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.   May 2020 WGC Donors and Friends, We hope that you and your family are staying safe and healthy during this very challenging time for our country. 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. 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. READ THE FULL ENEWSLETTER HERE I thank you for your generosity in so many ways, and in particular those who have donated to the WGC to support our community during the COVID-19 crisis. We will continue to provide opportunities to give directly to our nonprofit and community partners through the WGC's Emergency Response Network and the WGC's COVID-19 Response Fund. We truly can have a greater impact together than we might otherwise have alone. Stay strong, stay healthy! Sincerely, Barb Van Winkle WGC Chair If you have any questions about the Women's Giving Circle, our Emergency Response Network, or HoCoRespond.com, please contact WGC Executive Director, Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz at wgcexecutivedirector@wgchowardcounty.org or myself at wgcchair@wgchowardcounty.org.  The WGC is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month 2020!
Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August, is a global celebration and concerted campaign to elevate African-descent giving. 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 are excited to continue our support of National Black Philanthropy Month" said Hina Naseem and Judy Smith, co-Chairs of WGC's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. "Informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership are among the goals of this annual celebration and we are committed to advancing this important work in philanthropy, both in our community and across the country." Since it was established, BPM has reached roughly 17 million people and become an increasingly year-round, diasporic initiative that illuminates the ingenuity and transformative impact of generosity in Black communities. "The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is among the first giving circles to support Black Philanthropy Month by becoming a sponsor" said BPM Co-Architect Valaida Fullwood, who founded a giving circle in North Carolina. "The WGC's continued support as a BPM Sponsor is helping to lead the way nationally for giving circles to promote and invest in black philanthropic leadership during August and year-round." Expanding and evolving each year, Black Philanthropy Month is characterized by a wave of high-impact events, media stories, proclamations and service projects online and in communities throughout August, with local and global dimensions. "We are very proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month" said Barb Van Winkle, Chair of the Women's Giving Circle. "We look forward to promoting BPM's important work and participating in a variety of ways." Stay tuned for more information about Black Philanthropy Month, and how the WGC will continue to participate! WGC's Emergency Response Network Raised $1,000 to Help a Woman in Need in our Community - Thank You!5/21/2020
 May 21, 2020
Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, Executive Director of the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County For Her Mind Magazine In March 2020 the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County received an emergency request from our partners at the Community Action Council (CAC) for $5,000 to help Head Start families in need due to the COVID-19 crisis. Thanks to the generosity of so many women in our community, we raised significantly more than the $5,000 originally requested through our Emergency Response Network and provided CAC with $20,000 in emergency COVID-19 funding. Women understand the value in collective giving, and having more of an impact together than we might otherwise have alone through our Emergency Response Network. “Once again, the women of our community have risen together to lead and offer real and in the moment solutions to a challenge faced by many of Howard County residents” said Bita Dayhoff, president of the Community Action Council, which runs the Howard County Food Bank. “The significant financial support from the Women’s Giving Circle laid the ground for us to establish Pop-Up pantries which have become a sustained source of food to thousands Howard County residents.” The Community Action Council has seen a significant increase in demand for their services, with over 50% of those seeking assistance from the Food Bank being new clients. Over the last six weeks the CAC has served more than 12,000 individuals through regular Food Bank services and Pop-ups pantries in a number of communities, and they have delivered food to many families in need. The WGC’s Emergency Response Network was created over 15 years ago and is typically utilized for donations up to $1,000 to help an individual in need through our nonprofit partners. However, to address the escalating coronavirus public health crisis, we recently extended the scope of the ERN for a period of time to assist broader needs and more people in our community. And, we’ve partnered with the Community Foundation of Howard County, Horizon Foundation, and United Way of Central Maryland to create HoCoRespond.com, which has given over $400,000 to Howard County nonprofits in emergency COVID-19 funding to date, including the Community Action Council. “We are proud to be part of a community that is stepping up to support our friends and neighbors during this global pandemic” said Barb Van Winkle, chair of the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County. “We are utilizing our unique strengths as a giving circle to make a bigger difference together through the Emergency Response Network than we might otherwise make alone.” Those wanting to learn more about the WGC’s Emergency Response Network, or support the Community Action Council can find more information at: www.womensgivingcircle.org The WGC's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee had a great Virtual Meet & Greet this week! DEI Committee Co-Chair, Hina Naseem remarked: "The WDC DEI Committee held its initial meeting to lay out committee goals and objectives. These wonderful women shared their insight and expertise to pave the way towards effective and necessary change. With momentum in place, co-chair Judy Smith and I, along with the WGC Advisory Board, are eager to work with this panel of women who bring experience, positivity and enthusiasm to make a lasting difference in the ever-changing landscape that is Howard County." Thanks to all those who attended our Meet & Greet! We are looking forward to continuing our work with so much experience and wisdom helping to guide our efforts.  