Caring for Women Circle Campaign
Willmar, Minn. – The Willmar Area Women’s Fund, an initiative of the Willmar Area Community Foundation (WACF), announces its 2016 Caring for Women Circle Campaign.
This year’s campaign focuses on strengthening organizations that provide services to local victims of homelessness and human sex trafficking. Minnesota is ranked second in the nation by the FBI for online solicitation of children, and in Kandiyohi County last year 20 homeless youth reported trading sex to survive (LSS Street Outreach Program, 2016). The ultimate goal of this anti-trafficking campaign is to raise awareness around human sex trafficking in order to effect positive change. The Willmar Area Women’s Fund will also form an innovative partnership with Safe Avenues, Lutheran Social Services and the Safe Harbor Regional Navigator that will focus on prevention of sexual abuse in teens, production of educational materials and direct victim assistance.
In order for this partnership to be fully funded and make a positive impact in Kandiyohi County, the Willmar Area Women’s Fund hopes to raise $30,000. One anonymous donor has offered to match the first $10,000 donated. Donations to this campaign may be made through the Willmar Area Women’s Fund of the Willmar Area Community Foundation at www.communitygiving.org/donate. More information can be found at www.NotHereNotOurKids.com.
The Willmar Area Women’s Fund awards grants to local organizations that promote the mission of supporting and enhancing the lives of women and girls facing challenges in the Kandiyohi County area. Since 2008, the Fund has awarded $52,452 in grants to local non-profits.
The Willmar Area Community Foundation (WACF) in affiliation with CommunityGiving, is a public charity that attracts and administers charitable funds for the benefit of the local community. Since 1998, WACF has grown to over $16 million in assets and awarded $4 million in grants to local nonprofits. CommunityGiving is a partnership of four community foundations, including Alexandria Area Community Foundation, Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation, Central Minnesota Community Foundation and Willmar Area Community Foundation. CommunityGiving administers more than 650 funds totaling more than $115 million. Learn more at CommunityGiving.org/Willmar.