Women's Fund of Central Indiana Blog

Women's Fund Blog Has Moved

2010-07-01T14:31:00.002-04:00

The Women's Fund blog has moved! Please visit us on our new website: http://www.womensfund.org/.

To go directly to our blog page, click here. Keep up on the latest blog and news from Women's Fund; subscribe to our feed by clicking under "Subscribe" in the right column.

Lawrence Taylor's failures reflect our own

2010-06-24T17:09:00.010-04:00

Today's post is contributed by Women's Funding Network. As an expert resource, we would like to share timely information about the topic of sex trafficking. Victims of sex trafficking in central Indiana can receive support from The Julian Center and IPATH (the Indiana Protection of Abused and Trafficked Humans), which runs a 24-hour hotline: 1-800-928-6403.

We welcome your input and feedback on this post and this issue.

Contributed by Women's Funding Network

Hall of Fame linebacker and Dancing With the Stars personality, Lawrence Taylor, may face up to four years in jail. Taylor is accused of third degree rape after having paid for sex with a 16-year-old girl in May. His next court appearance was scheduled today, June 24.

The message of the story is not limited to a celebrity gone bad, wasting his fame and fortune as hardworking Americans struggle. The real American tragedy is it takes the alleged personal failure of an individual celebrity to shine a national spotlight on our collective failure as a society to protect our children.

Unfortunately, what allegedly occurred in a New York Holiday Inn hotel room is not an isolated incident.

Through coercion, abuse, and imprisonment, as many as 300,000 American children – particularly teen girls – are at risk for commercial sexual exploitation each year.

Women's Funding Network, in partnership with “A Future. Not A Past.,” recently released findings of a pilot study that explored the demand for adolescent girls who are commercially sexually exploited in Georgia. The “Demand Study” details a first-of-its-kind study to quantify, describe, and understand demand for commercial sexual exploitation in Georgia.

The numbers are staggering – 12,400 men pay for sex with a young female in Georgia every month. These men account for 8,700 paid sex acts with adolescent females each month, which means that each adolescent female is exploited an average of three times per day.

Unfortunately, Georgia isn’t the only state where girls are being commercially sexually exploited at alarming rates. Research found that in New York, 2,880 adolescent girls were commercially sexually exploited through Web sites, massage parlors, and escort services in February 2010. Of those, a strong majority, 67 percent, were commercially sexually exploited over the Internet.

In Michigan, 117 adolescent girls were commercially sexually exploited through Internet Web sites and escort services in February, 2010, and 87 percent of the teens were commercially sexually exploited through the Internet.

Sex traffickers and “johns” are clearly moving their activities off the streets and into the veil of anonymity that the Internet provides.

According to the complaint against Rasheed Davis – the 28-year-old man who allegedly pimped the teen girl to Lawrence Taylor – he took nearly nude cell phone photos of the 16-year-old girl and used them to connect with customers online.

It is time to have an open and honest conversation about what and who is sustaining this growing market.

Web sites must do more self-regulation to ensure minors are not commercially sexually exploited on their sites. If they don’t do enough, the public and government must intervene.

Hotels must also take action. Hotel staff members have to be trained on easy and acceptable corporate policies to report incidents of sex solicitation in their hotels, particularly when they believe a minor is involved. Similarly, hotel management needs to stress reporting such activity is expected. Hotel guests can also be made more alert by receiving information on warning signs and where to call to alert authorities — just by adding this information to their hotel key cards.

Businesses are not the only ones that have to make a shift.

As Taylor faces his day in court, the time is now to enforce zero tolerance for the commercial sexual exploitation of our children. We must move from denial to outrage to action. Our children are waiting, and they deserve no less.

Engaging and Informative New Website will be a Resource

2010-06-22T11:09:00.012-04:00

Women's Fund has a new website! I, for one, am excited about the opportunities the new site will bring. Not only does it look snappy, it will allow our donors, grantees, and new friends connect with us. The new site highlights Women's Fund as an expert resource for issues impacting women and girls in central Indiana and thanks those who contribute to our success.

The site has a variety of wonderful new features, including videos, profiles of "faces" of Women's Fund, our blog and news, and "by the numbers"—introducing statistics about women and girls in central Indiana and core information about Women's Fund. In addition:

Nonprofit organizations can learn about how to apply for a grant and research past grants and issues we support.
Donors can give easily and securely online, learn more about how we have used their contributions, and find out about other types and levels of giving.
Those interested in philanthropy education programs can learn more about GO: Give Back, including Power of Girls, and OPTIONS. OPTIONS Alumnae can view past participants and renew membership online.
Community members may learn about issues impacting women and girls and how Women's Fund is involved in helping women become self-sufficient by learning about issues we support, reviewing our research publications, and viewing our boards and staff.
Corporations can learn about how they may become Women's Fund Partners; online giving to our operating fund makes it easy to join other corporations supporting women and girls in central Indiana.

We hope you will find our new website user-friendly, engaging, and informative. Please post your thoughts and suggestions!

Summer Camp Participants Empowered through Leadership and Learning

2010-06-17T17:46:00.015-04:00

By Quiana Graham
Director, Youth & Family Programs
Indiana Black Expo, Inc.

OPTIONS Class 10 member

Every year March is designated as Women's Empowerment Month. During that month, we see public service announcements honoring great women such as Amelia Earhart, Madame C J Walker, Betsy Ross and other women who have helped to make this country great!

As a person active in the non-profit community, I work first hand with the National Girls Inc. office, which is located in downtown Indianapolis. I have read numerous scholarships of Girls Inc. graduates from throughout the country who seek financial assistance from the organization to continue their educational endeavors. Their essays recount how the organization has helped them to form personal value statements, increased their self-worth and overcome challenges that they have face in life. Each year I am amazed at the courage and strength that these young ladies demonstrate in the face of adversity!

At the OPTIONS Class 10 site visit this week, it was truly my pleasure to spend time with young ladies participating in Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis' summer camp. Having the opportunity to see the young ladies use deductive and problem solving skills, was refreshing. (Most youth I see remind me that common sense is not so common!) I think I learned more about pollution yesterday (point and non-point) than I remember from high school. (And that’s not just because I graduated 14 years ago!)

Through well-conceived curriculum, I think that Pat Wachtel, executive director, and her staff are doing an excellent job of empowering girls to become successful women. Because of my work with National Office, I can attest to the awesome work Girls Inc. does in young women’s lives worldwide. After my visit to the local Girls Inc. camp, I realize that everyday they are teaching young ladies to become the BOLD, SMART, and STRONG women that will be one day be recognized during March.

If you have not visited with the ladies of Girls Inc., please plan to go and be impressed!

Education is Key to Violence Prevention

2010-06-15T13:22:00.006-04:00

I was taken aback when reading the New York Times column posted on the Women's Fund Facebook page last week. The article highlighted a group of 14- and 15-year-old boys' "draft" of girls in their Maryland community. I won't go into the details, but you can read the column by clicking here. What may be viewed by some as innocent adolescent behavior may also foreshadow long-term issues with respect for women, which can lead to dating violence and domestic abuse. Objectifying women and girls diminishes a girl or woman's self-confidence and self-worth. It can have lasting impact on how she views relationships, and lead the offender (in this case, boys), to believe it is acceptable to treat others in this way.

The Indianapolis Star recently featured a program conducted at Westlane Middle School in Washington Township. Start Strong: Building Healthy Teen Relationships Initiative was implemented in all seventh-grade health classes last year, and will be spread to two more middle schools next year. A nationwide initiative, Start Strong is targeted to 11- to 14-year-olds, promoting healthy relationships as a way to prevent teen dating violence and abuse. The program is not only targeted to the students, but also engages educators, parents and caregivers, and policymakers. Start Strong Indianapolis reports:

11.6% of Indiana high school youth reported being hit, slapped, or physically hurt by their boyfriend/girlfriend.
As many as 13.2% of females and 5.3% of males reported being physically forced into sexual intercourse.

These numbers are too high. Start Strong Indianapolis is partnering with Clarian Health to reach 4,000 students through engaging curriculum co-taught by peer advocates; to team with parents, healthcare providers, caregivers, coaches, and other youth serving organizations; and, to work with the Department of Education to enhance current policies through Indiana schools to address sexual harassment, bullying and violence.

Women's Fund is proud to be part of the solution, helping prevent domestic violence before it starts. Women's Fund has supported the Ruth Lilly Health Education Center's Healthy Relationships program for all 5th and 7th grade IPS students over three years. We are glad other groups are partnering together to champion and make violence prevention efforts a priority. These dedicated efforts will have long-term impact on the students involved and on the health and well-being of our community.

If you mentor a young person, I encourage you to keep communication lines open and make an effort to model and encourage healthy relationship behavior.

Community Centers and How They Care for Their Communities

2010-06-10T15:28:00.010-04:00

As an OPTIONS alumnae, and a donor to Women’s Fund, I’m committed to learning more about where my dollars are going – and sharing with readers what I learn. This time, I decided to explore the community centers that Women’s Fund has funded, including Concord, Hawthorne and John H. Boner Community Centers. Each has received operational support from Women’s Fund so I was interested in learning what the centers do for their communities.

I had an interesting and enlightening conversation with Niki Girls, executive director, Concord Neighborhood Center. While I toured the Center through OPTIONS, it’s been awhile, so it was nice to reconnect with Niki. The topic of our discussion … the challenges in our neighborhoods and the role community centers play.

After 28 years at the helm, Niki has seen a lot in her community (Concord serves Indy’s south side). She has helped a lot of people and has made an incredible impact in the lives of south side children and families. One thing I quickly realized in our conversation is that a lot of people, including me, don’t know and understand the comprehensive services community centers provide. As Niki put it, “we’re here if you’re three or 93. It’s the nature of who we are.”

The challenges her families face today are probably no different than others in Central Indiana:

Unemployment continues to be prevalent, challenging families who are searching for summer programs and activities for their children. Concord helps by lowering fees and subsidizing programs.

Families are stretched financially during the summer with children at home, often times causing an increase in food, water and electrical bills. Concord helps with financial assistance.

Working parents are looking for summer camps, programs and activities for their children. Although operating at capacity for day camp, Concord looks to ways to take care of as many kids as possible. They also have added teen programs two nights a week to give older kids in the neighborhood something to do (and to keep them out of trouble).

Niki credits Women’s Fund as one being instrumental in allowing them to continue serving families and individuals in their communities through their grant dollars. And after talking with Niki – and getting a sense of how passionate she is about her Center and “her families”, I felt proud that my contribution is supporting her in the work she does.

Caregiving... What I didn't know

2010-06-08T18:43:00.013-04:00

I had not thought intentionally about the topic of caregiving prior to joining the Women's Fund team. Although there are many children in my extended family, I do not have children of my own, and my older family members were generally in good health. In short, I did not have to think about it. With grandparents facing health challenges, peers with young children, and regular exposure to the topic through Women's Fund, the issue of caregiving permeates my thoughts more regularly now.

Caregiving is more than an issue Women's Fund focuses on, it is an issue impacting all of us in one way or another. Many of us are responsible for the care of children, or are faced with elder care issues. The related statistics are striking. Following are some facts about caregiving, which we have uncovered in our research publication, Still on Shaky Ground 2006:

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.
In the Indianapolis metropolitan area, an estimated 63% of children under six have all parents in the labor force, while an estimated 71% of children 6-17 years old have all parents in the labor force.
59,000 Indiana grandparents are raising their grandchildren; up 10,000 from 2006.
20% of households where grandparents raise grandchildren live in poverty.

Caregiving issues affect all socioeconomic strata, yet they disproportionately impact the impoverished. Fortunately, there are organizations in our community addressing issues faced by caregivers. In addition to Women's Fund's support of many organizations, The Indianapolis Retirement Fund, a special interest fund of CICF, provides funding focused on helping community members as they age, for example.