Looking for a gift this Mother's Day? Consider giving a gift to the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County, "In Her Honor". Giving a gift that supports women and girls is a way to celebrate and honor the women and girls in your life and/or memorialize a lost loved one while making a lasting impact for women and girls in Howard County for the future. We will inform those you wish to honor by email. And, we will announce your gift unless you ask us not to on our website and in our monthly eNewsletter. Thank you for considering a gift to the WGC this Mother's Day, In Her Honor. Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers!   Picture courtesy of the Community Action Council May 7, 2020
The Scope of the WGC’s Emergency Response Network Has Been Extended to Address COVID-19 Needs In March 2020 the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County received a request from our partners at the Community Action Council (CAC) for $5,000 to help Head Start families in need through the Food Bank. Thanks to the generosity of many donors, we raised significantly more than the $5,000 we originally requested, and have provided $20,000 in emergency COVID-19 funding to date to CAC. “Once again, the women of our community have risen together to lead and offer real and in the moment solutions to a challenge faced by many of Howard County residents” said Bita Dayhoff, president of the Community Action Council, which runs the Howard County Food Bank. “The significant financial support from the WGC laid the ground for CAC to establish Pop-Up pantries which have become a sustained source of food to thousands Howard County residents.” The Community Action Council has seen a significant increase in demand for their services, with over 50% of those seeking assistance from the Food Bank being new clients. Over the last six weeks the CAC has served more than 12,000 individuals through regular Food Bank services and Pop-ups pantries in a number of communities, and they have delivered food to many families in need. “We have seen the sheer vulnerability of our community in the face of a major crisis … the need is wide and deep, and it touches at least one out of four of our Howard County who are in need of support in one way or another to be able to meet their most basic needs of food, shelter, energy and access to quality Early Childhood Education programming such as Head Start” said Dayhoff. “Over the past six weeks, CAC, in partnership with many other organizations, has served more than 12,000 individuals with food assistance.” The partnership between CAC and the community is important, as evidenced by one of many comments they have received: “You all are wonderful … going to a Food Bank can be a difficult trip for some families, but all of you make it an easy and kind experience. It’s a giving and generous atmosphere and that’s the best.” There are thousands of others who are served by the school system, the faith community, the newly formed advocacy groups, and many others who do not measure or report on their good deeds. “We are proud to be part of a community that is stepping up to support our friends and neighbors during this global pandemic” said Barb Van Winkle, chair of the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County. “We are utilizing our unique strengths as a giving circle to make a bigger difference together than we might otherwise make alone.” The WGC's Emergency Response Network was created over 15 years ago and is typically utilized for donations up to $1,000 to help an individual in need through our nonprofit partners. However, to address the escalating coronavirus public health crisis, we recently extended the scope of the ERN for a period of time to assist broader needs and more people in our community. Additionally, the WGC's Young Women's Giving Circle has sent a $750 check and dropped off products for women and girls as part of their recent Feminine Product Drive. “In order to do the most good during this unprecedented coronavirus public health crisis, we are leaving our Emergency Response Network request for the Community Action Council open” said Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Executive Director. “We appreciate the strong support from our community and will continue to send all donations directly to our partners at the CAC to address continuing food security issues in our community.” This is what #TogetherWeGive is all about. Hannah Treger, a Senior at Wilde Lake High School (and going to University of Maryland, congratulations!) has a small business called @BoardsByHannah, making collage boards for rooms, dorms, and offices. Hannah wanted to do something on #GivingTuesdayNow with proceeds from her business, so she donated to the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County's Emergency Response Network request supporting Columbia Community Care. As Hannah said on her business page "I encourage everyone during this time, if you are healthy, and able, and want to help, to get involved." You are an inspiration Hannah - thank you! #BetheGood  Today is #GivingTuesday - a global day of giving and unity - and Women's Giving Circle of Howard County Chair Barb Van Winkle and Executive Director Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz just delivered a big SUV jam-packed with $3,000+ worth of food and diapers to our partners at Columbia Community Care. In the last month we’ve been able to deliver over $5,500 worth of supplies to support our friends and neighbors through CCC. Many thanks to so many of you who continue to give to the WGC to support our amazing nonprofit and community partners with emergency #COVID19 needs. #TogetherWeGive #GivingTuesdayNow In the last month we’ve been able to deliver over $5,500 worth of supplies to support our friends and neighbors through CCC because of the collective giving of so many. Not all acts of giving involve money - thanks to everyone who continues to give in so many ways to support our community. #TogetherWeGive  Howard County Funders Announce $202,500 |
Location"Women’s philanthropy shapes the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving."- Barb Van Winkle, WGC Chair
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