Blog Archives - WGC OF HOWARD COUNTY

WGC OF HOWARD COUNTY

WGC Emergency Response Network Request - $1,000 - Can You Help?

8/28/2023

The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County invites you to join with us to raise at least $1,000 to support a woman in need at The Community Action Council through our Emergency Response Network (ERN ).

The CAC has a client who is a single mother that has a past due rent balance of $2,518. She has fallen behind on rent because she was laid off from her place of employment. She has received unemployment and has been struggling to make ends meet since then and has been surviving with her savings and credit cards to pay off bills and rent. She has recently started a part-time job that is allowing CAC to assist her with a portion of her outstanding rent, but they can only do that if she can pay the remaining balance, which is $1,000.

Our partners at The Community Action Council have requested $1,000 to help support this woman with her remaining back rent.

On behalf of our partners at The Community Action Council we invite you to join with us in raising at least $1,000 to support this woman in our community. We will leave this ERN request open for several days and 100% of all gifts will go directly to CAC to support their client in need.

Can you help?

Any amount is valued and appreciated!

Thank you,

Jennifer Bodensiek, WGC Chair
Candace Dodson-Reed and Alison Canning, WGC Grants Committee Co-Chairs
Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Executive Director
www.womensgivingcircle.org

3 Questions With ... Philanthropist Robin Stimson in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month - WGC's Our Giving, Our Stories

8/28/2023

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August! The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives.

One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" profile Series each August.

Each week this month we are sharing profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month.

Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist Robin Stimson:

Click here to view Robin's full profile

What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources?

Like others, some members of my family were not fortunate enough to escape poverty. Therefore, I live my life with intentional gratitude centered on the importance of giving back. In addition to my years of volunteer work, I pursued and received my masters in Social Work in order to further my career helping those in need; using my voice to effect lasting change; and bring a holistic approach to helping vulnerable people and communities.

When did you start giving to issues that are important to you?

Some of my first work experiences as a teenager were gained as a result of volunteer work in organizations that provided support to women and children. It was important to my parents that I always had an understanding of the many factors that led to poverty and trauma. I am proud to come from a family of advocates that taught me that giving back can be done with financial donations, policy change, or community action.

What advice do you have for those interested in giving back?

Let passion be your guide. This is key to your ability to make an impact on everything from Women’s rights, to healthcare. The truth is, there’s no such thing as too many cooks in the philanthropy kitchen. Lastly, speak up! Having the courage to say what needs to be said is vital in raising awareness for causes. This can lead to more resources for those in need and your community will be grateful you did.

Robin supports a variety of organizations, including:

Columbia Community Care
House of Ruth Maryland
MOMs Demand Action

Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month in August 2023.

#givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2023 #BPM2023

3 Questions With ... Philanthropist LaJoy Y Mosby in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month - WGC's Our Giving, Our Stories

8/21/2023

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August! The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives.

One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" profile Series each August.

Each week this month we are sharing profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month.

Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist LaJoy Y Mosby:

What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources?

I grew up in a family of volunteers. My grandparents and my parents and other family members set an example for my generation. They were involved in a variety organizations from the Red Cross to serving on local community boards and serving in leadership roles in their respective churches. They supported causes they believed in and belonged to service organizations. Volunteering and donating to causes was a natural progression for me and my family members.

When did you start giving to issues that are important to you?

I don’t recall a time in my life when I didn’t provide service to the community in some capacity. I suppose my first experiences was when I was a child and I participated in UNICEF collections. Later I participated in March of Dimes Walks in college. I also was able to join sorority that focused on community service and I was able to volunteer my time and to make donations to various causes.

What advice do you have for those interested in giving back?

Find a cause or an organization that focuses on what you care about and offer your time, talent and treasures to advance the cause or efforts of that organization. You will find that it is very rewarding.

LaJoy supports a variety of organizations, including:

Bronze Villagers
Howard University Alumni Association (Howard County Club)
Columbia (MD) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Click here to view LaJoy's full profile

Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month in August 2023.

#givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2023 #BPM2023

WGC Emergency Response Network Request - $1,000 - Can You Help?

8/18/2023

The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County invites you to join with us to raise at least $1,000 to support a woman in need at Bridges to Housing Stability through our Emergency Response Network (ERN ).

Bridges to Housing Stability is working with a client who is a single mother of two boys who has been experiencing homelessness and is now participating in "Rapid Rehousing" through Bridges to Housing Stability. Rapid Rehousing is a federal rental assistance program designed to get families immediately off the street and then help them towards stability over the next year to 18 months. Rapid Rehousing is a gradually decreasing subsidy where the program helps with the majority of the temporary rent initially. This client has been contributing toward her rent but has carried a balance of back rent. She has recently received a housing voucher but she is being denied based on her back rent balance.

Our partners at Bridges to Housing Stability have requested $1,000 to help support this woman with her back rent so she can move into more permanent housing with her children.

On behalf of our partners at Bridges we invite you to join with us in raising at least $1,000 to support this woman in our community. We will leave this ERN request open for several days and 100% of all gifts will go directly to Bridges to support their client in need.

Can you help?

Any amount is valued and appreciated!

Thank you,

Jennifer Bodensiek, WGC Chair
Candace Dodson-Reed and Alison Canning, WGC Grants Committee Co-Chairs
Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Executive Director
www.womensgivingcircle.org

3 Questions With ... Philanthropist Jetheda Hernandez in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month - WGC's Our Giving, Our Stories

8/16/2023

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August! The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives.

One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" profile Series each August.

Each week this month we are sharing profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month.

Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist Jetheda Hernandez:

What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources?

I am passionate about wealth equity in communities of color. It is a way of creating meaningful change and improving the lives of others. Being able to support great causes that help impact not only our communities but also future generations, is very rewarding.

When did you start giving to issues that are important to you?

Engaging in philanthropy at a young age helped me shape my values and priorities. It allowed me to reflect on what matters most to me and how I could contribute to making the world a better place. In college, I began giving my time to organizations like NAACP and women of color groups who supported the growth of college women.

What advice do you have for those interested in giving back?

Identify your passion and interests. Start by identifying causes or issues that you feel strongly about or have a personal connection to. This will help you choose where to focus your efforts and make a meaningful impact. Volunteer your time. Consider dedicating some of your time to volunteering for organizations or community initiatives. This can be a hands-on way to contribute and make a direct impact on the lives of others. Lastly, engage with your community: Attend community events, join local committees or boards, and engage in discussions about community issues. Active participation can help you understand the needs and challenges of your community better.

WGC's 2023 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month

Jetheda supports a variety of organizations, including:

The 3rd - Board Chair
Washington Area Investment Fund's Enterprising Women of Color Program - Advisory Board Member
Tuck School of Business Executive Education Board of Director
Jackson Ward Collective Board Member
Member of Iota Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Columbia Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, and the DMV Chapter of 12 Days of Christmas

Click here to view Jetheda's full profile

Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month in August 2023.

#givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2023 #BPM2023

3 Questions With ... Philanthropist Antoinette Brown in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month - WGC's Our Giving, Our Stories

8/8/2023

WGC's 2023 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August! The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives.

One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" profile Series each August.

Each week this month we are sharing profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month.

Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist Antoinette Brown:

What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources?

Being a part of a family that gives hundreds of hours each year to the community, I learned at an early age that serving the community is everyone’s responsibility. My time, talent and financial resources all play a role in the transformation of my community. Giving back to the community makes me feel good about contributing to society and leading efforts to build a better community.

When did you start giving to issues that are important to you?

About two decades ago while volunteering with several nonprofits I gained an understanding of what the community needs were and the value of my contribution. That grew into the desire to sit on the Board of Directors for nonprofits to have a seat at the table to drive the direction of the Community Impact.

