Caregiving Options Help Central Indiana Women

Women’s Fund puts philanthropic support to work through strategic investments focused on building and strengthening our community.

Did You Know?

• In central Indiana there are only 24 licensed childcare spots for every 100 children under the age of six whose caregiver works outside the home.
• Half of the families served by Day Nursery Association of Indianapolis are single parents; 95 percent of which are single moms.
• 59,000 Indiana grandparents are raising their grandchildren; up 10,000 from 2006.
• An adult living in Marion County with one school-age child and one infant would need to earn $40,000 a year to be considered self-sufficient.

Since 1999, Women’s Fund has provided more than $832,000 in caregiving-related grants, which make it possible for organizations to provide care and resources to those in need. In 2008, Women’s Fund provided a grant to The Villages to support their Family Connection Network, which supports grandmothers and other kinship caregivers who are raising children. Women’s Fund has supported Day Nursery by providing grants in recent years for the Tuition Assistance program, operating support, and to support the addition of a Chief Operating Officer.

Women’s Fund has made a concerted effort to fund organizations focused on caregiving so women can access affordable childcare, so grandparents can succeed in supporting their grandchildren, so parenting teens can become self-sufficient and men and women who want to start a business for childcare and in-home elderly care can achieve their dreams.

Look for a special article on caregiving in the April edition of the Women's Fund newsletter.

Madeleine Albright: A Trailblazing Leader

Since March is Women's History Month, it is fitting to highlight a trailblazing woman in history, Madeleine Albright. Last night, Dr. Albright spoke at Butler University as part of the Celebration of Diversity distinguished lecture series, captivating the audience with a sincere, inspiring, witty, and thought-provoking presentation.

Dr. Madeleine K. Albright was the first female Secretary of State from 1997-2001. She also served as the U.S. Permanent Representative for the United Nations and as member of the President's Cabinet from 1993-1997. Born in Czechoslovakia, Albright's family fled from oppressive regimes to the United States when she was eleven years old. She ultimately earned degrees from Wellesley College and Columbia University and has built a solid career, publishing several bestselling books and running her own consulting firm.

Dr. Albright is a champion for human rights worldwide. Her message last night focused the importance of diversity and understanding the truth from which people view the world. Some memorable quotes I remember from Albright's speech are:

• "The only open mind is an empty one."
• "We must use our opinions to start a conversation, not end one."

Dr. Albright encouraged audience members to understand the possibility that we might be wrong. She explained we should not downgrade our own perspective on life, but strive to learn more by studying those who make us most upset, talk to those whose life stories are unknown, and stop venting about the same things and take time to reflect. Incorporating examples of Nelson Mandela and Robert Kennedy, she emphasized peace, understanding, and lifelong learning. The breadth of Dr. Albright's life experience clearly informed her articulate and visionary message.

After Dr. Albright's presentation, she offered an opportunity for audience members to ask questions. One audience member insightfully asked how Dr. Albright balanced being a working mother, a student, and raising successful children (twin daughters). Dr. Albright said it was not easy and emphasized the importance of finding balance. She also said that women's choices are difficult, yet women must also take advantage of their ability to move around and live life in segments. Dr. Albright has shown she is a women who can "make it happen," and has stood up to any personal and professional adversity she has faced.

Madeleine Albright's story can be an inspiration to all women, no matter our circumstances. She is truly a role model and leader for women and young girls today. What women in history - past or present - have inspired you?

Q & A with Mary Harden, Advisory Board Member

Q. How long have you been connected with Women’s Fund of Central Indiana and in what roles?
A. Although I joined the Women’s Fund Advisory Board in January 2008, I have been interested in and participated in Women’s Fund events since its inception. Since joining the board, I've served on the Nominations Committee and this year the Grants Committee.

Q. What first drew you to Women’s Fund?
A. Several women that I know and respected have been involved in the development - or were strong supporters of Women’s Fund, including Attorney Fay Williams, Paula Parker-Sawyers, Jane Schlegel, the late Diane Brashear, and past chair, Julie Davis. I have always had an interest in the personal and economic growth and empowerment of young girls and women and I knew that Women’s Fund was created to support programs that work to improve the conditions and opportunities for women and girls in our community. I also admired Women’s Fund initiatives such as GO: Give Back, which focuses on starting at an early age to build future philanthropists.

Q. Who are/were your role models for "giving back" to your community and how did they influence you?

A. First, my mother, who is one of the most caring and giving people I know. We were not well off, but she was well known in the neighborhood and church because she always found something to do to help those who had less than we did. I remember as a child, wondering why she did these things. Now, I look back with a smile and realize that I have become my mother.