We have highlighted many of the organizations we have supported on our blog. And, we will continue to do so, as they have an important role and impact the well-being of our families and our community. If you have any resources you have found particularly helpful, we welcome you to share them with us and our blog readers.

Use What You've Got Prison Ministry Keeps Families Connected

2010-06-03T11:52:00.016-04:00

Imagine you are a parent, miles away from your children and family members with no way to see them unless someone brings them to you. This is a reality for many in the justice system; the impact of this separation can be devastating to a family and, in particular, to developing bonds between parents and children.

Use What You've Got Prison Ministry's mission is to provide transportation for prison visitation while promoting family wellness through education, supportive resources, and spiritual enhancement. They drove a total of 24,586 miles last year, shuttling family members to sixteen correctional facilities spread throughout the state. A $5,000 grant from Women's Fund supported children visiting their mothers, helping the organization drive more miles last year, transporting them from places in Indiana such as Evansville, Gary, Goshen, Paoli, and Wabash. In 2009, Use What You've Got Prison Ministry transported 642 adults, most of which were women, and 167 children; in addition, they took 2,832 calls, up from 1,505 calls in 2008. 95% of their riders are female, 30% are unemployed, 82% have children, and nearly 60% have children living at home.

The transportation program is clearly a vital component of Use What You've Got Prison Ministry. The organization also offers other important services such as education, family advocacy, outreach, and support groups. Last year, they hosted a women's retreat, a parenting and life skills class, survival skills course, and health fair - "Keep Your Life in Sync." Outreach programs include donating clothing to needy families within their programs, assisting families with Christmas gifts to 150 children involved in their programs, and providing holiday food baskets to families. They also facilitate several support groups, such as a girlfriend support group (including a workshop on depression) and a "Girls Beyond Beauty" support group for young girls.

Families separated by incarceration and with limited options can find great support and consolation from Use What You've Got Prison Ministry. As someone who values spending time with my family members, I appreciate the great work of this organization and Women's Fund's support.

Hawthorne Community Center is the heart of its neighborhood

2010-06-01T13:47:00.017-04:00

By Julie Rowlas

Community Volunteer

A few days ago I shared the experience of visiting Hawthorne Community Center with some friends and new acquaintances I’ve met through my volunteer activities with Women’s Fund. It was a beautiful day and the center was bustling with activity as it was assuming its role to be the neighborhood children’s cornerstone for the summer.

After having served on the grants committee for three years and been a member of the Women’s Fund family for nine, one would think and expect I had some educated and preconceived notions about this particular community center. This is true. I did. And many were exemplified as Diane Arnold, the center’s Executive Director (pictured right), spoke with our group and guided us through the center. However, there was one important role, which the center assumed in a much larger capacity than I had previously understood. This surprised me and compelled me to think a little differently about the lives of the families who utilize the center and its programs.

As a second generation Greek American I have heard the stories of my father not learning English until he went to school and the tight knit ethnic neighborhood where they lived in Chicago. They were nice stories to hear over the years, but the reality of them came to life as I heard Spanish in the halls and learned about Hawthorne Community Center’s significant role in melding the Appalachian community, which had lived in the area for more than 100 years, with the newer immigrant population of the Hispanic community. Language was a barrier whose walls have been broken in the center—and they have been done so with care from the staff and compassion from those who use the facilities and participate in the programs—with Diane leading the charge.

During the visit I was pleased to learn how Women’s Fund has played a significant role in this effort by funding programs developed to assist in bringing down these language and cultural barriers while educating the women about domestic violence. The need was identified, as domestic violence is greater in the Hispanic community than others. The barriers were also identified, as they didn’t know how to engage the community members who may be assisted by the program. I was impressed to learn how Diane and her staff entrench themselves so deeply in their community that they cleverly designed the "Piñata Making Class"—a craft program with the core purpose to educate women in the community about domestic violence. The conversations, the substance of the program, all happen while making piñatas.

It all came together for me as I watched Diane interacting with the children, using a little Spanish with her English, introducing us to community members and staff as we walked through the buildings, and encouraging each member of the community to be the best person they can be. At that moment it seemed as if I were visiting Jane Addams’ Hull House—it was just a different time, a different place, a different woman living in her community and making a difference.

Redefining Beauty - Outcomes Beyond Measure

2010-05-27T19:37:00.013-04:00

Tuesday I shared about the "Redefining Beauty" Girls Inc. program, which I recently facilitated at a local elementary school. The girls participating in the program came from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. I could not say that conflict did not happen (after all, I was working with 9 to 11 year-old girls)! However, the positive outcomes of the program were phenomenal.

My co-facilitator and I made great progress with the girls. With the support of Girls Inc. and school staff, we built trust, and saw girls open up around the activities and topics. We challenged their understanding of beauty, and took advantage of many teachable moments.

The last session, the girls were charged with performing one to two minute commercials about themselves, sharing "What makes me beautiful?", "What makes me unique?" and other things they wanted to tell their peers. The girls had the previous session to plan, write and practice their commercials. I was so impressed with how focused the girls were during this exercise. They took the challenge seriously, and they really wanted to share about themselves to peers and trusted adults!

Some of my favorite moments from the program were:

One girl came to us defensive and highly confrontational. When presenting her commercial, she acknowledged that people do not get to know her, and she suggested this might be different if she changed her tone of voice and behavior. This was great progress! She acknowledged a challenge she faced, the girls saw her own up to it, and the group validated her for sharing her feelings and reinforced the beautiful and unique person she is.
Another girl was considerate and shy. When it came to writing her commercial, she shared about a (non-contagious) disease she had. While in some settings, she might have wanted to hide it, in Girls Inc. we had an accepting environment where she felt comfortable owning her disease and sharing about it with her peers.
During one session, we had a discussion about how to respond to someone who criticizes outward appearances. The girls had wonderful, thoughtful ideas, such as: "Say something nice about her in return." "Ignore the comment." "Think about something you do well (inner beauty) and share why you are proud of it."

As you can see, the girls were truly remarkable, and the "Redefining Beauty" curriculum helped affirm their self-confidence and enabled them to validate real beauty in themselves and others. I am so glad I have the opportunity to be a role model for girls, and that Women's Fund supports gender-specific programming like "Redefining Beauty" for girls.

Redefining Beauty

2010-05-25T19:33:00.017-04:00

I really enjoy helping people through volunteering. When I had the opportunity to lead Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis programs through Junior League, I jumped on it. Not only do I enjoy mentoring children - especially girls, but this was a perfect connection to our mission at Women's Fund.

This was my second time facilitating a Girls Inc. program - last fall, I lead a "Work it Out" program with girls age 6 to 8. This week, I finished up another program, "Redefining Beauty." In one-hour sessions over six weeks, I co-facilitated the program to about ten girls age 9 to 11 (3rd and 4th grade). This program covers a number of important topics, including:

Defining what is real beauty.
Looking who shapes our own concept of beauty, and thinking of positive influences, instead of negative ones.
Beauty stereotypes in magazines - what's real, what's not.
Creating awareness about eating disorders (the basics).
Learning that our body is a resource, not an object.
Specifically identifying "what makes me beautiful and unique", and practicing how to tell others about these qualities.
Practicing how to recognize and affirm inner beauty in others.

Each session we led discussions and interactive activities with girls around these topics. Girls also had the opportunity to keep a personal journal each time, which they could take home at the end of the program.

Check back on the Women's Fund blog Thursday, when I will share more about my experience, including challenges faced and strides made with the girls.

Dress for Success Highlighted on "National Makeover Day"

2010-05-20T13:16:00.021-04:00

Today is "National Makeover Day" on QVC, featuring Dress for Success and the stories of clients, including two local women, Clara and Lynette. Clara (pictured right) was featured this morning; Lynette will be featured tonight at 11 p.m.

Both women's stories are inspiring. Clara, for example, had worked the same job for 22 years and was laid off with one day's notice. She learned that she needed to develop computer skills in order to apply and market herself for new jobs, so she enrolled in computer classes at a community center, which led her to access services with Dress for Success Indianapolis (DFSI) in 2003. Since 2004, she has been employed as a customer service representative and trainer. Clara is an active member of DFSI's Professional Women's Group, helping launch the program in 2006 and currently having a leadership role. Clara has achieved great success—personally, on the job, and at DFSI.

Clara's story illustrates how women progress on their path to self-sufficiency in partnership with DFSI, which has served 5,700 women over ten years—including 1,000 in 2009. The average age of a DFSI client (as of March) is 45.5. 75 percent of women who participated are employed (65 percent full time), and they have an above-average wage of $10 per hour.

DFSI offers three main opportunities for clients:

A suiting program, pairing clients with a volunteer personal shopper and allows a woman to shop in the boutique (pictured right) for head-to-toe interview attire, including a suit, shoes, hosiery, hair products, makeup, and purse. Women can also obtain a complete work outfit, including business attire and uniforms, such as scrubs, catering uniforms, and work boots.
The Career Center and computer lab (pictured right), which allows women to develop a resume, learn basic job-seeking tips, and hear from motivational speakers, for example. Women attend meetings and events to help them learn social norms when interacting with others. DFSI often works with other organizations, who recommend clients to the Career Center. Starting in June, they will partner with Training Inc., another Women's Fund grantee, to serve additional clients and provide a tailored program.
The Professional Women's Group (PWG), which includes opportunities for women to make personal plans, learn skills, and develop a support network (see participants' "Steps to Success" goals, pictured right). Graduates of can become members of a lifelong group. There is also a post-incarceration group, which helps women stay on track, set goals, recognize negative support systems, and have access to advocacy and other resources.

As you can see, Dress for Success Indianapolis does an amazing job helping women on their path to self-sufficiency. Women's Fund is proud to have supported them since their inception, including seed money to support their start in 1999. DFSI has grown in earnest since then, and has impacted countless inspirational clients, such as Clara, who are now living independently in our community.

Sniffles and summer vacation mean extra planning for moms

2010-05-18T11:39:00.007-04:00

Today I was struck by my good fortune of having a strong network – particularly in terms of quality daycare, a good family who helps with the kids and the ability to tap into the great community resources available for working moms. I’m currently facing two situations that are not uncommon to working moms – a sick kid and planning for summer care. Both raise the question of balancing work and family responsibilities.

After shuffling schedules, cancelling a few meetings and attempting to get some work done (this blog being the last thing I will do before conceding to the sniffles and playing nurse to my sick one), I’ve successfully handled the first issue.

The second issue, however, takes a little more planning. While summer vacation is great for the kids, it’s often hard on working parents. Fortunately, there are a lot of great resources offered in Indianapolis – not surprising to know that several of them are supported by Women’s Fund of Central Indiana.

Summer Camps: Women’s Fund has provided scholarships and operating support to Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis, Girls Inc. of Franklin/Johnson Co. and Girls Inc. of Shelbyville – all with the goal of providing safe, fun and affordable summer activities for girls.
Day Care: Day Nursery Association of Indianapolis has been awarded several grants from Women’s Fund to help with its tuition assistance program, helping families afford excellent early care and education for young children.
Community Centers: Concord Neighborhood Center, Hawthorne and John H. Boner Community Centers have all received operational support from Women’s Fund to allow them to continue serving families and individuals in their communities.

While my oldest will be attending various camps this summer (including Girls Inc. and Indy Parks); my youngest will continue to attend his daycare. Both will allow me to continuing working, while knowing they are in a safe place.

Challenging what we know

2010-05-13T09:26:00.009-04:00

Today's blog post is contributed by Raquel Richardson, OPTIONS Alumna, Class 6. We thank Raquel for sharing her perspective on a recent OPTIONS Alumnae event, a discussion of the novel Push, by Sapphire, inspiration for recent Academy Award Best Picture nominee, Precious.

