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WGC eNewsletter - March 31, 2021

3/31/2021

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Read the full eNewsletter here!
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Statement of Support for the AAPI Community

3/23/2021

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The last year has seen an increase in racist and xenophobic assumptions, rhetoric, behaviors and reported attacks against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, in particular the recent horrid events in Georgia. Hate, racism, misogyny and violence are contrary to the founding principles of our country, and therefore have no place in our society.

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County condemns these actions and stands in su
pport of our AAPI families, friends,  and colleagues. As stated in our DEI charter, the WGC promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion among our Board, professional staff, and members of the Women’s Giving Circle, as well as the community at large. 

The WGC will continue to demonstrate our commitment to the AAPI community through our philanthropic activities and will continue our work in the community to realize equity, inclusion and justice. We are committed to working collaboratively through our programs and activities to promote a community where all residents are free and comfortable to work, play and live.

- The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County Advisory Board

TODAY: There is a Solidarity Rally in Support of the AAPI Community planned at the Columbia Lakefront on Wednesday, March 24 at 5:30 pm. Learn more here.


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Thank You for Joining Us!

3/9/2021

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Wow, what a night!

Thanks to the over 200 attendees last night who joined us for the WGC's March 8, 2021 Virtual Annual Celebration on International Women's Day! 
 
We hope you enjoyed hearing about the work of the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County and how you can get involved, listening to the conversation about “Democratizing and Diversifying Philanthropy Through the Power of Collective Giving” from our Keynote Speakers Valaida Fullwood and Sara Lomelin, and viewing our Virtual (S)hero Mosaic, highlighting over 500 local (S)heroes.

​And, we hope you enjoyed learning more about our five Featured (S)heroes, the important work their organizations are doing on the ground in Howard County, and how you can support them.

If you were unable to join us you can view the recorded event here, read the event program here and watch an event snippet here.

We appreciate the wonderful feedback! Here's just a few thoughts from several attendees:

  • "This is one of the best programs I've attended in my 30+ years in Howard County." 
  • "I have appreciated the work of the Women's Giving Circle for many years. Not only as an agency recipient, but because the model of a giving circle can be revolutionary. Tonight's speakers highlighted that brilliantly." 
  • "The speakers were so inspiring!" 
  • "A wonderful evening! Well executed and the speakers were awesome ... glad to be a part of such an amazing vision!" 
  • "The Annual Celebration was terrific ... informative, and inspiring to hear from the speakers - lovely people that you'd like to know better." 
  • "I was struck by how none of that would have been a conversation when I was a young, smart, forward-thinking woman. Women can do anything and they make it happen!" 
  • "Really excellent program ... you have definitely put us on the map, and elevated our relevance."
  • "The WGC is really on a roll ... Bravo!"

If you are as inspired as we are to continue making a difference collectively, here are 5 Actions Steps you can take today:

  • JOIN: us on Wednesday, April 14 at 8:30 am for a virtual coffee chat following up with our five Featured (S)heroes to hear more directly from them about how you can volunteer and give to support their important efforts. WGC Executive Director, Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz and Grants Committee Chair, Candace Dodson-Reed will also be speaking at the upcoming Conscious Capitalism of Central Maryland Coffee Event on Diversifying and Democratizing Philanthropy on Tuesday, March 16 at 8:00 am if you'd like to join us!
  • READ: the blog posts written by WGC Student Intern Adora Brown on our five Featured (S)heroes: Jen Broderick, Erika Strauss Chavarria, Bita Dayhoff, Dr. Mariana Izraelson, and Vanita Leatherwood.
  • HIGHLIGHT: YOUR (S)heroes on our Virtual Mosaic - this will remain open for submissions until Wednesday, March 17, when it will become a permanent part of the WGC.
  • CONNECT: with the WGC - check out our website, sign-up for our mailing list to receive our eNewsletter and Emergency Response Network requests, read our blog, read our monthly column in Her Mind Magazine, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin.
  • GIVE: to the WGC - make a donation in honor of a (S)hero in your life.

Once again, we thank our incredible sponsors - all 118 of you! It takes a special person and individual to understand the value of investing in the WGC and supporting women and girls by sponsoring events such as ours tonight, and we appreciate you! Take a look at the goodies in our Virtual Swag Bag from some of our sponsors.

Many thanks to our fabulous Keynote Speakers, Valaida Fullwood and Sara Lomelin - you can learn more here about Philanthropy Together and Black Philanthropy Month. And, thank you to the WGC Advisory Board and Committee members, including our terrific Membership & Events Committee who made tonight possible, our partners at the Community Foundation of Howard County, our food and drink partners throughout Howard County, our five Featured (S)heroes, and all of you - so many (S)heroes Among Us, for taking the time last night to GIVE | JOIN | CONNECT with the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County to make things happen in our community.
 