There are many women who have been a positive influence in my life, but there were two special women whose generosity and commitment made a lasting impression: The late Dr. Frances Dodson Rhome, who strongly encouraged my personal growth and inspired my interest in leadership development and gender equity for women; and Attorney Fay Williams, who propelled me into the world of community service, volunteerism and advocacy for the empowerment of women and girls. These two women were tireless in reaching out, pulling up and giving back with their time and resources.

Q. What issues impacting women & girls are you most passionate about? Do you have any personal connection to any of these issues?
A. I am passionate about so many issues that impact women and girls in our community – poor economic conditions, teenage pregnancy, drugs, HIV/AIDS, domestic abuse, inadequate education, poor self esteem. I am particularly concerned about the cycle of poverty and the increasing number of women who for various reasons are not equipped to support themselves. I am equally concerned about the young girls who have so much potential, so little encouragement, and so few positive role models in their lives; who have not had the training and counseling that will lead them to career preparation and self sufficiency. As a working mom, I had to deal with many of the challenges that working moms face today. For this reason, I became an early advocate with government and community organizations to help solve some of these issues.

Q. What would you tell other women and girls about Women's Fund to encourage them to get involved?
A. Women’s Fund is about making a difference, not just in the sense of giving, but also in teaching and building future leaders. I especially admire Women’s Fund willingness to shore up struggling organizations to help them achieve stability and long-term sustainability. It is one of the most well-managed and focused organizations I’ve had the pleasure of serving. You can be assured that the dollars you donate will be managed and expended with the greatest of care in the areas that will have the most impact and fulfill the greatest need in our community.

Q. What aspirations and hopes do you have for women and girls in Central Indiana?
A. My hope is that women and girls (and all members of our community) will have the opportunity to grow and prosper in spirit, mind and body.

Q. Tell us a little more about yourself.
A. I am an independent appraiser and consultant with OAS Land Acquisition Group, specializing in valuations for right-of-way and eminent domain acquisitions. I am retired from the Department of Defense where I served as program manager and human resources consultant for numerous Army and Defense Department initiatives. My husband, Percy, and I are now empty nesters, with the children of our blended family now living in Indianapolis, Chicago, St. Louis, and Tampa.

Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate women's contributions to history, culture, and society. It's only fitting to pay tribute, as we have through our blog recently, to women such as the WWII WASPs and female black civil rights workers, in honor of their tireless efforts to provide a foundation for women's success today.

This week, I had the opportunity to attend a Women's History Month luncheon at Franklin College featuring Dr. Fred Hord, Professor and Chair of Black Studies at Knox College. Dr. Hord shed light on an area of history that receives little attention: black women and their impact on the civil rights movement. In 30 minutes, he highlighted several amazing women:

• Montgomery Improvement Association: Mary Fair Burks, Jo Ann Robinson, Claudette Colvin
• Little Rock 9: Daisy Bates
• Southern Christian Leadership Conference: Ella Baker
• Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC): Bernice Johnson Reagon, Diane Nash, Gloria Richardson, and Ruby Doris Smith-Robinson
• Mississippi Freedom Democrat Party: Fannie Lou Hamer
• Writers and poets: Mari Evans, Christian Hunter, Eugenia Coller, Lucille Clifton, and others.

These women are responsible for actions that impacted not only the black civil rights movement, but women's rights as well. In one example, Ella Baker served as Acting Director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, but never was honored as the Director, even though she did most of the work. Some, such as Claudette Colvin, Daisy Bates, and Ruby Doris Robinson, were in their teens and early twenties when they courageously stood up for what they believed in.

Dr. Hord characterized these women as Bridge Leaders, women who lead for the collective good of the group, not themselves. He also asserted that these women should be known by everyone; they are leaders, yet many of them don't make it into history books. The barriers these women faced are rarely-told stories of bravery and heroism.

In celebration of Women's History Month, here are a few facts about women today:

• For the first time in our history, half of U.S. workers are female. Source: The Shriver Report
• Women-owned companies employ more people than the largest 500 companies combined. Source: “Female Power,” The Economist, December 30th, 2009
• Women are paid 23 cents less than men for every dollar earned in our economy. Source: The Shriver Report
• Mothers have become the primary breadwinners in 4 out of 10 American families. Source: The Shriver Report
• Half of all families rely on the earnings of two parents and in more than 20% of all families a single mother is the primary breadwinner. Source: The Shriver Report

As you can see, women have come a long way in recent years, but inequity still exists. At Women's Fund we focus our funding on marginalized women, women who lack access to sufficient resources, quality caregiving options, and safety from violence. I challenge all of us to find new and creative ways to support central Indiana women so women can continue to succeed and flourish.

Cookies, badges and beyond: Women’s Fund and Girl Scouts

I’m fascinated by Girl Scout cookie time – fascinated by the dedication of the Troops selling them each weekend throughout the city; I’m fascinated by the mom’s helping to sell their daughter’s cookies; but mostly I’m fascinated by the lessons learned by Girl Scout cookie time. And wouldn’t you just know that as I was talking about Girl Scout cookies with Women’s Fund I learned something new about the organization… they helped create a Girl Scout Badge.