What advice do you have for those interested in giving back?

Every person has a talent to share. Make the time to create change. One hour a week can make a huge difference - building up a woman, mentoring a child or moving an organization’s mission forward.

Antoinette supports a variety of organizations, including:

Girl Scouts of Central Maryland
Junior League of Howard County
Girls on the Run Central Maryland

Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month in August 2023.

#givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2023 #BPM2023

WGC 2023 Feminine Hygiene Product Drive - August Update

8/7/2023

The WGC’s Feminine Hygiene Product Drive continues to bring in needed supplies for women and girls in Howard County. You can support this effort in two ways:

Donate Products: We are collecting donated products on a regular basis and bringing them to the Community Action Council/Howard County Food Bank, Columbia Community Care, and other places to distribute to women and girls in our community.

Donate Money: We invite donations to the WGC that we will provide to our nonprofit partners so they can purchase products for their clients.

The WGC has chosen to continue our focus on this because it's a need that is easily and often overlooked.

Did you know ...

29% of girls miss school due to lack of supplies needed.
39% cannot provide period products for themselves.
Some are forced to use towels and plastic instead of proper supplies.

You can read more about this important issue here.

Many thanks to our partners at the Howard County Library System, that has bins in all branches, as well as our partners at Howard Community College, Bra-La-La, Vectorworks, and The 3rd who are collecting products regularly. We will soon partner with Columbia Association, that will have bins in their fitness centers!

Thank you to everyone who donated money and/or products at locations around Howard County in 2022 and 2023. So far, we've been able to donate hundreds of pounds of products and over $4,000 dollars to WGC nonprofit partners to purchase products for their clients.

And, a big thanks to our WGC Student Interns Isabella Farro and Jess Ndiritu who are managing WGC's 2023 Feminine Hygiene Product Drive!

How to Get Involved in the WGC!

8/3/2023

Are you interested in learning more about the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County and how you can get involved?
We invite you to view this 10 minute overview of the WGC and how YOU can get involved!
Click here or on the image below

Celebrating Women, Partnership, Community & Black Philanthropy Month!

8/1/2023

We had a wonderful night celebrating women, community, and Black Philanthropy Month on August 1 at the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County's Black Philanthropy Month Happy Hour at The 3rd.

The WGC is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month, which is observed every August. The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives.

We were welcomed by WGC Chair Jennifer Bodensiek and The 3rd Founder and WGC Advisory Board Member Laura Bacon, and we heard from WGC Advisory Board Members Candace Dodson-Reed, Kashonna Marrow and Laura about our exciting partnership "elevate" - a leadership development program for Women of Color in Howard County at The 3rd.

And, we celebrated women philanthropists in our community through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories", including WGC's 2023 honorees Antoinette Brown, Jetheda Hernandez, LaJoy Y Mosby and Robin Stimson as we kicked-off Black Philanthropy Month. WGC OGOS Chair Malynda Madzel welcomed all past OGOS honorees and provided inspirational information about this year's honorees and their thoughts on giving. We encourage you to read current and past OGOS profiles as well - we have so many incredible philanthropists in our community!

Finally, we heard from WGC Events Committee Chairs Mary Thompson and Jade McDuffie McClary about how to continue to get involved in the WGC.

It was a warm, wonderful evening of old and new friends, and as one new WGC donor remarked, "I have found my people!".

That's the power of a giving circle ... and the excitement of the WGC.

Thank you to everyone who brought feminine hygiene products to donate to our year-long WGC Feminine Hygiene Product Drive - we'll look forward to seeing you at our next event soon!

Here are some links to information discussed at the event:

"Women’s philanthropy shapes the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving." - Candace Dodson Reed, Chair

WGC is proud to be a fund of the
Community Foundation of Howard County - cfhoco.org
EIN Number: 52-0937644
Find us on Guidestar Here

WGC is a proud member of and partner with local, regional and national philanthropic organizations

Contact Us

www.womensgivingcircle.org