By Raquel Richardson

Principal
Silver Square :: Marketing + Design

We know the sun will come up tomorrow. We know the leaves turn colors in the fall. We know the earth is round. We know the truth – until we don’t. Our world has a funny way of keeping us off balance and adding in those little idiosyncrasies that make us pause and take note, challenging what we know.

Then we are exposed to a story like Push, by Sapphire, which later turned into the award-winning movie Precious. Most of us go about our day thinking children are cared for, mother’s take care of their children, teachers hold our kids accountable and on and on. Then we realize, that’s not the truth.

Our latest OPTIONS Alumnae event conversed about the challenges, stereotypes, personal experiences, parenting fears and more in our discussion of this story. Anita Carpenter from the Indiana Coalition Against Sexual Assault joined us to help facilitate the evening, and act as a mentor to us in our ability to find answers we could relate to, and ways in which we can take our talents and steps to ensure fewer and fewer children walk in a life like Precious.

Anita introduced us to a couple new ways to help teach our children to deal with uncomfortable situations:

Bystander Intervention. We can teach our children, and practice ourselves, to speak up when we witness others doing something they shouldn’t. Using simple phrases such as "that isn’t appropriate" or "we don’t allow that kind of language in our house" are effective and simple ways we can interrupt a situation;

Go tell a Mommy. My childhood advice when I felt like I needed to tell someone of authority something was to go talk to a police officer. That’s not realistic today. When a child is out at a mall, out with their friends or find themselves in a situation where they are lost or scared for any reason, they are told to go tell a Mommy. A Mommy will find an answer and take care of you.

Discussing this story, hearing comments from my peers and learning of the real-life cases Anita has experienced, brought a whole new awareness for me. It’s good to expand your personal comfort zone on topics you would otherwise not bring to your dinner table. Likewise, it’s good to hear how we can help. Thanks to other volunteers at the coalition, you can assist children in schools or on-call in hospitals once properly trained on these topics. If this is a personal cause of passion for you, take advantage of the training and help one child at a time never have to relate to Precious’s story.

Follow Raquel on Twitter @silversquare or join Silver Square's fan page www.facebook.com/graybox.

Challenged to make a difference by a group of kids

2010-05-11T14:19:00.007-04:00

Give a few kids a video camera and see how they can inspire others. That’s just what Women’s Fund of Central Indiana did during their GO Family Philanthropy Day. Their creativity, passion and honesty are heartwarming, touching and motivating. They asked simple questions – and answered them with their own ideas of how they could change the world. In just two minutes, they made me think about ways I could make a difference (they also made me smile). Click here to see the video.

I know I’m already making a difference in some of the volunteer work I do throughout the community, but what can I do to do more? After watching the video, I realized there are simple things I could do that would make a difference. Serving on the boards of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Lacy Leadership Association, volunteering to serve meals at Wheeler Mission Ministries throughout the year and chairing the Komen Indianapolis Race for the Cure are all important work, but so is giving up something to give to others.

Their simple ideas of buying less gum and giving away unwanted items to people in need are easy to do, so why not do it?
Their idea of getting their friends together to start a club sounds fun, so why not get family friends together and start a project?

I’m going to take them up on their challenge. I don’t know how yet, because I want to involve my family. I always ask my kids to dig through their toys before their birthdays and donate unused toys, but is that what they really want to do? Maybe my 7 and 3-year-old have their own ideas of how they want to help others. We’ll soon find out.

I encourage you to take the challenge – and then share with us what you’re doing to make a difference. I’ll plan to report back in a month and share some of the ideas – and actions the Young family is doing. If you feel compelled to share your story, please do. We’d love to know what other Central Indiana families are doing to make a difference in our community.

Shouldn't girls "just wanna have fun" - not worry about losing weight?

2010-05-06T11:22:00.007-04:00

Women’s Fund recently posted on an article on Facebook about elementary school girls trying to lose weight. Although the report was from 2003, the fact that 40% of 1-5th grade girls at the time wanted to lose weight is alarming. What’s more alarming is that my daughter, Bailey, will be heading into the 2nd grade (only 19 days as a 1st grader, as she reminded me this morning) – and I’m already seeing and hearing comments from her friends that make me nervous.

“Do you think I look skinnier than when I was in kindergarten?” – one of her friends asked me when I saw her for the first time in first grade.
“You really don’t want me to change into shorts because I have big legs.” – one of her friends told me when I took the girls to the gym after school.

The NY Times article was an interesting read. I’ve decided that being aware is better than ignoring the situation. Weight, self-esteem and confidence issues are just a matter of life. All I can do is be a positive, supportive and encouraging role model for my daughter. I want her to have fun – not worry about her weight!

This summer, I signed Bailey up for Girls Inc. 2010 Strong, Smart, Bold, and Inspired Day Camp – an 8-week camp that promises to be “fun and empowering”. Given the information about girls and their weight, I am particularly interested in the how Girls Inc. will help these young girls discover their inner beauty and self-esteem in their Redefining Beauty program. The camp also will focus on sports, arts, culture, science, money management and so much more.

Women’s Fund has long been a supporter of Girls Inc. In fact, in 2009 alone, Women’s Fund granted a total of $15,000 to Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis, Girls Inc. of Johnson Co. and Girls Inc. of Shelby Co. to support summer camp scholarships. I look forward to seeing how Women’s Fund dollars will be put toward helping Bailey be a stronger, smarter, bolder girl.

GO Family Philanthropy Day: The Power of Half

2010-05-04T09:09:00.016-04:00

Last Saturday, about 60 people, including 16 families, gathered for 2010 GO Family Philanthropy Day at the Indianapolis Art Center. This event provided a meaningful and enriching philanthropy education experience to parents whose children are involved in GO: Give Back.

The day featured speaker Joan Salwen, whose husband, Kevin, and teenage daughter, Hannah, wrote the book The Power of Half. Joan shared first-hand her family's story of coming to the decision to sell their home, moving into a home half the size, and donating half the proceeds to a cause they mutually agreed upon as a family. See teenage son Joseph Salwen's YouTube video for a great synopsis of their story.

After hearing the Salwen's story, families were divided into age-specific groups to explore concepts shared in The Power of Half, such as: "What's your half?" (What can you give?), "Follow your heart," and "Use your voice." Parents engaged in a group discussion with Joan to explore the topic, while intermediate ages worked on a PSA video project to share their message, and elementary ages engaged in interactive art projects. Preschool-age children were also included in the day's events with their own special activities.

The day concluded with a family art project and picnic lunch. To further connect the concept of giving half, half the expense budgeted for the day's food and all of the expense budgeted for an event token was saved, to be used for philanthropic purposes. School-age children participating in the fall GO: Give Back educational session will undergo a group grantmaking exercise to decide where to donate the funds.

The buzz in the air was unmistakable, and the day was truly a success. Women's Fund thanks The Glick Fund of CICF for making Family Philanthropy Day possible, as well as the volunteers and Indianapolis Art Center staff who led dynamic programs.

If you are interested in learning more about philanthropy education for children through GO: Give Back, please contact us.

What is an Endowment?

2010-04-29T16:33:00.011-04:00

"Endowment" is not a term many of us use very often, so it can be difficult to understand and, therefore, to explain. Today's post from Elaine Bedel, Women's Fund Advisory Board member and Certified Financial Planner, provides an overview of what an endowment is. We thank Elaine for sharing her expertise with our readers.

By Elaine E. Bedel, CFP®
President
Bedel Financial Consulting, Inc.

Have you ever been asked to make a charitable contribution to the endowment of Women’s Fund of Central Indiana? There is often confusion with respect to giving to an endowment versus giving directly to a charitable organization. The one major difference is that when you make a gift to an endowment, you really are making "a gift that keeps on giving".

Anytime you make the decision to share your hard-earned money with a charity, you want to make sure your personal intent is being maximized. If your goal is to have 100% of your money used immediately to meet the goals of the charitable organization, then giving to the "annual fund" or the "operating fund" of the charity is very appropriate. In most cases, your contribution will be used as needed or as you have specifically directed to carry out the mission of the organization. The annual fund of Women’s Fund is used to provide donor programming throughout the year and to ensure that the organization’s operational needs are met.

If, on the other hand, you would like your money to make a long-term impact, you may want to consider a gift to the endowment fund. Many organizations, including academic, cultural, and religious institutions as well as significant community funding organizations, like Women’s Fund, all tend to have endowments. The largest endowment in the United States belongs to Harvard University. As of June 30, 2009, its value was $26 billion.

How Does an Endowment Work?

When you make a contribution to the Women’s Fund endowment, your money is not spent. Rather, it is invested. Each year thereafter, a specific percentage of the endowment fund is withdrawn and used to meet our mission.

The intent of an endowment is to have the fund grow over time through appreciation and earnings of the investment portfolio. The annual distribution percentage is limited to an amount that is less than the anticipated total investment return of the portfolio in order to allow the endowment fund to increase in value. Generally, a five percent distribution is considered prudent.

As an example, if the investment portfolio of the endowment fund earns a return of 9% and the charity takes a 5% withdrawal, the endowment fund will still increase in value by 4%. Each year, as the endowment continues to grow, the 5% distribution amount will also increase.

Women’s Fund uses five percent of its endowment each year to fund grant requests from various women and girl serving agencies in central Indiana. Our endowment is currently valued at approximately $12 million. The 5% distribution allows us to fund $600,000 in grants. Our goal is to grow the endowment to $20 million in the next five years. This will allow us to fund $1,000,000 of grants every year to improve the lives of families in our community.

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Making a charitable gift to the endowment of Women’s Fund allows your money to continue to "make a difference" year after year. Since only a portion of the investment earnings and appreciation is spent each year, your gift remains intact into perpetuity.

When considering your gift, you cannot make a wrong choice. Both the annual fund and the endowment are important for the long-term sustainability of the Women’s Fund or any charitable organization.

Elaine E. Bedel, CFP®, is president of Bedel Financial Consulting, Inc., a wealth management firm providing fee-only financial planning and investment management services for individuals, consulting services for corporate retirement plans, and investment advisory for institutions and endowments. She is the author of "Advice You Never Asked For…But wished you had!" available on Amazon.com. For more information, visit their website at http://www.bedelfinancial.com/ or email to ebedel@bedelfinancial.com.

Celebrating Volunteers

2010-04-27T21:30:00.016-04:00

Women's Fund. You know we are the expert resource for issues impacting women and girls in central Indiana. You know we are dedicated increasing options and opportunities for women and girls in our community. You know we have an $11 million endowment and make well-reasoned, researched grants to organizations who are functioning at a high level.

But, do you know who is doing all of this work? Certainly our full-time staff of three and four consultants are not doing all the heavy-lifting. Rather, it is an incredible group of volunteers who make it possible. We have an Advisory Board of 27 women and men who fit Women's Fund in as an important part of their civic priorities, we have 210 women who have participated/are participating in our OPTIONS/Alumnae program. And, many community volunteers who participate on our Finance, Grants, and Resource Development Committees.

This morning was an amazing example of the commitment of volunteers to action. We have just finished a six-year endowment campaign; typical organizations find burned-out volunteers and donors at the end of such a difficult task. Women's Fund had seventeen volunteers who gathered to talk about the next phase of fund raising and helping grow our endowment to $20 million. Seventeen women who have made a commitment to help us make new friends, ask for contributions, and help thank our generous donors.

We had eleven different volunteers who went on a site visit during lunch to learn more about one of our grantee organizations. Eleven women who gave up their lunch hour to see first-hand the difference Women's Fund is making for women trying to learn new job skills and find a well-paying job. Eleven women dedicated to telling the story of Women's Fund to our friends, prospects, and donors.

We are truly grateful for the many volunteers who stand with us every day to help improve conditions for women and girls in central Indiana. The impact of their commited support is significant and will help leave a lasting legacy for central Indiana women and girls.

National Crime Victims' Rights Week

2010-04-22T15:51:00.014-04:00

April 18-24 is National Crime Victims' Rights Week, a time focused on recognizing the rights of crime victims and raising awareness on ways to help victims.

