Willmar Women's Fund
Why a Women's Fund?
Because...
Women in Minnesota make up 47.4% of the workforce, but full-time, year-round female workers in Minnesota earn only 72.9% of what their male counterparts earn.
Minnesota has a higher percentage of women in its workforce than any other state in the country. Yet Minnesota lags behind 23 other states in the ratio of women's earnings to men's.
Most low-income individuals in Minnesota are women.
Kandiyohi County ranks 50th in all counties in Women's Health and Well-Being and 35th in Employment and Economic Status.
In the U.S., a woman is assaulted--ususally by her husband--every 15 seconds.
Discrimination against and low expectations of women can result in low educational attainment, drug use, teen suicide, andd teen pregnancy.
Women's Foundation of Minnesota
Grants from the Women's Fund:
2008
$2500 for 5 scholarships to the Pre-certification Nursing Assistant Academy at Ridgewater College. These mentored women who completed this academy are now qualified for employment as registered nursing assistants and have fulfilled a pre-admission requirement for nursing programs.
$2500. For discretionary use by the Shelter House staff to solve unanticipated and unbudgeted financial problems. I think of this as "being there money" the kind of help a strong family offers when one of theirs has an emergency expense. ...car trouble, kids who grow out of their winter boots and the budget at the same time, supplies for a job training course....The Shelter House helps women face shattering life situations to climb a wall of fear. We hoped our "being there" grant could help boost them the last few inches over that barrier.
2009
$2500 for Heartland Community Action for a unique nine-month project called Kitchen Kamp for minor teen parents from 12 to 21. Low-income teen moms often find themselves strapped for food money before the end of the month. Here they will learn kitchen and cooking skills, smart shopping to help meet monthly budgets and preparation of simple nutritional meals. We will fund the groceries and basic kitchen equipment and the program and coaching will be provided by a partnership of the UM Extension Services, Heartland Community Action Agency, Kandiyohi County Public Health, Lutheran Social Services, and Kandiyohi County Family Services.
$2500 to Willmar Community Education and Recreation for the Child Guide program in the junior and senior high. The steering committee recognized their need for funding and our opportunity to help this non-confrontive resource for teenage girls. Trained advocates are present during school hours, in classrooms, in the halls, at after school events, respectful of parents and cultures, connecting girls to mini-mentors like the Little Sister Club of the Girl Scouts and lunch room buddies with co-ed mentors from Ridgewater College. They organized homework clubs for girls struggling academically, helped Sarah get needed new shoes without embarrassing her parents, guided Vicki into a music program and a wholesome after-school activity, and generally provide gentle, non-labeling intervention for kids headed for trouble. Sounded like a great investment to us.
