Young Women's Giving Circle Delivers Feminine Hygiene Products to the Howard County Food Bank6/30/2020 ![]() Wow! The WGC’s (YWGC) Young Women’s Giving Circle was able to start gathering some of the products collected at local businesses, for their Feminine Product Hygiene Drive this Spring. Look at this first delivery to the Howard County Food Bank/Community Action Council of Howard County! "The power of collective giving helping people in our very own community was the focus of the girl's philanthropic efforts this past year" said Lee Draminski and April Force Pardoe, WGC Advisory Board members and leaders of the YWGC. "We are so proud of the learning and growth the girls experienced this year, and the measurable results they have seen from their efforts." We'll continue to highlight the YWGC's efforts to deliver all of the products they collected in the Spring. Many thanks again to everyone who donated money or products, and all of the business and the Howard County Library System branches that served as collection spots!
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Thanks to all who joined our Virtual Coffee Chat on Wednesday, June 24 to learn more about how the WGC is using our unique strengths as a giving circle to respond to COVID-19!
We discussed the WGC, our grantmaking and response to COVID-19, our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, and how everyone can get involved. We also invited conversation and perspectives through polling and several breakout room sessions. These important conversations helped us learn more about what our members are seeing in the community and what they are interested in supporting. In particular, we heard concerns regarding job and income loss, mental health, housing, food insecurity, childcare, education, the elderly, and social isolation, and access among other issues. "Hearing from our members and others in the community is very important to us" said Barb Van Winkle, WGC Advisory Board Chair. "We are listening, learning and focused on inclusion." And, it's great to hear that our virtual event is enjoyed as well: "This was one of the best virtual meetings I have attended. It was the perfect amount of time, was to the point, and gave excellent information. Thanks for a great start to my day!!" For those interested in learning more:
We will be hosting other virtual events soon - stay tuned. We know that it's hard to find a time that works for everyone ,so we are committed to trying various times as we move forward. We hope to see you soon! Questions? Contact Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Executive Director ![]() June 22, 2020 WBFF by Tiffany Watson ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WBFF) -- On Monday, Governor Larry Hogan announced that more than 200 Maryland companies and nonprofit organizations across the state have supported their communities’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “During one of the most daunting challenges of our lifetime, businesses of all sizes have stepped up to the plate by volunteering their time, labor, and resources,” said Governor Hogan. “From sewing face masks, manufacturing personal protective equipment, delivering meals to front line workers, and donating to COVID-19 relief funds, Maryland’s business community has truly risen to the challenge and demonstrated what it means to be Maryland Strong.” "The Community Foundation of Howard County, Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland, and Women's Giving Circle of Howard County have worked together to raise more than $400,000 to provide Howard County nonprofits with funds to address food security, housing, childcare, and health care needs." Read the full article here ... ![]() WGC Virtual Coffee Chat: Using Our Unique Strengths to Respond to COVID-19 Wednesday, June 24, 10:00 am via Zoom Grab a cup of coffee and join us for a virtual conversation on how the WGC is responding to COVID-19 in our community, and how you can join us. You'll hear from WGC Chair Barb Van Winkle, WGC Executive Director Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Grants Chair Alice Giles, WGC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chairs Hina Naseem and Judy Smith, and WGC Events Committee Chair Mary Thompson. And, you'll have a chance to network in virtual break-out rooms and ask questions. Register by June 23 - once you do, we will send out the Zoom link in advance of the event. Please plan to enter the waiting room by 9:55 am. We look forward to seeing you! ![]() The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County (WGC) stands with the Black community in Howard County and across the country in the wake of the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and those who have lost their lives senselessly as a result of abuse of power and the systemic racism that continues to permeate our country. "The WGC is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in our own work, and in the field of philanthropy" said Barb Van Winkle, Chair of the WGC Advisory Board. "Our efforts include using our resources to achieve systematic change in political, social, and economic institutions that influence the lives of women and girls." This tragedy reinforces our commitment to gender and racial equity for women, girls, and our community, which the WGC will continue to demonstrate through our mission, values, and grantmaking. "Impactful and meaningful dialogue and initiatives will continue to be integrated into WGC's DEI programs to ensure that the WGC is an active participant in the change that must occur" said Judy Smith and Hina Naseem, co-Chairs of WGC's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. "We are committed to doing our part, and acknowledge our responsibility to be a part of the solution." "You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining ... you make progress by implementing ideas." - Shirley Chisholm This morning WGC Chair Barb Van Winkle and Executive Director Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz delivered another full SUV with $1,000+ worth of food and diapers to our partners at Columbia Community Care (CCC).
In the last two months we’ve been able to deliver over $6,500 worth of supplies to support our friends and neighbors through Columbia Community Care. "As we continue to adjust to the new daily realities for ourselves and our families during the COVID-19 crisis, it is heartening to see our community come together and harness the power of philanthropy to support our friends and neighbors" said Barb Van Winkle, WGC Advisory Board Chair. "Every day the WGC is leveraging the things that make our giving circle an empowering way to give, and using our unique strengths to make a difference." The WGC is honored to join with the incredible network of CCC community volunteers that has quickly grown to support families in need in our community. "We are incredibly grateful for the contribution to our community from the Women’s Giving Circle" said Erika Chavarria, a teacher at Wilde Lake who quickly organized and continues to lead and grow Columbia Community Care to address the significant needs in our community due to COVID-19. "We are so fortunate to have an amazing community of folks who have stepped up to support and contribute!" We continue to accept donations and will continue to purchase and deliver items to CCC. Thanks to all of you who continue to give to WGC during this challenging time. |
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