Turning Point Domestic Violence Services in Columbus, Prevail Inc. in Hamilton County, and The Julian Center in Marion County are a few examples of central Indiana organizations helping victims of domestic violence. These organizations provide services ranging from shelter to counseling to legal services. One vital program Women's Fund has funded is the Grants to Encourage Arrests program, a partnership between Marion County law enforcement and The Julian Center. This program pairs an Outreach Advocate with a victim of domestic violence and is important to ensuring victims know their legal rights and can access services through comprehensive on-scene support provided by the advocate (see our blog post on this topic).

One story recently receiving national attention is that of Michelle Corrao, Director of Community Relations at Prevail. Corrao was awarded the Special Courage Award by US Attorney General Eric Holder and is the first Indiana resident to receive the award. A victim of a a violent crime, she has turned her tragic circumstances into a personal mission to help other victims and raise awareness. Through her work with Prevail the past seven years, she has been instrumental in working with the Prosecutor’s office to set up a Sexual Assault Response Team (SANE) in Hamilton County, among many other accomplishments.

Thanks to courageous women such as Corrao and important programs like Grants to Encourage Arrests, domestic violence victims can access help with professionals who are attuned to their needs and challenges. It is important not only to provide these services to victims but to stop violence before it starts. With preventative measures such as Heather's Law recently signed in Indiana, we are making positive strides. However, there is much more to be done, which is why Women's Fund is currently focused on domestic violence through our grantmaking. And, we hope others will join us in this effort.

Financial Literacy Month

2010-04-20T16:12:00.001-04:00

April is Financial Literacy Month. Experts report that Americans carry more than $2 trillion in consumer debt, which is more than the gross domestic product (GDP) of some countries. While those numbers are outrageous, they are also completely understandable. In this economy, we are living paycheck to paycheck, and using credit cards to bridge the gaps.

This problem cuts across all socio-economic, class and gender lines. I have personal experience with substantial credit card debt. In the last five years, my husband and I opened our own business, had twin sons, and bought a new house before selling an old one. Before we knew it, we were in trouble. And bear in mind that my husband and I have three advanced degrees between us, were raised by upper middle class parents, and have no excuse for getting up to our armpits in debt. But if it can happen to us, it can happen to anyone.

What is so striking about the problem of financial literacy is the shame involved. People simply are too embarrassed to get the help, guidance, or education that can go such a long way in digging themselves out of the hole. And there is so much help available. Simply calling your credit card companies can make a huge difference in reducing interest rates.

This month, everyone has something to learn about becoming more financially savvy. The days of our husbands handling all the money in our families is over. Women should be empowered to know about their financial situations, to engage in the decision making process, and to make use of the resources available to understand their financial situations. Women’s Fund has been committed to this endeavor for a long time, both by funding non-profits that educate women about financial issues, and by recognizing the importance of the issue as a whole, for its recipients, donors, and supporters. I am a great example that anyone can fall into a financial trap. The lesson I learned is that when it comes to financial awareness, ignorance is most certainly not bliss.

Celebrating the Health of African American Women

2010-04-15T15:17:00.009-04:00

April is National Minority Health Month – an opportunity for us to raise awareness about the wide range of health disparities among African Americans. As chairperson for this weekend’s Race for the Cure, I’m very aware of the stark statistics that women face:

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among African American women.
An estimated 19,540 new cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among African American women in 2009.
Breast cancer death rates among African American women increased 1.5 percent annually from 1975 to 1992.
The higher mortality rate in African American women may be related to differences in access to and utilization of early detection and treatment and differences in tumor characteristics.

I’m pleased to know that through grants issued by Women’s Fund, organizations throughout Central Indiana, over the years, have been afforded the opportunity to help women and girls live a healthier life. Below are just a few:

Little Red Door: provided qualifying women with prostheses, prosthetic bras, wigs, turbans and hats at no charge.
Planned Parenthood of Central Indiana: hosted peer education programs regarding adolescent sexual health.
Shalom Health Care Center: provided no cost pap smears and STD screenings for women who were underinsured or uninsured.
National Center of Excellence in Women: created interactive educational interventions for African-American and Hispanic women concerning HIV/AIDS.

Click here for a full list of organizations granted by Women’s Fund.

While Women’s Fund currently focuses its funding on organizations addressing domestic violence, insufficient income and caregiving; they truly demonstrate an overarching concern for women and girls through their long-term commitment to organizations addressing health.

New Law Designed to Prevent Teen Violence

2010-04-13T17:44:00.007-04:00

Over the years, Central Indiana has experienced an increase in teen girls who are in more violent relationships. In 2005, 13.5% of Indiana high school girls reported they had experienced dating violence (had been hit, slapped or physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend) in the last 12 months. This translates to approximately 5,000 Indianapolis area girls, ages 15-18, who experienced dating violence in one year alone.

As advocates for the prevention of teen violence and keeping our community's children safe, Women’s Fund was pleased to learn that on Monday, Governor Mitch Daniels signed “Heather’s Law” – a bill enabling schools to address dating violence through education programs and policies for girls and boys in grades 6 through 12. This was a great collaboration between many partners who developed Heather’s Law, demonstrating the importance of addressing this issue and reinforcing the importance of partnering to create change.

Violence among dating teenagers permeates many high schools and homes and cuts across every socioeconomic group. Teen violence is not new; however, it is a silent matter most adults do not recognize or accept easily, and therefore is not easily discussed and addressed. Teen violence proliferates from adult violence, often causing young children to repeat actions – or become victims of abuse. In fact, children witness 75% of all domestic violence incidents, and are, in turn, 1,500% more likely to become victims themselves.

Education is key. Heather’s Law has reinforced the importance of education and helping children – many of whom are in relationships for the first time and therefore don’t know and understand what constitutes healthy relationships. Women’s Fund has long supported community efforts that prevent violence, including funding a program through Ruth Lilly Heath Education Center designed to teach every IPS 5th and 7th grade student about healthy relationships annually for three years. In its final year, this program has become a national model and students have demonstrated increased knowledge of healthy relationships. This program, along with Heather's Law, are critical steps to reducing and ending violence among teens, and ultimately stopping its demonstrative cycle.

As a community, we must find a way to protect more young people from violence. While Heather’s Law requires the schools to take action, I believe it is the responsibility of everyone to take an active role in educating and supporting young children. It should be our role as adults to serve as mentors and positive role models so our children recognize abusive behavior and feel empowered to get help. What will you do to make a difference?

Remembering Ryan White

2010-04-08T13:28:00.006-04:00

Twenty years ago today Ryan White – the 13-year-old boy from Indiana who put a face to HIV/AIDS, lost his battle to the disease at Riley Hospital for Children. At the time, there was little or no understanding about HIV or AIDS, how it was transferred, who was at risk and how you could protect yourself. Ryan became an advocate, an educator and an inspiration to so many.

Today, organizations such as Women in Motion exist to help women and girls talk about HIV/AIDS. It was once a topic never discussed – a disease that barred Ryan from his school. However, Ryan's amazing story encouraged greater acceptance of students with HIV/AIDS and has educated the public about the disease.

Women in Motion, Inc. (WIM) is a non- for-profit, Indiana-based organization that provides education on the prevention of HIV/AIDS. WIM’s mission statement is "Education is Prevention". WIM’s goal is to educate as many individuals as possible about HIV/AIDS and its co-factors.

“One thing I’ve learned over the years is that the future belongs to those who prepare for it,” said Pamela Goodwin, executive director. “Without education, it’s hard to prepare.”

To date, Women’s Fund has granted $15,000 to Women in Motion for its education and outreach initiatives. Women’s Fund dollars have helped WIM conduct street-level outreach and HIV prevention to high-risk African American females. Women in Motion recently created a Teen Talk program, targeted to teens 13-19 across the city. Jennifer Keller, program coordinator, has seen an increase in STDs in teens. Her hope is Teen Talk can be that safe place for teens to talk, to learn and to feel supported.

Today, as we think back to the struggles Ryan White and his family faced, we are also reminded that the need for education, acceptance and kindness continues. We also should take a minute to celebrate and remember his amazing mother, Jeanne White Ginder, who did everything a mother could possibly do to care for and protect her son while helping him try to have a normal life.

Click here to read a tribute to Ryan, written by the Indianapolis Star.

Inspired by a Victim of Child Abuse

2010-04-06T15:42:00.012-04:00

Last week I attended a kick-off event for Child Abuse Prevention Month, hosted in partnership by Prevent Child Abuse America, Prevent Child Abuse Indiana and The Villages. Throughout the event, child advocates spoke about the importance of child abuse prevention and the devastating cycle of domestic violence. Statistics shared were stark. Each year, more than 20,000 Hoosier children are abused and neglected – that equates to 56 children being harmed every day and one child each week losing his or her young life to child abuse.

After hearing from Ebony, a young victim of child abuse and neglect, I realized we are all responsible for keeping Indiana’s children safe and secure. We are all responsible for treasuring, protecting, nurturing and teaching our children.

Walking away from the event I felt empowered to do something – to do something that could positively impact the life of a child. As I drove back to the office I thought about some of the programs Women’s Fund recently shared in a meeting with the Indianapolis Star – programs they fund that significantly impact the success of our city’s children. Programs such as Project Home Indy, which provides shelter for homeless pregnant teens; Juvenile Justice Program through Peace Learning Center, which teaches girls at Indianapolis Juvenile Correctional Facility conflict resolution skills; and a program through Ruth Lilly Health Education Center that teaches all IPS 5th and 7th graders healthy relationships.

Indirectly, as an OPTIONS alumnae and donor to Women’s Fund, I am doing something to make a difference. My contribution is impacting programs that Women’s Fund supports. Their grants focused on insufficient income, inadequate caregiving choices and domestic abuse in the home are truly helping create a better life for women and children in our community. As I look for opportunities to do more, I will look to Women’s Fund to help me make a strategic, smart decision so I can continue to help girls like Ebony succeed. As an expert resource regarding issues impacting women and girls in central Indiana I have no doubt Women’s Fund will steer me in the right direction so I can continue making a difference for young girls in our community.

Remembering Female Athletes During March Madness

2010-04-01T16:44:00.012-04:00

March Madness is upon us. As a Hoosier, it's hard to go anywhere without some mention of the college basketball fever lasting through this weekend. This year, hosting the men's Final Four in Indianapolis - along with Butler, a hometown team, going to the Final Four - the attention seems to be heightened. Although I am not an avid fan, I can't help but get swept into the excitement.

When considering all of the attention the men's tournament receives, the women's tournament seems overshadowed. There certainly has been coverage of women's games, but it does not seem to be to the extent of the men's games. The Olympics is one forum where male and female athletes have equal coverage, but more attention should be drawn to the efforts of all female athletes.

Who are some of the women in this year's basketball tournament? Although these women hail from diverse schools and backgrounds, and have chosen a multitude of career paths, they are poised for great success in life.

We recently posted a New York Times article on our Women's Fund Facebook page about the impact of Title IX on women. The evidence is showing that women have lasting benefit from participating in sports in high school and college. Dr. Betsy Stevenson affirms this in the article, stating "It’s not just that the people who are going to do well in life play sports, but that sports help people do better in life."

I am happy women and girls have a multitude of opportunities to participate in sports. I am proud of Women's Fund's support of programs, such as Girls Inc. and Girl Scouts, helping girls develop self confidence to pursue whatever they set their mind to.

Congratulations to the student athletes playing in this weekend's tournament. I encourage all of us to seek out opportunities to support female athletes.