We truly believe that women’s philanthropy is shaping the future for women and girls through the power of diversified and democratized collective giving. 
 
Thank you for being a part of it. 

Sincerely,

  • Barb Van Winkle, WGC Chair
  • Melissa Curtin and Mary Thompson, WGC Membership & Events Committee Co-Chairs
  • Candace Dodson-Reed, WGC Event Host and Grants Committee Chair
  • Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Executive Director
  • WGC's 2021 Advisory Board

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Vanita Leatherwood, Executive Director of HopeWorks, Recognized as a WGC Featured (S)hero

3/7/2021

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By Adora Brown, WGC Student Intern

This year, we are proud to feature five (S)heroes Among Us who have led critical efforts on behalf of organizations that we have funded this year through our Emergency Response Network, who are focusing on widespread community needs affecting women, their families, and the broader community:

  • Jen Broderick - Bridges to Housing Stability
  • Erika Strauss Chavarria - Columbia Community Care
  • Bita Dayhoff - Community Action Council
  • Dr. Mariana Izraelson - Grassroots Crisis Intervention
  • Vanita Leatherwood - HopeWorks of Howard County

The final (S)hero recognized this year is Vanita Leatherwood, the Executive Director of HopeWorks of Howard County. They are dedicated to providing comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sexual abuse.
With help from the community, HopeWorks tackles the prevention of such violence by changing the attitudes and culture surrounding assault. This organization’s persistence through the pandemic has made a lasting impact on Howard County, and the passion begins with Vanita Leatherwood.

Vanita’s passion for giving back began during her time in college, where she fell in love with the Howard County community.

“Howard County was my first home where I felt safe. When I moved back years later it was a great feeling to do the work I love in a community that I love,” said Vanita.

Through HopeWorks, Vanita has continued to provide services and help to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were many issues that arose due to the new virtual environment, but Vanita continued to serve those in need.

“All of our services and tasks needed to be transformed into virtual platforms. It was a massive feat of research, creating policies, acquiring new or upgraded technology and learning,” said Vanita. She added, “We brainstormed a lot to reach folks who did not have access to technology. Residential services, of course, cannot be virtual. There was a lot to be done to make our facilities safe for our clients and staff.”

Vanita grows optimistic about returning to a safe, in-person environment. She says, “I look forward to getting through the pandemic. We miss each other; staff and clients.”

And yet, despite these challenges, HopeWorks continues to grow and adjust.

“Our work is about healing and the pandemic has added another layer of challenges created by inequities. We continue to address the root causes of sexual and intimate partner violence as we battle COVID-19,” said Vanita.





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But the strength of HopeWorks relies on the knowledge of the Howard County community. Getting involved in the organization increases awareness about violence prevention, bringing us closer to a safe community. HopeWorks promotes the idea of “engagement as service.” Community members can get involved simply by attending one of HopeWork’s education and community wellness programs.

Vanita leaves us with a few words of guidance about the lasting impact of service.

“The advice I can give to others hoping to give back is summarized in a quote by poet/activist Alice Walker, ‘Look closely at the present you are constructing: It should look like the future you are dreaming.’”


Please join us in thanking Vanita Leatherwood and all WGC’s (S)heroes for their efforts. And, we hope you will join us in highlighting every day (S)heroes Among Us, by uploading a photo of YOUR Howard County (S)heroes on our WGC (S)heroes Among Us Virtual Mosaic Wall. 

With your help, we are highlighting women across the county before, during and after our upcoming  Virtual Annual Celebration - "Celebrating (S)heroes Among Us" on Monday, March 8, 2021 - International Women's Day, with host, WGC Advisory Board Member Candace Dodson-Reed , and  Keynote Speakers:
​
  • Valaida Fullwood: Author, “Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists", Creator, The Soul of Philanthropy, and Co-Architect, Black Philanthropy Month
  • Sara Lomelin: Executive Director, Philanthropy Together, and Founder of the Latino Giving Circle Network™, the Largest Network of its Kind in the County
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Dr. Mariana Izraelson, Executive Director of Grassroots Crisis Intervention, Recognized as a WGC Featured (S)hero

3/3/2021

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By Adora Brown, WGC Student Intern
​
The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is highlighting Howard County “(S)heroes Among Us” this year as part of our March 8, 2021 Virtual Annual Celebration. We believe that all women are (S)heroes in their own ways - women admired for their courage and outstanding achievements. 