First, lessons learned:

• Education: My sister, a proud Troop leader and “cookie mom”, believes that selling cookies teaches the girls key business and communication skills. Not only are they learning to be confident in their communications skills (they can really work a deal at the grocery stores), but they are learning key business lessons as they sell cookies to support field trips and Troop activities (the more they sell, the more they earn).
  
• Philanthropy: A friend’s daughter showed me that cookie time teaches girls the value of philanthropy and community service. With just a few boxes left to sell, and knowing I had already purchased my fair share of cookies, she asked if I would be willing to donate cookies to military troops. She proceeded to tell me how the men and women overseas would enjoy a package of Girl Scout cookies as a special treat and a thank you for their service. I ended up buying three more boxes.

Now, about the badge and the connection with Women’s Fund. Women’s Fund actually helped create a Women’s Issue Patch that girls of all ages can earn. Girls explore topics such as staying healthy, caregiving responsibilities, philanthropy and finances. Click here to find out more about the badge and the activities girls can participate in to earn the Women’s Issue Patch.

In addition to the patch – and the purchase of numerous Girl Scout cookies, Women’s Fund has supported Girl Scouts of Central Indiana over the years. Grants to the organization have helped fund summer camp scholarships for girls, STUDIO 2B program for girls 11-17, volunteer trainings and Web enhancements.

Thankfully, Girl Scout cookie time isn’t year-round – my pocketbook and my waistline can’t afford it. However, the next time I’m asked to buy Thin Mints or Tagalongs, I’ll be reminded about the lessons the girls are learning and the role Women’s Fund of Central Indiana plays in supporting these future leaders.

Women from the 40s Flying High After Receiving Medal

Thanks to Women’s Fund for their Facebook post yesterday about the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) who received a Congressional Gold Medal. As an organization that supports women and girls, it’s no surprise to see Women’s Fund highlight and applaud women who serve as leaders to young girls and help pave the way for other women.

After reading and watching the news and learning more about what these women accomplished, I just think it’s fantastic. WASP was formed in 1942 with the onset of World War II. Women pilots took over domestic flights, freeing male pilots to go overseas. These women contributed significantly to the war effort. And they were finally recognized for their work.

Here’s what I love about one of the news reports … they explained that WASP was “created because one female pilot came up with what some called a radical idea”. So truly, one woman had an idea and it resulted in over 1,000 female pilots supporting the war from home. It resulted in female pilots training male pilots to go into combat. It resulted in the first women flying military planes. All of this because of one “radical idea”. These women are so deserving of this honor - one of the highest civilian awards bestowed by the United States Congress.

So, as I think about all of the incredible women involved with Women’s Fund and I think about the future leaders Women’s Fund supports, I can’t help but wonder who will have the next “radical idea”. I just hope I’m lucky enough to be a part of it – or at least support it.

Day Nursery: A Childcare Leader

Did you know: In central Indiana there are only 24 licensed childcare spots for every 100 children under the age of six whose caregivers work outside the home?

Women's Fund has awarded $830,000 to address caregiving challenges in central Indiana, funding organizations like Day Nursery Association of Greater Indianapolis.

Recently I had the opportunity to join Women's Fund OPTIONS participants and Advisory Board members at a site visit to Day Nursery's Northwest Center. I was fairly familiar with Day Nursery, but I had several "a-ha" moments during the visit. It was amazing to see first-hand the high-quality affordable care they provide to children, the assurance this care provides families, and the leadership they offer to other daycare providers in the community.

Prior to the visit, I knew that Day Nursery has fantastic facilities with great staff. I learned the teachers not only are encouraged to seek higher education, they receive paid time off to pursue studies and up to 90% assistance to complete a CDA, Associate or Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education. This education-focused culture not only helps Day Nursery retain employees and offer high-quality child care to families, it gives the employees a life-long foundation to better provide for their families.

In addition to meeting stringent requirements to be accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Day Nursery Centers are also in the Paths to QUALITY program through the Family and Social Services Administration, a statewide childcare quality ranking system. The requirements for both Paths to Quality and NAEYC are such that it can be difficult for childcares based in-home or in faith-based institutions to meet the requirements, due to limitations with their facilities and budgets. Day Nursery offers support to these providers, in addition to providing resources to parents through Child Care Answers.

Day Nursery offers many other wonderful benefits; at the Northwest Center, they serve 6 week-old children through kindergartners. Older children with special needs can access learning opportunities through Pike Township Schools. Children receive breakfast, lunch, and two snacks every day, and recreation time at the center's gym or playground. The Northwest Center also serves children of Pike Township High School students, allowing them the opportunity stay in school in order to graduate. Children at all Day Nursery centers have access to immunizations and health care services through on-site services provided by a Nurse Practitioner each month.