Caregiving Options Help Central Indiana Women

2010-03-30T11:44:00.004-04:00

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

2010-03-25T11:59:00.019-04:00

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

2010-03-23T06:47:00.006-04:00

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

2010-03-18T11:24:00.019-04:00

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

2010-03-16T08:40:00.010-04:00

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

2010-03-11T08:04:00.004-05:00

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

2010-03-09T10:17:00.028-05:00

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

2010-03-04T14:31:00.007-05:00

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

2010-03-02T12:10:00.003-05:00

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.

Honoring Black Women in History

2010-02-25T16:40:00.019-05:00

February marks Black History Month, a time dedicated to reflect on the contributions made by women, men, and children in black history. One woman I learned about more recently is Anna Julia Cooper, who is currently featured on a U.S. postal stamp. According to the USPS, Cooper "helped establish local organizations for women, young people, and the poor that addressed a range of issues including education, housing, and unemployment" (http://www.usps.com/). In addition to obtaining advanced degrees, Cooper went on to become principal of a high school and teach at the collegiate level in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Anna Julia Cooper was not only a pioneer for black women in her time, she fought for issues Women's Fund cares about today; namely, insufficient income and economic empowerment for women.

As an undergraduate student, through The Other Side of Middletown book project, I had the opportunity to work closely with members of the black community in Muncie and meet many local women. The leadership of these women made an impression on me and led in part to my interest in issues impacting women and girls. One woman I will never forget is Daidra, a single mother raising a preteen son. Daidra lived in a house she built through Habitat for Humanity and, along with other women in her neighborhood, she helped look after the well-being of children in her neighborhood. While the importance of women like Daidra and her peers may never be written in history books, their significance is not minimized.

This month, the Indianapolis Star is highlighting important contributions by black Hoosiers, such as IPD officer Emma Christy Baker - the first black female police officer for the department. Women's Fund is thankful for the leadership of women like Anna Julia Cooper, Daidra, Emma Christy Baker, and other women who are inspiring leaders in their homes, neighborhoods, and communities. What black women have inspired you?

Celebrating Donors and Their Impact

2010-02-23T12:52:00.036-05:00

Last night Women's Fund held an event to thank donors to the Endowment Campaign. An impressive crowd of 200 people gathered at the Indianapolis Scottish Rite Cathedral to celebrate the impact their support has made to women and girls in central Indiana (click here for highlights featured in today's Indianapolis Star, and here for an album of photos on Facebook).

Co-chaired by Dinah Bird and Anne Steinberg, the event featured highlights of Women's Fund's recent grantmaking, and the impact of these grants. Thanks to over 1,100 donors to the campaign, which ran from 2004-2009, Women's Fund raised $7 million, growing the endowment to over $11 million. Thanks to the generosity of campaign donors, Women's Fund has increased our capacity to grant to women and girl serving organizations in central Indiana.

Other event highlights include:

Jennifer Pope Baker welcomed everyone, shared the success and growth resulting from the campaign, and detailed the impact of gifts to the endowment.
A video featuring interviews given by Women's Fund volunteers, of grantee organizations: Business Ownership Initiative, Girls Inc. of Franklin/Johnson County, Ruth Lilly Health Education Center, Training, Inc., and The Julian Center.
Elaine Bedel, Women's Fund Finance Committee Chair, spoke about financial responsibility through Women's Fund's strategic and financial planning.
Myra Mariani, OPTIONS Alumnae and co-chair of the OPTIONS Tenth Anniversary Celebration, spoke about OPTIONS, including the leadership resulting from 230 participants over ten years and contributions totaling nearly a half a million dollars.
Maddie Hudson, GO: Give Back Participant and 6th grade student, spoke about the impact GO has made on her and shared her philanthropic plans to grow her GO Fund so she can help others.
Ann Murtlow, Women's Fund Advisory Board Chair, thanked volunteers leading the endowment campaign, past Advisory Board chairs, all donors to the endowment campaign, and event sponsors.

A special thanks to corporate and individual supporters, resulting in the event being no additional cost to Women's Fund:

Eli Lilly & Comp any - Presenting Sponsor
Detail + Design - event planning and decor
Indianapolis Power & Light - invitations
Barefoot Wine - wine and champagne
Dinah and Larry Bird
BMG Event Productions - audio visual equipment
A Classic Party Rental - tables and linens

Women's Fund appreciates the support of all of our donors and thanks you for your generosity. If you are not a donor and would like to contribute, click here to donate now.

Following the Star and Finding Women’s Fund There

2010-02-18T16:43:00.003-05:00

I’ve been reading with great interest the Indianapolis Star’s recent series: Our Children. Our City. It’s their commitment to bettering the lives of Indianapolis’ children. Their news coverage and community initiatives will shine a light on the successes and failures, challenges and opportunities facing children and those who educate struggling, underperforming or at-risk children in the city's schools.

Reading the stories, I have found myself making a comparison to the work of Women’s Fund of Central Indiana and all that they are doing to support women and girls in our community. Each of Women’s Fund’s core issues play into the success of the children in our city. Insufficient income, inadequate caregiving choices, and domestic abuse in the home, with regards to mom, significantly impact the success of their children.

One program in particular I found fascinating – a program I was not familiar with until now is Future Promises. This program involves a significant impact on a girl's life and her ability to stay in school. Future Promises is helping reduce the high dropout rate by offering support and programs for pregnant and parenting high school students. With case managers in Warren Central, North Central and Pike high schools, students attend weekly parenting and prenatal class that teaches the young mothers about proper nutrition, child development and appropriate discipline techniques. Once a month the students also have a class on pregnancy prevention. Run by the Health and Hospital Corp., Future Promises is working diligently to keep teen moms in school and show them how to become good parents and how to get out of unhealthy relationships.

I appreciate what the Indianapolis Star is doing to highlight the issues facing our children. I look forward to reading about the work being done in our community to help children – and I won’t be surprised at all to learn Women’s Fund may behind a lot of the organizations doing the incredible work making a difference for our children.

Q&A with J.A. Lacy, Advisory Board Member

2010-02-16T11:49:00.003-05:00

Q. How long have you been connected with Women’s Fund of Central Indiana and in what roles?
A. I am currently serving my second term on the advisory board and have served on both the Executive and Campaign committees.

Q. What first drew you to Women’s Fund?
A. It’s evident how valuable Women’s Fund is to the community. The work that Women’s Fund does to leverage its philanthropic gifts to achieve desirable outcomes is incredible. I firmly believe in their mission and wanted to support an organization that plays such a vital role in our community. Women’s Fund addresses three critical funding priorities – economic self-sufficiency, caregiving and domestic violence – priorities that I believe offer opportunities to break cycles of poverty and crime while raising education levels – all of which make Indianapolis more attractive to employers and expanding of our tax base. I also support the belief that if an issue affects a woman, it affects a family – and if it affects a family, it affects a community.

Q. Who are/were your role models for "giving back" to your community and how did they influence you?
A. I believe wholeheartedly that stewardship is a learned behavior. I credit my parents and grandparents for teaching me life lessons in giving back and serving the community. They were great role models for me. Additionally, during high school, I participated in a Lilly Endowment program moderated by Dean Evans (former State Superintendent of Public Instruction) on Servant Leadership. That was influential in shaping my beliefs on leadership today.

Q. What issues impacting women & girls are you most passionate about? Do you have any personal connection to any of these issues?
A. As a father of four I know how important caregiving is to the success of a child. Research shows kids who don’t master education fundamentals, such as reading by third grade, rarely catch up. We need to invest in our children – they are our future. In order to succeed, children need to grow up in an appropriate environment. They need a safe, loving, nurturing environment. Women’s Fund reported back in 2006 that an estimated 59 percent of children under six have both parents in the labor force. This demonstrates the need for safe, quality and affordable caregiving options for families living in the Indianapolis metropolitan area.

Q. What would you tell other women and girls about Women's Fund to encourage them to get involved?
A. One of the attractive elements of Women’s Fund is that as an endowment, the organization is able to look at our community through a long-lens and support organizations through bold and transformative grants. By investing in Women’s Fund, you are allowing us to make a difference in ways such as making operational grants and providing guidance to women and girl serving organizations, ensuring these organizations are here tomorrow, as well as strong today. I also like sharing with people the pivotal role Women’s Fund plays in cultivating the next generation of philanthropic leaders in our community through programs like OPTIONS and GO.

Q. What aspirations and hopes do you have for women and girls in Central Indiana?
A. As an employer, husband and father, I have an interest in sustaining and enhancing the vibrancy of our community. While there aren’t enough philanthropic dollars to address every community need and I realize some concerns are merely symptoms caused by deeper issues, I believe Women’s Fund is improving the quality of life across our entire community -- men and boys as well as women and girls, by focusing on issues that derail our success at the root level.

Q. Tell us a little more about yourself.
A. I have been married to Elizabeth for 14 years. Together we have four wonderful kids, two boys and two girls. I am the President and CEO of locally based FinishMaster, a wholesaler of automotive aftermarket paint.

Raising Awareness for Issues We Care About

2010-02-11T21:55:00.000-05:00

As I walked into the CICF offices at the English Foundation Building today, I was greeted by four colorful banners with smiling faces on them. After looking more closely, I realized the banners featured people who lost their lives to domestic violence. Disheartening as this was, I found assurance from this effort to raise awareness about an issue Women's Fund cares deeply about, and to point to a resource many do not know about: 2-1-1.

Today is 2-1-1 Day. For those not familiar with 2-1-1, think of it as 9-1-1 for social service needs. It is a national dialing code, accessible in many areas nationwide (click here to access Indiana's 2-1-1 site). 2-1-1 Connect2Help locally fields calls for individuals in central Indiana needing direct assistance in areas of health and human service, helping provide information and assistance around food, utilities, shelter, counseling, and finding safety from violent situations. The call center has bilingual personnel and is open 24 hours a day.

I have not needed to utilize Connect2Help's services. However, women we strive to help through Women's Fund grants have. I’m glad women who need help have a place to call when they need it. Connect2Help refers callers to many Women's Fund grantees in our funding focus areas of caregiving, domestic violence, and insufficient income.

Domestic violence is one area that is more prevalent than we’d like. Domestic violence calls fielded by 2-1-1 in 2007-08 increased 33% from the prior year. 2-1-1 is able to direct women in violent situations to organizations like Women's Fund grantee The Julian Center (serving Marion County).

It’s important to raise awareness about the needs – and the available resources in our community – by celebrating events such as 2-1-1 Day and through other attention-getters, such as the banners at the English Foundation Building. I am excited about Women's Fund's role as an expert resource for issues impacting women and girls in central Indiana, and our efforts to raise awareness. How are you raising awareness for issues you care about?

Healthy Relationships: Among Many Ways to be Healthy

2010-02-09T16:12:00.010-05:00

Recently we posted a question to our Women's Fund Facebook fans: "What makes you feel fit and healthy?" It was awesome to see the diverse responses of many of our fans (click here to see). It is so important to keep our health top-of-mind. Many things can come between us and good health; it depends on our eating habits, exercise, strong relationships, mental fitness, and more. I'm glad that there are campaigns to help us think about certain aspects of our health, such as breast or heart health. For example, February 5th was "Go Red for Women" day, where people wore red to raise awareness for women's heart health.

Last week, I had an opportunity to go to the Ruth Lilly Health Education Center, along with OPTIONS Alumnae member Melissa Averitt. Women's Fund provided a transformational grant of $150,000 in 2006 for the center to provide healthy relationships programming to all Indianapolis Public Schools 5th and 7th graders twice per year over three years. This is truly an amazing program focusing on an important area of overall health and well-being. We hope that this program will help break the cycle of domestic violence.

Melissa interviewed President Julian Peebles, Program Director Diana Ruschhaupt, and IPS School 39 5th grade teacher Aksa Shami, who shared the impact this program has made on students. Click here to learn more about "STOP: Know What's Right" for 5th graders and here to learn more about "STOP: No Excuse for Abuse" for 7th graders.

