WGC Emergency Response Network Request - Thank You!

February 20, 2020

​Many thanks to everyone who took action today and donated to help a woman in need right here in our community.

We asked, and our network of women philanthropists responded - and in less than an hour we collectively raised $1,000 - thank you! You can find details of the request below.

The WGC Emergency Response Network was created to provide an opportunity for WGC donors to help women in need. When our nonprofit partners are working with a woman with an immediate need, they submit a request to the WGC.

Emergency Response Network Requests:

• Come from one of our pre-determined nonprofit partners.
• Are for immediate needs up to $1,000.
• Provide assistance to women and girls in Howard County.

Thank you for your support of women and girls in our community through the WGC's Emergency Response Network (ERN). We are making a bigger difference together than we might otherwise be able to alone - the reason for the success of our giving circle! 

If you have any questions about the WGC or our Emergency Response Network, please email [email protected]

FEBRUARY 20, EMERGENCY RESPONSE NETWORK REQUEST - THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Our partners at HopeWorks requested $1,000 to help a woman in need:

Zoey* (name changed for confidentiality purposes) is a mother in her 30's with a 3-year old daughter. Zoey and her daughter came to HopeWorks in late 2019 after calling the hotline seeking safety from her emotionally and financially-abusive intimate partner. Zoey’s abuser had also physically harmed their daughter.

Zoey was an undocumented immigrant upon entering HopeWorks’ Safe House and her abuser utilized various tactics to prevent her from obtaining the documentation needed to become a legal immigrant. Zoey proactively met with her Case Manager at Safe House and immediately gathered and utilized the resources available to her. She worked tirelessly to get benefits for her daughter, ensure both of them had healthcare, and acquire necessary legal assistance. Zoey acquired pro-bono lawyers for her protective order, divorce/custody, and immigration cases, and they have remained supportive as her abuser proves elusive and refuses to comply with terms agreed upon in court. 

Zoey was also connected with HopeWorks’ counseling department and continues to regularly access those services. Zoey stayed her full 3-months at Safe House before moving to HopeWorks’ 1-year transitional program. Zoey does not have her own transportation but continues to make it to the Baltimore area to meet with her lawyers and complete the necessary paperwork and processes as quickly as possible.  She is finally able to submit her I-485 application as a VAWA self-petitioner (Violence Against Women Act), but needs help in covering the legal fees associated with the application for protection. Zoey is also hoping to enroll her daughter in HeadStart and looks forward to employment as soon as she secures her work permit. 
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Funds from the Women’s Giving Circle will be used to help Zoey obtain legal immigration protection as a result of being a victim of domestic violence and to get her work permit. On behalf of our partners at HopeWorks we are hoping to raise $1,000 to help this woman.

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