I am grateful for the quality childcare and leadership Day Nursery provides to our community, and I am proud of Women's Fund's long-standing support of their work.

Mom/Daughter Time with the Wannabes

By Betsy Biederstedt

How often do you and your mom or you and your daughter get together with the explicit purpose of laughing, poking fun at each other, and seriously discussing issues of which your dad, husband, or brother have absolutely no clue? Rarely. In the Biederstedt home, we just don't make time to do such. We have "more important things to do" like gymnastics practice, soccer games, piano lessons and homework! Never mind grocery shopping, working, laundry, and filling out our tax forms!

Last week, my daughter Susan and I were able to attend Rosalind Wiseman's "Girl World Tour 2010" sponsored by Big Hat Books and presented at St. Richard's School. This interactive time with the author of Queen Bees and Wannabes provided all of the above - and then some!

Best parts of the evening:

• Susan looking at me with huge eyes and asking, "Really?" upon hearing from Rosalind that as a mom I have ugly, hurtful, nasty feelings toward anyone who attempts to hurt, be mean to, or treat her poorly. (answer: YES!)
• Me laughing with my daughter as she rendered a dead-on imitation of me "Freaking Out!" (which many of us do when we hear "troubling" news about our child)

Some key take-aways for me as a mom:

• My daughter DOES want to talk about how girls treat each other.
• My daughter is READY to talk about these things. I thought she was too young (she's in 4th grade). Daughters are never too young to talk to their moms.
• My daughter has a great sense of HUMOR. I forget to allow her to be her. I like the HER!

Key take-aways for my daughter:

• Her mom can laugh at herself!
• Her mom WANTS to talk about more than her grades, sports, and schedules.
• Friends and relationships can be complicated.

We were happy to have the moms and daughters of Susan's closest friends in attendance at the event with us. The night has spawned MANY further conversations at our home, and at the homes of her friends. We have talked about texting, overnight sleep-overs, and the very beginnings of feelings for boys. I had no idea my daughter had thoughts on any of these! But she is talking about these now with me... which is the beginning to good conversations about deeper values and ideas that I can now see are on the horizon. My mom-friends and I are so glad to have these conversations NOW - as we believe they are keeping the doors open to more in-depth and supportive conversations as our daughters enter the tangled webs of Junior High and High School.

If you were at the event, please share your favorite moment, a later conversation you had with your daughter, or a key take-away you had. Feel free to share some special ways in which you have "door opening" conversations with your child.

Finally - we all "Wannabe" the best mom, daughter, sister, and friend possible. Make the time to have the conversations and experiences to do so with the girls and women in your life that you value. Go for lunch (yes, Chuck E. Cheese can count as a special lunch experience!), go to the library and sit in an aisle just the two of you, or simply sit on the couch together when everyone else is out of the house. Talk. Listen. Share.

Teaching Entrepreneurs at Business Ownership Initiative

This month, I had the pleasure of teaching a class at Business Ownership Initiative. This organization, funded by one of Women’s Fund’s “Bold and Transformative” grants, (and formerly called the Neighborhood Self Employment Initiative), is simply fantastic. And I have had the honor of being one of their volunteer instructors for their curriculum of workshops.

BOI, in addition to free one-on-one business consulting services, offers a full slate of workshops designed to assist individuals in starting or operating small businesses in central Indiana. Most of the workshops are very affordable (often only $10!) and are taught by local area professionals, with expertise in the subject matter of the class. The classes range from subjects as basic as how to register a business in Indiana to as complex as how to implement sales and marketing strategies. BOI also offers workshops to address specific areas of interest such as “An Introduction to Quickbooks” and “How to Start a Personal Care Business.”

This month, I had the pleasure of teaching a group of ten individuals about the basic legal issues that can arise when starting a small business. The group was comprised of mostly people who had great ideas about starting a company, but weren’t sure where to start. Along with my section on legal issues, there was also an accountant to discuss taxes, a banker to speak about financing, and an insurance agent to explain the basic types of insurance most businesses need when getting started.

What is so refreshing and fun about teaching at BOI, and this class in particular, is how energized and engaged the attendees are. They are there because they truly want to learn about how to help themselves. No one is ever nodding off or staring out the window - which can happen at some of my other speaking engagements! Instead, the participants are hanging on the speaker’s every word, and asking great questions. This past class, I had to go back and do some research after the class because I had been stumped!

BOI isn’t just for low-income or marginalized populations, although it is a great resource for those groups. What I love most about it, and what I enjoy about being a volunteer there, is that I have the opportunity to get in the trenches with people who have big dreams, and are truly working hard to achieve them, often with no advantages, and even less resources. BOI gives them some of the tools to get there. And Women’s Fund has helped by funding BOI so they can continue supporting women of our community.