We heard that teachers strongly believe in the program, students are enjoying it, and Ruth Lilly Health Education Center receives requests for the program to be expanded to other schools (they need more funding to do so). Because of this program, students have an awareness of what constitutes a healthy relationship and what doesn't. And, the innovative way the center delivers the program holds their interest. Rick, an IPS middle school teacher, told Diana "With the use of technology, music, statistics, and real-life scenarios, the instructors' interactive program allows the class to explore and think critically about the subject matter."

I love that Women's Fund supports of this important program for girls and boys in IPS Schools. And, I appreciate the great work of Ruth Lilly Health Education Center to provide high-quality programs for youth in our community.

Reporting on Girls Inc. from the Streets of Franklin

2010-02-04T14:56:00.006-05:00

I participated in a video project for Women’s Fund this week and although I was skeptical about my ability to be a “woman on the street reporter”, I had fun and learned a lot about the organization I was assigned.

The project: Women’s Fund, with the help of Smallbox, is creating a video (done by volunteers), that will highlight how donor dollars are making a difference for women and girls in our community. The video will highlight their three focus areas (caregiving, domestic violence, and insufficient income) through interviews with executive directors and clients. I was chosen to interview Girls Inc. of Franklin/Johnson Co. So with our Flip video camera, Abigail Coleman and I headed south.

The organization: Girls Inc. of Franklin/Johnson Co. serves over a 1,000 girls annually through really cool programs. I interviewed Sonya Ware-Meguiar, CEO and Tara Mirchandani, a Girls Inc. mom. Each had a personal story about the difference Girls Inc. makes in the lives of young girls. They talked proudly about their programs, services, community partnerships and outreach. They both agreed Girls Inc. is vital to their community. I enjoyed hearing about Operation Smart, Sisterhood and other programs. I also thought it was cool to know a former Mayor of Franklin was a Girls Inc. girl.

The impact: I’ve always been a fan of Girls Inc., but at some point during the interview I had an “aha moment”. As I heard about their programs and events, and I saw Tara’s face light up when she talked about what Girls, Inc. has done for her daughters, I realized I want that same thing for my daughter. At seven, Bailey still seems so young to me, but she’s growing up fast – and I want her to grow up strong, smart and bold. I was so touched and inspired by what I learned that when I got home I e-mailed Girls Inc. of Indianapolis (which serves my area). Thanks to their quick response, I now have Girls' Bill of Rights Day on my calendar (May 1); and will be exploring their summer camp for Bailey.

I can’t wait to see the final video. I’m not expecting an Oscar for my small part in the video, but I do hope the organizations featured will receive great applause and recognition for the award-winning work they do in our communities every day for women and girls.

Q&A with Julie Manning Magid, Advisory Board Member

2010-02-02T14:01:00.005-05:00

Q. How long have you been connected with Women’s Fund of Central Indiana?
A. I was a member of OPTIONS Class 3. I served as the OPTIONS ex-officio representative before becoming a member of the Advisory Board. I have served as the Nominations Chair and Women’s Fund Society co-chair and participated on a finance sub-committee. I am currently the Vice-Chair elect and will serve as Chair in 2012. I will celebrate 10 years with Women’s Fund at the end of my Chair term.

Q. Who are your role models for "giving back" to your community and how did they influence you?
A. Certainly many of the women I have met through Women’s Fund. The leadership while I have been involved is incredible – Yvonne Shaheen, Wendy Yerkes, Karen Gentleman, Julie Davis and now Ann Murtlow. What fabulous women to learn from about community, philanthropy and making the world a better place! I would have to say that my original role model for giving back to your community was my mom. She had a full-time job running her own business, 10 children as well as care for her parents as they aged, she became a single parent in her early 40s but somehow never let all of that interfere with her community involvement, from helping organizations to giving time to friends. Whenever I feel overwhelmed I realize that I have not begun to tap the resources my mom draws from day in and day out. On top of that, she also taught me how to shoot whiskey and drive anything with a clutch.

Q. What issues impacting women & girls are you most passionate about? Do you have any personal connection to any of these issues?
A. Education is very important to me. It is one of the reasons I personally became involved with Women’s Fund -- to continue learning and seeking new experiences, but as a Professor at Indiana University Kelley School it is my life's work as well. Education empowers women and these women can change their community for the better. Also, one of my primary areas of research is on pregnancy and how it affects women in their careers. Pregnancy and childbirth challenges should be better addressed in the community to allow women to reach their full potential and to help the business community better utilize the potential of investment in its employees.

Q. What would you tell other women and girls about Women's Fund to encourage them to get involved?
A. Women’s Fund is like having personal philanthropic advisors to help you lean about philanthropy and the issues affecting women and girls but also to screen agencies, conduct due diligence, provide guidelines and follow-up to grants and assure grants will continue in perpetuity through an endowment. By donating and becoming involved in WF you can make an impact far beyond whatever personal resources and community involvement you already have because you are immediately connected to an organization that multiplies the impact of your investment and connections exponentially.

Q. Tell us a little more about yourself.
A. I have been married to Terry for 15 years. He is the Executive Director of Indiana's Public Employees' Retirement Fund. I have worked as a Business Law Professor at IU for 10 years, the last 2 as a tenured Associate Professor. Terry and I have 3 sons who all attend the Orchard School. Although we aren’t from Indiana originally, we have found it a wonderful place to pursue our careers and raise our sons.

Unemployment Impacts Women

2010-01-28T17:19:00.008-05:00

Unemployment is an issue we see frequently in the headlines. In the last 18 months or so, as much as ever, it has served as a indicator of economic recovery. Many of us know someone who has been unemployed and the resulting challenges; or, we have at least heard stories that hit close to home.

Last week, the December statistics were released for unemployment. In Indiana, the rate has stayed steady at 9.6 percent, while nationally the rate is 10 percent. Unemployment in this time is directly impacting men more than ever, and women are more frequently the only income provider for their household. Specific groups of women are also being hard hit, as the competition for jobs increases.

When visiting one of Women's Fund's grantees last year, I found out that the typical woman they served had changed; more women with advanced degrees and polished resumes were seeking services to do whatever they could to gain employment.

An article from November, 2009 points out that unmarried women, as well as younger women and women with less education are harder hit in the job market right now. When these challenges are compounded by the fact that women working full time and year round in central Indiana earn 74% of a man's earnings, women in our community have an even greater disadvantage.

What will help? Thankfully, in central Indiana there are organizations like Training Inc., Business Ownership Initiative, and Dress for Success Indianapolis helping women position themselves to be successful and employed. I'm grateful for these services to women in our community, and proud of Women's Fund's support of these organizations.

Welcome OPTIONS Class 10

2010-01-27T09:20:00.008-05:00

This month, 20 exceptional women will begin a 10-month exploration of personal and group philanthropy through OPTIONS. They will participate in educational classroom sessions and site visits to women and girl serving organizations in central Indiana. They will meet, network with and exchange ideas with Women’s Fund Advisory Board members and OPTIONS Alumnae members. Along the way, we hope to provide you insight from the class through this blog. We plan to take you behind the scenes through personal stories, photos and class experiences. At the end of the 10 months, we want you to feel connected and impacted by what OPTIONS members have learned through the power of philanthropy and its impact on the community. But first, we want to introduce you to the 2010 OPTIONS Class:

Melissa Avery, Partner, Avery & Cheerva LLP
Tiffany Barnes, System Lead Consultant, Marketing, St. Vincent Health
Monica Boldt, Community Volunteer
Melanie Claymon, Community Volunteer
Kelli Dalton, Founder/CEO, Somersaults LLC
Lauren Edmundson, Manager, The Cohen Family Foundation
Quiana Graham, Director, Youth & Family Programs, Indiana Black Expo, Inc.
Danielle Harbor, Employee Relations Manager, Indianapolis Power & Light Company
Jennifer Cross, Community Volunteer
Jennifer Jansen, Community Outreach Coordinator, The Wellness Community
Reilly Kimmerling, Associate, IceMiller
Stephanie Lesher, Owner, Luv Ink
Courtney Lin, Clinical Research Scientist, Eli Lilly and Company
Shelli McDonald, Community Volunteer
Andrea McGordon, Vice President, Private Banking, The National Bank of Indianapolis
Katie Meister, Executive Leadership Advisor, WellPoint, Inc.
Jennifer Morris, Community Volunteer
Kelli Reifel, Community Volunteer
Susan Russell, CEO & Founder - Mayfair Lane
Katie Zarich, Director of Public Affairs - Indianapolis Museum of Art

To the women of Class 10 – welcome. As an OPTIONS Class 2 alum, I look forward to meeting you and reminiscing about my own OPTIONS experience through your journey.

Finding Insipiration

2010-01-19T13:39:00.008-05:00

What inspires you?

For me, there's something about a person or event evoking civic pride and collective community action.

Among the most inspirational speeches I have ever heard is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. Even today, when I hear the recording of Dr. King passionately sharing his poetic vision for our country, my emotions renew. As a young girl, efforts made by Rosa Parks, Dr. King, the Little Rock Nine, and others were woven into the most fascinating history lessons to me, and I have continued genuine interest in civil rights ever since.

Yesterday, we celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. and his inspired leadership. In this celebration, we can appreciate the progress our nation has made in the decades since his transformative leadership. While celebrating, we must also recognize the difficulties members of our community continue to face and consider how we can help. Thanks to services provided by many valuable organizations in our community, women and girls in central Indiana have options and opportunities. At Women's Fund, we see women and girls whose lives are lifted by:

Attending summer camp and programs offered by Girls Inc. of Franklin/Johnson County, Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis, Girls Inc. of Shelbyville/Shelby County, and Girl Scouts of Central Indiana.

Accessing affordable childcare and after school care options offered by Concord Neighborhood Center, Day Nursery Association of Indianapolis, and Hawthorne Community Center.

Finding healthcare and wellness resources through Little Red Door, Project Home Indy, and Step Up.

Seeking shelter and being empowered to escape dangerous relationships through The Julian Center, Turning Point Domestic Violence Services, and Prevail, Inc.

Your support of Women's Fund helps these organizations provide services to women, girls, and others in our community - thank you! Now, let's celebrate the progress we have made, and think about how we can help accomplish the work yet to be done!

Welcome New Advisory Board Members

2010-01-14T16:07:00.026-05:00

Women's Fund is grateful for the service of a team of community leaders who guide our work to improve the lives of women and girls in central Indiana—our Advisory Board. Members of this phenomenal group of leaders care deeply about women's issues and are active in all decision-making and policy development for Women’s Fund, including all funding decisions. They are strategic, creative and have truly helped us become the expert resource for issues impacting women and girls in central Indiana.

Thanks to 2008 - 2009 chair, Julie Davis, for her outstanding service to Women's Fund in this role. We would also like to welcome new leadership to our Advisory Board.

New officers for the Advisory Board will serve two years in their roles, including:
Ann Murtlow, chair (pictured, left). Ann is President & CEO of Indianapolis Power & Light Co. and has been involved in GO: Give Back including the Power of Girls program.

Julie Manning Magid, vice-chair (pictured, right). Julie is Associate Professor of Business Law at the IU Kelley School of Business and is an OPTIONS Alumnae, participating in OPTIONS Class 3.

Elaine Bedel, vice-chair elect (pictured, left). Elaine is President of Bedel Financial Consulting and has served as Women's Fund Finance Committee Chair.

We are also welcoming two new members, who will serve three-year terms:

Melissa Proffitt Reese, Partner, Ice Miller, LLC. (pictured, right).
Renee Washington, Contracts Manager, Northrop Grumman Information Technology, Inc.

The following Ex-Officio Members have been selected to serve one-year terms:

Julie Bowen, community volunteer. Julie is an OPTIONS Alumnae member, participating in OPTIONS Class 9.
Lindsey Rabinowitch, community volunteer. Lindsey is an OPTIONS Alumnae member, participating in OPTIONS Class 7.

