County United Way or for a list of the programs United Way funds, call 845.457.4774 or log onto www.uwoc.org.
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For Immediate Release
March 18, 2009
Power of the Purse: An Evening of Live and Silent Auctions
Featuring New and Vintage Designer Purses
Friday, April 24, 2009, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Catlin Gardens in Slate Hill
Montgomery, NY – What is The Power of the Purse? It’s the ultimate ladies’ night out that features both a silent and a sassy live auction of new and vintage designer handbags. The evening takes place on Friday, April 24, 2009 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Catlin Gardens in Slate Hill (www.catlingardens.com). The evening includes a live band, refreshments, terrific prizes, and lots of ladies having a great time for a good cause. This year’s designer bags include Tory Burch, Coach, Kate Spade, Cole Haan, Vera Bradley, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Liz Claiborne, Deréon and many, many others. Over 140 women attended last year’s inaugural event raising $15,000 for grants that directly benefit women and girls in Orange County.
The power behind these positive changes is generated by the Orange County Women’s Leadership Fund (WLF), a vitally important philanthropic fund created in 2006 with the mission of moving women and girls toward financial independence. Since its inception, the WLF has raised over $50,000 with the assistance of its Founding 500 members (women who have pledged $500 or more), and by holding a fabulous event, The Power of the Purse. The first round of grants was awarded in February, with five nonprofit organizations receiving support for collaborative programs designed to promote financial stability for women and girls in Orange County. A second round of grants will be awarded this summer.
Come experience The Power of the Purse on April 24, 2009 at Catlin Gardens in Slate Hill. Advance tickets are $65, $75 at the door, and include an evening of flavorsome food, live entertainment, action-filled auctions and smartly stuffed gift bags. Order your tickets today by calling Julie Wittenberg, Special Events Coordinator for Orange County United Way, at 845-457-4774 ext. 3108.
"The Women's Leadership Fund is a special initiative of Orange County United Way (OCUW). OCUW is a nonprofit organization that makes a measurable difference in people’s lives by securing resources and developing relationships to build a stronger, more vibrant community. The WLF will be awarding a second round of grants in mid-2009. To learn more about Orange County United Way and the WLF, to make a donation or to volunteer your time, contact Julie Wittenberg, Special Events Coordinator for Orange County United Way, at 845-457-4774 or log onto www.uwoc.org.
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For Immediate Release
February 19, 2009
Orange County Women’s Leadership Fund Awards First Grants That Will Promote Positive Change for Women and Girls
Montgomery, NY -- The Orange County Women’s Leadership Fund (WLF) is proud to announce the awarding of its first round of grants, totaling $14,369, for collaborative projects designed to promote financial stability for women and girls in Orange County. WLF, a new fund of Orange County United Way, was founded by women who recognize the need to promote the independence, growth, and self determination of women and girls. This is accomplished through grants that support projects that will create systemic change and move women and girls toward financial stability and independence.
Literacy Volunteers of Western Orange County will receive a grant to provide seed funding for Women and Financial Literacy. This non-traditional educational program will consist of eighteen hours of professional instruction, with sessions presented by experts in banking, insurance, real estate investment and money management. It will also include a six-hour defensive driving course. The goal of this program is to help women gain an understanding of the basic principals of fiscal management and responsibility.
The Save Yourself Program will expand the services of Safe Homes and the Orange County Family Justice Center to include resources for women who wish to initiate or enhance their current educational or technical skills. Victims of domestic violence who choose to participate in the program will be eligible to receive scholarships to help them meet some of the financial needs that accompany initiating or continuing their education. These funds will enable financial stability, increased access, and a reduction of barriers to success.
Winslow Therapeutic Riding Unlimited, Inc. will present a weekly program, To See the Opportunities and Barriers for Women, which will allow girls to examine how customs, language and societal norms provide both opportunities, as well as barriers, to success. Girls will learn to develop the social skills needed to make decisions and establish boundaries by planning and leading weekly programs and trips, examining their career choices, making decisions, and ultimately gaining a better understanding of the role of money and its link to financial stability.
Child Support Technical Assistance, offered by the YWCA of Orange County, fills an existing gap for timely information and assistance to women who are experiencing difficulty navigating the complex system of filing for support or enforcement of a child support order. The grant will enable a written resource that synthesizes the system, provides an overview of existing resources and outlines a step-by-step process for moving forward with filing, to be more widely distributed. The guide also includes the YWCA phone number, which can be used for phone consultations by an assigned staff member working closely with the Director of Gender Equity. In cases where more assistance is necessary, there will be a limited amount of in-person consultations available.
The Independent Living Skills “LIFE” Program at McQuade Children’s Services will enable girls ages 12 to 18 to cultivate the skills needed to become independent adults by taking an active role in developing their individual independent living goals. Teens will assess their own strengths, interests, skills, lifestyle and personality factors to help them develop a clearer picture of their wants and needs. Monthly themes in this year-long program will include educational and job planning, housing and transportation, money management and banking, household skills, emotion management and community resources and emergency safety skills.
"The Woman's Leadership Fund is a special initiative of Orange County United Way (OCUW). OCUW is a not-for-profit organization that makes a measurable difference in people’s lives by securing resources and developing relationships to build a stronger, more vibrant community. The WLF will be awarding a second round of grants in mid-2009. To learn more about Orange County United Way and the WLF, make a donation or to volunteer your time, contact Julie Wittenberg, special events coordinator at the Orange County United Way, at 845-457-4774 or log onto www.uwoc.org.
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