This year, we are proud to feature five (S)heroes Among Us who have led critical efforts on behalf of organizations that we have funded this year through our Emergency Response Network, who are focusing on widespread community needs affecting women, their families, and the broader community:

  • Jen Broderick - Bridges to Housing Stability
  • Erika Strauss Chavarria - Columbia Community Care
  • Bita Dayhoff - Community Action Council
  • Dr. Mariana Izraelson - Grassroots Crisis Intervention
  • Vanita Leatherwood - HopeWorks of Howard County

Recognized as a (S)hero this year is Dr. Mariana Izraelson, the Executive Director of Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center.  Grassroots is a 24-hour center for individuals and families in crisis. They help people with mental illness, give shelter to the homeless, and even provide community education. From their emergency family shelter to their multiple crisis hotlines, Grassroots has been serving citizens of Howard County in need since 1969.
​
Dr. Izraelson has been working at Grassroots since October of 2020 following her time as Chief Executive Officer at La Comunidad Hispana in Pennsylvania.  The organization has undergone changes to keep essential workers safe and promote social distancing.

“Tremendous pressure was put upon dedicated and compassionate staff members to keep everyone safe while continuing to provide crisis services,” said Mariana. “Because we provide congregant housing for people who are homeless, our building underwent reconfiguration to divide common areas and double rooms into single rooms to maximize social isolation.”

Due to COVID-19 safety measures, a shift has been made from communal support to individual support. Dr. Izraelson hopes to return to their community-oriented culture in the near future. However, these changes have not stopped Grassroots from continuing to grow.  One of their primary focuses is on mental health support.

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Dr. Izraelson states, “Grassroots is on the cusp of change, as regional efforts are underway to provide a comprehensive response to crisis needs in our county and neighboring counties… Our expectation is that we will establish a certified Outpatient Mental Health Clinic in the future, and this will enable Grassroots to join with others in the state in this effort.”

Grassroots thrives on support from the Howard County community. Mariana mentions that Howard County’s reputation for affluence causes many citizens to neglect or ignore the problems of those in need.  Giving back to organizations such as Grassroots ensures that help is provided for vulnerable populations in the county.

Please join us in thanking Dr. Izraelson and all WGC’s (S)heroes for their efforts. And, we hope you will join us in highlighting every day (S)heroes Among Us, by uploading a photo of YOUR Howard County (S)heroes on our WGC (S)heroes Among Us Virtual Mosaic Wall. 
 
With your help, we are highlighting women across the county before, during and after our upcoming  Virtual Annual Celebration - "Celebrating (S)heroes Among Us" on Monday, March 8, 2021 - International Women's Day, with host, WGC Advisory Board Member Candace Dodson-Reed , and  Keynote Speakers:

  • Valaida Fullwood: Author, “Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists", Creator, The Soul of Philanthropy, and Co-Architect, Black Philanthropy Month
  • Sara Lomelin: Executive Director, Philanthropy Together, and Founder of the Latino Giving Circle Network™, the Largest Network of its Kind in the Country
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  • Home
  • About
    • WGC Mission, Vision, Values, Goals
    • WGC Advisory Board
    • WGC Committees
    • WGC 2023-2026 Strategic Plan
    • WGC Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
    • WGC is a Fund of the Community Foundation of Howard County
    • WGC - 20 Years at a Glance
    • WGC Herstory
    • WGC - Get Involved
  • Give
    • WGC's 4 Distinct Ways to Give >
      • WGC Community Member >
        • WGC In Her Honor >
          • In Honor and Memory of WGC Supporter Jackie Melonas
        • WGC Core Support
        • WGC Impact 2024
      • WGC Sponsor Member >
        • Thank You 2025 Sponsors!
        • Thank You 2024 Sponsors!
        • Thank You 2023 Sponsors!
        • Thank You 2022 Sponsors!
      • WGC Legacy Member
      • WGC Big Give Member >
        • WGC Big Give $1,200 Individual Donation
        • WGC Big Give $1,200 Team Donation
        • WGC Big Give Process and Grantmaking Guidelines
    • WGC's Emergency Response Network
    • WGC's "Break the Cycle" Period Product Drive
    • WGC's Barb Van Winkle Leadership Fund
  • Grants
  • Events
  • News
    • WGC's State of Women and Girls in Howard County
    • WGC's Our Giving, Our Stories Series >
      • Monthly OGOS Profiles
      • Black Philanthropy Month OGOS Profiles
      • OGOS Nominations
    • WGC's 20 Years, 20 Stories
    • WGC's (S)hero Mosaic
  • Blog
  • Contact