Thank you and welcome to these women who are leading the way for women and girls in our community through their service to Women's Fund!

Inspired (and Intrigued) by a Great Philanthropist

2010-01-12T11:15:00.001-05:00

I have read with great interest the many stories about Ruth Lilly following her death at the age of 94. What an amazing woman who gave so much to so many. She had an incredible charitable spirit that she shared with numerous organizations nationally and locally, including Women’s Fund of Central Indiana.

Over the course of her life, she gave away an estimated $800 million. Women’s Fund received a generous donation of $300,000 from her in 2007 to support their campaign. Ruth Lilly was credited for changing a city through her philanthropy. Talk about girl power!

As I’m writing this blog I can’t help but think about the incredible impact this one woman had through her generosity. Granted, I will never have the fortunes that she had; nor will I have the ability to contribute to the community in the way that she did. Or can I? Can I work toward making a greater impact through my own philanthropic giving plan? Sure, I don’t have millions (not even close), but I do want to make a difference with what I have. So, how can I be more strategic? How can my gifts be more meaningful?

Interestingly enough (and unbeknownst to them), I’m going to ask Women’s Fund this year to help me answer that question. Women’s Fund is known to help people think strategically about their philanthropy. As an OPTIONS alumnae, I contributed to Women’s Fund at the end of last year. I did so because I’m passionate about the work Women’s Fund is doing to increase options and opportunities for women and girls in our community.

So this year, I look forward to being a more active alumnae member and being more aware of how my dollars impact women and girls. Look for future blogs about what I discover and learn about the impact I’m making through Women’s Fund.

Celebrating and Reflecting

2009-12-31T17:10:00.007-05:00

On the eve of the new year, it is timely for me to take a moment to reflect on the past year at Women's Fund and to share my vision for the next. 2009 been a challenging and rewarding year for Women's Fund. In the difficult economy, challenges faced by women and girls in our community have increased. This hardship has solidified Women's Fund's position as an expert resource on women and girls. Despite these challenges, we have had many notable accomplishments, impacting women and girls by:

Concluding our endowment campaign. Thanks to the support of thousands of campaign donors since 2004, we have increased our capacity to grant to women and girl serving organizations in central Indiana now and in the future. And, the launch of online giving is helping us provide better service to our donors!

Granting $337,500 to 13 organizations focused on keeping women and girls safe and helping women and girls gain and retain employment.

Celebrating our 9th class of OPTIONS. 210 women have given more than 450,000 dollars to benefit women and girls in central Indiana. These participants and alumnae are the current and future philanthropists and leaders for our community.

Growing GO: Give Back to include 67 GO Funds and almost 90 children and young adult participants. We also hosted our ninth Power of Girls event in collaboration with Indianapolis Power & Light and The Julian Center.

Launching a Facebook page and blog to create conversations about women and girls.

What does 2010 hold for Women's Fund? Continued progress through funding addressing our issue areas: caregiving, domestic violence, and insufficient income. Communication with current and future donors will be a priority. And, we will continue to be the expert resource on philanthropy education, through GO and OPTIONS. We will forge ahead in our efforts to improve conditions for women and girls in central Indiana--there is much work yet to be done!

Thank you for reading, and for your continued support. I look forward to connecting with you in the new year!

p.s. Our next post will be January 12th. Women's Fund and CICF will be closed the week of January 4th, so be sure to check back with us!

Resolving to Make a Difference

2009-12-29T19:20:00.023-05:00

It is almost 2010, so I am reflecting on what I was doing ten years ago, as the world anticipated what might come with Y2K. That same year, Women's Fund celebrated our first year of grantmaking. Ten years later, we have granted a total of over $3.2 million to 89 central Indiana organizations. Ten years later, we have impacted many women and girls in the community, thanks to thousands of donors, philanthropists empowered to improve conditions for women and girls through our permanent endowment.

While I've always cared about helping others, in ten years, I have grown my knowledge of how I can help the community I am a part of, through volunteering my time, serving in leadership positions, my career, and giving my charitable dollars.

There are many great causes to support... as an individual, sometimes it is difficult to navigate these options! This is why I enjoy being a part of civic organizations helping me focus my efforts (that's me during a service project with one group). This is why I also appreciate being part of Women's Fund, where we are an expert resource on issues impacting women and girls in our community, and on philanthropy education for women and children.

As we head into the new year, I'm excited to think about what 2010 - and the next ten years - will bring for me, for Women's Fund, and for women and girls in our community.

I ask what I can do to help make this next year even better for myself and the community? In this time of resolutions, planning for the future, and reflecting on the past, I also encourage you to learn more about community needs and how you can help. What are your plans?

Exploring a Community Center I Never Had

2009-12-22T10:03:00.008-05:00

I’ve become interested in Community Centers through my work with Women’s Fund. Last year alone, Women’s Fund invested $65,000 for operating expenses to three different centers (Concord Neighborhood Center, Hawthorne Community Center and John H. Boner Community Center). Growing up on Army bases, I don’t recall having a community center to go to, so I became curious about them. What are they? Who visits them? What do people do there? Why are they so important?

Well, the more I explored, the more I learned and the more I love about them. First, I love that the word “unity” is in the word community. That’s exactly the purpose of a community center – to bring unity to the communities they serve. No matter a person’s age or their needs, there are programs, activities and services for everyone.

For today's blog I decided to take a closer look at Concord (the picture is from one of their childcare graduations). Women’s Fund has provided significant funds to this organization for a number of years – from computer training for girls to childcare for women; assistance with basic needs to youth development. The Concord Neighborhood Center has been serving south side families since 1875, providing everything from social services, children’s programs, educational opportunities and recreational activities. They pride themselves on their ability to positively impact the lives of its neighbors.

So to answer my own questions:

Who visits the center? Concord serves over 1,000 women and girls annually (not to mention the number of boys and men that visit throughout the year).

What do they do there? Concord offers childcare, before and after school care, sports, camps, homework help, employment assistance, educational programs, emergency assistance, family literacy programs, wellness classes, health clinics, activities for seniors – and the list goes on and on.

Why is it so important? I’m pretty sure the first two answer this question. If it weren’t for Concord, people on the south side wouldn’t have these quality programs and services.

Once again, I thank Women’s Fund for introducing me to an organization I wasn’t very familiar with and for the dollars you invest to help improve the quality of life for our women and girls in our community (in this case, those living on Indy’s south side).

Include Emergencies in Your Giving Plan

2009-12-17T10:34:00.005-05:00

A few weeks ago, I attended a Women’s Fund event honoring OPTIONS Alumnae at Linda Mauer’s lovely home. First of all, I was honored to be a part of an organization that is comprised of such fantastic, diverse, and lively women. There were about eighty women present, from all OPTIONS classes, discussing everything from babies, to careers, to charitable giving. It was exciting watching the connections being made everywhere.

Once Jennifer got us all corralled for the program, we heard a story that I think may be particularly relevant for lots of us who may be reviewing our giving plans for this year and making decisions for the upcoming year. Two employees from The Julian Center came and spoke to us about the important work that they are doing. Of course, it is always compelling to hear the real stories of the families that The Julian Center is helping, from the battered women who have finally gotten up the courage to leave their terrible situation to the partnership with the prosecutors to ensure that batterers are held accountable. But what was really eye opening was a story that Jennifer shared about how The Julian Center lost a large government grant this year and faced a major budget crisis. The funding situation was so dire, and so unexpected, that The Julian Center faced immediate downsizing of its already lean staff. Jennifer mobilized her Women’s Fund network and helped arrange emergency dollars to allow The Julian Center to maintain the status quo while it worked to find replacement money to ensure that it could continue to maintain its critical staff.

If you contribute to any non-profit organization on a regular basis, you may receive frequent communication regarding financial crises that arise. Sometimes I know that I feel like charities may be crying wolf too often. And sometimes I wonder to myself why these organizations haven’t planned for the unexpected, and that maybe they are just preying on my human reaction to want to help fix an emergent problem. And perhaps they are. But I think the story of The Julian Center demonstrates that it shouldn’t really matter. There was no way for them to know that they would lose that critical piece of funding. The non-profit world can be a fluid, unexpected place, with changes occurring all the time that give rise to critical situations that require immediate funds. From changes in laws, cold winters, economic shifts, and other unexpected events, non-profits have to be incredibly dynamic to meet the needs of its constituents.

This is why I urge you to consider planning to allocate some dollars next year to emergencies of the organizations to which you regularly donate. For me, I always give annually to Planned Parenthood, but I also will set aside some funds to ensure that when I get one of those letters explaining that a local clinic is facing closure, I will be able to help address that immediate need, just as Women’s Fund was able to help rescue The Julian Center this year.

The Best Method to Gift to Charity

2009-12-15T10:25:00.002-05:00

The end of the year is a good time to consider donating to your favorite nonprofit organization and to take advantage of tax benefits. Today's post is from Elaine Bedel, Women's Fund Advisory Board member and financial consultant. We are grateful to Elaine for sharing her expertise with our readers.

By Elaine E. Bedel, CFP®
President, Bedel Financial Consulting, Inc.

If your objective is to maximize the tax benefit of your gifts to charity, I recommend you start early. Some of the best options will take time to complete.

Depending on the form of your gift to charity, you can receive tax benefits beyond the charitable tax deduction itself. To take advantage of these other benefits, you need to review your personal situation and plan ahead to allow sufficient time to complete the gifting process.

Gifting Cash is Easy….But Not as Tax Wise
Writing a check to your favorite charity is probably the easiest form of gift-giving. The gift is completed as soon as the check is received by the charity, regardless of when the funds are deducted from your account. Generally, the date on the check is assumed to be the date of the gift.

Gifting Appreciated Assets Provides Greater Tax Benefits
If you gift an appreciated asset, you receive the same tax deduction as you would for gifting cash. In addition, you avoid future potential capital gain tax. You would receive a tax deduction on Schedule A and eliminate the capital gain tax that would be incurred at the sale of the asset.

An appreciated asset is any property that you purchased for less that it is currently worth. If you sell an appreciated asset, you would be required to pay a capital gain tax on the difference between the net sale amount and your cost to purchase. An appreciated asset may be real estate, a work of art, an investment security, or any other property that you own that can be gifted to a charity.

Charitable Gift Funds Allow You to Front-Load Your Tax Deduction
A charitable gift fund, officially referred to as a "donor advised fund", allows you to contribute cash, appreciated securities, real estate, cash value of life insurance, and, in some cases, other forms of business ownership to your own charitable giving account. You can then request gifts to be made to charities through your account until your original contribution, along with any investment earnings, is depleted. You can establish a donor advised fund through a public charity. Many of the mutual fund companies have established public charities to offer donor advised funds. You can also create a donor advised fund through a local community foundation, such as Central Indiana Community Foundation.

Charitable Giving from your IRA
Anyone who is 70 ½ years of age or older can make gifts to qualified charitable organizations from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA). The benefit to the taxpayer/donor is that any funds distributed from the IRA to a charity are excluded from the taxpayer's taxable income for the year. Therefore, no income tax is paid on the IRA distribution. Likewise, the taxpayer does not take the contribution as a charitable deduction on Schedule A of the federal income tax return.

Priority of Giving Methods for Tax Benefits
The following represents the priority for methods of giving based on the greatest tax benefit:

Distribution from IRA (for those who qualify).
Gift of appreciated assets directly to a charity or through a charitable gift fund.
Cash or check.

Summary
Advice: Start early and seek professional advice if necessary.

Making a charitable contribution can be as easy as writing a check or as complex as valuing and transferring appreciated property. You will need sufficient time to complete the gifting method that can provide the greatest tax benefit for you. Since certain gifting strategies may impact other areas of your overall financial plan, you may also want to secure the professional assistance of a financial planner to analyze the appropriate method of giving for you.

