December 13, 2007 issue
Appalachian Women’s Fund: Women Helping Women
Story by Kathleen McFadden
“I’m so impressed that you’re all here. I think you’ll like what we’re doing and the work we’ll do for women in our community.”
That’s the way Nancy Ashline introduced the Appalachian Women’s Fund—a new local initiative focused on the needs of women and children—at Westglow Resort & Spa on Tuesday, December 11.
To a standing-room crowd at the resort, Ashline, along with several of the fund’s other founders, discussed the purpose and plans for the initiative.
The Appalachian Women’s Fund will focus on improving the lives of women and girls in the region through grant making, mentoring, partnership and advocacy, guided by the belief that helping women and girls—and their children—reach their full potential builds a stronger community for everyone.
The fund’s initial financial base has come from grants totaling $25,000 from the Ethel and W. George Kennedy Family Foundation, Inc. and the Schaefer Foundation. At Tuesday’s inaugural luncheon, the fund founders invited attendees to become members through donations ranging from $100 per year to $1,000 per year. And a number of fundraising activities have already been planned for 2008, including a Women of Vision luncheon on June 5 that will feature and recognize Liz Murray, a 27-year-old woman whose self-determined fight against incredible odds became the subject of the movie From Homeless to Harvard.
The Women of Vision luncheon will be an annual event that will recognize women who are making a positive impact on their communities.
According to Kathleen Kennedy-Olsen, who will serve as chair of the grants/funding committee, the fund will initially work with OASIS, Hospitality House and Family Solutions, as well as explore the needs for childcare and transportation. “This fund is gender specific,” Kennedy-Olsen said. “This is women reviewing applications for women. We are not restricted for creating new plans and ideas.”
As funds increase, Kennedy-Olsen continued, so will the outreach.
Patti Turner explained how to become a member of the fund. “With your help and your commitment, we will do amazing things,” she said. “A lot of thought went into defining the levels of participation so all community members can be a part of this fund.”
One level allows young women in high school and college to participate through donations of time and talent. “We thought it was absolutely essential to have this young group of women,” Turner explained. The next level is the nonvoting Circle of Sisters that anyone can join for a $100 per year donation and a volunteer commitment. A $600 per year donation brings with it voting rights. And a $1,000 level was created for women who want to contribute but do not have the time to devote to the fund’s activities.
Looking to the future, the board has decided that 10 percent of every check will be placed into a designated endowment fund.
“Some people give money, some time, some talents and connections,” said founding member Leslie Shavell. “We hope this structure will allow you to find a niche that fits you and that will give the women in our community hope and help.”
To learn more about the Appalachian Women’s Fund and to find out how to become involved, call Nancy Ashline at 828-265-0630 or Patti Turner at 828-963-6090.
Mission Statement of the Appalachian Women’s Fund
The Appalachian Women’s Fund is a catalyst for social change created to assist women and girls in the Appalachian region so that they, and their children, may reach their full potential by living safer, healthier, more educate and enriched lives.
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