Elaine E. Bedel, CFP is president of Bedel Financial Consulting, Inc., a fee-only wealth management firm providing financial planning and investment management services. For more information, visit their website at www.BedelFinancial.com or email to ebedel@bedelfinancial.com.

‘Tis the Season for Joy; Not Pain

2009-12-10T11:16:00.017-05:00

I recently read an article about the increased rate of domestic violence during the holidays, which really breaks my heart. The holidays are supposed to be filled with fun with family and friends, not a time for living in fear of violence. I can’t help wonder if holiday stress, stretched finances and increased alcohol consumption at holiday parties affect relationships and individual attitudes. I must confess I have found myself fighting back my own road rage recently – only to remind myself that the holidays are a time for cheer and joy, not frustration.

“Holiday stress” is no excuse for abuse (nothing is). If you – or someone you know, are in an abusive situation, it’s important to get help. Talk to a friend, stay at a relative’s house or take advantage of the many local resources we have available. Below are three places I’ve become more familiar with through working with Women’s Fund.

The Julian Center – provides shelter, counseling and education for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and other life crisis.
Prevail, Inc. – provides support and programs to victims of domestic violence in Hamilton and surrounding counties. They also staff a 24-hour crisis line: 317.776.3472. Their mission is to provide advocacy, awareness, support services and education to victims of crime and individuals and families in crisis.
Turning Point Domestic Violence Services – provides support to women, men and children who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. They have a 22-bed emergency shelter, the provide education, prevention and training programs; and they have a 24-help line: 1.800.221.6311.

No matter the reason; no matter the season; I truly believe there is no excuse for abuse! I’m glad to know Women’s Fund is supporting these organizations so victims of abuse can find help – and hope.

"Working it Out" with Girls Inc.

2009-12-08T16:17:00.007-05:00

When I had an opportunity to volunteer for Girls Incorporated of Greater Indianapolis, I was immediately interested. At Women's Fund, I had heard and seen many great things about the organization and its efforts to develop girls who are strong, smart, and bold. Through their recent expansion of outreach-based programming, volunteers and staff are reaching more girls through program delivery in community centers and schools.

As a volunteer, my positive perceptions of Girls Inc. have remained true. This fall, I lead a six-week afterschool program in a Pike Township elementary, through a partnership with Junior League of Indianapolis. Prior to facilitating the program, I received comprehensive training, detailed curriculum materials, solid staff support, and was paired with a volunteer co-facilitator. With all of these supports in place for volunteers, it is no wonder Girls Inc. is growing to meet the needs of girls in central Indiana.

The program I co-facilitated, "Work it Out," focused on helping girls, 6-8 years-old, learn to be good friends, work through conflict, and deal with bullies. A program like this is needed for girls of any age, especially with examples of unhealthy relationships so prevalent in the media. In six weeks we covered a lot of ground, with only a few minor hiccups... which you could expect with girls that age! I was impressed at the thoughtful conversations, positive feedback, and progress we seemed to make with many girls. At the end of the program, the girls were eager for it to continue and to share their favorite moments. Many shared one of my favorite lessons, the "Put-up Party," when they wrote and shared positive statements about each girl in the room.

This volunteer experience has helped me develop my facilitation skills and learn more about the current problems and issues faced by girls. It's been validating for me to see first-hand the results of funding Women's Fund has provided to Girls Inc., and I am proud of Women's Fund's support of gender-specific programs for girls in central Indiana.

Food Stamps on the Rise

2009-12-03T07:39:00.005-05:00

Women’s Fund recently asked its Facebook Fans what they thought when hearing the words Food Stamps. What images come to mind? Interesting question – and one I wasn’t sure I knew how to answer right away. So I read up on it, did some online research and have a much better answer today than I would have had a few weeks ago.

According to a New York Times article, food stamp use is at an all-time high and increasing each month. The program helps feed one in eight Americans and one in four children. More than 36 million people are using food stamps (now as simple as using an ordinary – and unnoticeable plastic card) for staples like milk, bread, cheese and other necessities. Nearly 12 percent of Americans receive aid — 28 percent African-Americans, 15 percent Latinos and 8 percent Caucasians. Those numbers alone make me realize that any one of my fellow shoppers could be using food stamps.

In fact, the more I think about it, my friends who have recently lost their jobs due to downsizing could be using – or could benefit from food stamps; my divorced friends who may be struggling financially could benefit from food stamps; my friends who are single mothers could benefit from food stamps. Maybe they’re already using them.

I’ve never been judgmental, but the first images that came to mind (until now) about food stamps were of people who were poor and/or homeless. Truth is, we don’t know the stories behind the recipients – nor do we need to know. What we need to know is the program is a much needed one.

I really knew little to nothing about the program until Women’s Fund asked that simple question. Now I want to learn more.

If you, or someone you know could benefit from food stamps (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), there are great local resources to get help. Click here to find out more.

Being Thankful

2009-11-25T15:20:00.010-05:00

It's approaching the end of the work day before Thanksgiving. Traffic on the street is moving by steadily as commuters get an early start home or elsewhere. I am in my office, wrapping up loose ends before going home for the holiday weekend. With tomorrow being a day to give thanks, I have paused to reflect on some things I am thankful for - big and small - in my role at Women's Fund.

I am thankful for...

Donors who believe in Women's Fund's mission and the importance of investing in our permanent endowment, impacting women and girls for years to come through our grantmaking to nonprofit organizations.

Advisory Board members and volunteers who work tirelessly to help women and girls in our community have a better future.

GO: Give Back children and their parents, fostering our next generation of thoughtful philanthropists and community leaders.

OPTIONS participants and alumnae, who have taken a step to learn about philanthropy, community needs, reflect on their values, and provide leadership to our community.

Working with a team of committed staff and consultants who go above and beyond what's required of them every day, for the benefit of central Indiana's women and girls.

The support of CICF to Women's Fund, and the dynamic resources they provide to assist us in our work.

Nonprofit organizations providing services to help women access caregiving, have jobs and feed their families, and keeping them and their children safe.

Women facing great obstacles and striving to overcome them, despite any barriers they have.

Although I could write much more, I will leave the rest to your imagination!

At this time of thanksgiving, what are you grateful for?

Volunteering as a Family

2009-11-19T15:46:00.002-05:00

Teaching my children the importance of volunteering is something that’s extremely important to me. It’s something my parents me taught me growing up and something I hope to pass along to my children. They’re young now (and would probably hate this picutre being posted), but some small things we do make a big difference. Each birthday, they go through their toys and find some to donate to children who are less fortunate. We drop them off together at places such as Coburn Place, The Villages and The Julian Center. Each Thanksgiving, my family volunteers at a homeless shelter serving meals. While my kids aren’t old enough to go with us, they know and understand what we’re doing. These are just two things we’re doing to help them understand the importance of volunteering. I want volunteering to become a part of their life, no matter their age.

National Family Volunteer Day is Saturday, Nov. 21, which kicks off National Family Week. I had no idea. But I like it. I like the idea that families are encouraged to volunteer together. There are studies that show volunteering starts at an early age, so if kids see mom or dad doing it, chances are they'll do the same as adults.

Women’s Fund may not be the first organization that comes to mind when thinking about family volunteering, but in fact, they offer two philanthropy education programs that instill that same belief of giving back. The cool thing is their philanthropy education programs extend beyond a day or week of volunteering together, but focus on lifelong giving.

GO: Give Back is a program that combines philanthropic education with charitable giving – teaching young people to make meaningful financial contributions to their community.

Power of Girls is a one day mother-daughter event that teaches philanthropy, the challenges facing women and girls in our community and the value of granting dollars to an organization.

I appreciate Women’s Fund for the work they are doing to improve the lives of women and girls in central Indiana. I appreciate that they focus on lifelong impact through its permanent endowment. I appreciate that they provide opportunities for family volunteering.

I heard someone with Women’s Fund once say: When you help a woman, you help the entire family. When you help a family, you help the community. That’s something I will keep in mind as I find ways to volunteer as a family – and as I continue to think of ways to encourage my children to give back.

I truly believe that volunteering as a family is a great way to spend quality time together while doing meaningful work in the community. Does your family volunteer together?

OPTIONS Alumnae Reconnect

2009-11-17T23:31:00.005-05:00

Tonight a dynamic group of 65 OPTIONS Alumnae gathered for an informative and social event. These women, from nine OPTIONS classes, represent a diverse cross-section of the community, including business and medical professionals, nonprofit employees, and community volunteers. As the ninth class of OPTIONS concludes and we head into the tenth anniversary year for this philanthropy education program, this was a fitting way to celebrate this year and launch into the next.

Some highlights from the event were:

A presentation from two advocates from The Julian Center's Domestic Violence and Indianapolis Metro Police Department partnership. The advocates shared moving stories of real victims they have helped and encouraged everyone to offer support to anyone they think might be in a violent situation. If you are interested in a presentation for a group, contact the Julian Center at 317.941.2200.
Kicking off the 10th Anniversary of the OPTIONS program, with appreciation to Jane Salentine for her leadership of the group in recent years, and welcoming Lindsey Rabinowitch as the 2010 OPTIONS Alumnae president.
An announcement from OPTIONS Class Nine about the three grants they awarded in their final class session.
Fantastic food, Barefoot wine, and great giveaways from Saks (for more information about a December 3rd Women's Fund event at Saks, click here).
Women's Fund updates from Jennifer Pope Baker, including highlights of the leadership OPTIONS Alumnae members are providing in other areas of Women's Fund, such as Julie Manning Magid as Advisory Board Vice Chair in 2010 and Chair in 2012.
An opportunity to complete a survey to guide next year's activities.
A drawing to win an OPTIONS Alumnae "Favorite Things" basket, with gift certificates, a candle, picture frames, clips, and more! See the picture, right, for a peek at the basket.
Sign-ups to become a 2010 Alumnae member. If you are an OPTIONS Alumnae and would like to join, click here to donate online.

The buzz was all around the room, as women reconnected with former OPTIONS classmates and met women from other classes. Thanks to the OPTIONS Alumnae Committee for putting on another great event!

National Family Caregivers Month - Think about the caregivers in your life

2009-11-12T11:55:00.005-05:00

This month is National Family Caregivers Month, which got me thinking about the roles of traditional caregivers. I am a working mom of 1 year old twin boys. I am constantly trying to balance the desire to work as a small business attorney against the needs of my kids to have me there for all their daily events, big and small. Even as I sit here and write this post at 5:30 p.m. on a Wednesday evening, I am making a value judgment that this activity is worth not being at home with my kids.

My nanny, my husband, and my family make it possible for me to be away from my kids in order to earn a living and to have a professional identity, which I have realized is critical to my happiness. They serve as caregivers for my kids and provide them with safety and security, but more importantly, they provide a diversity of care. My mother in law, whom I adore, has a different approach to playtime than I do, and that is a good thing. It means my kids get to experience a wide variety of approaches to child care. However, as all parents know, consistency is also key, and so my husband knows very well that he has to give them a bath before bed every night, even if a new Xbox game came out today that he is dying to play.

Having caregivers for our kids is a reality for women. I am ridiculously lucky to have the support system in place to allow me to work. Especially when I consider that most women don’t have the choices that I have with regard to caregivers. Access to good child care is critical to a woman’s success, both personally and professionally. As we celebrate the caregivers for our children this month, I urge you to consider the importance of loving, thoughtful, experienced child care and remember that Women’s Fund is intimately involved in assisting organizations that provide access to responsible and cost effective caregivers that allow women to support themselves.

Lessons for a Lifetime

2009-11-10T20:58:00.002-05:00

Power of Girls participants had a great time last Saturday at this ninth event hosted through a partnership between Women's Fund, The Julian Center, and Indianapolis Power & Light (for more information, click here to go to Ann Murtlow's recent blog post, or here to go to our website).

What did participants learn at Power of Girls? How were they impacted? So many of the "take aways" from this program go well beyond the day of the event... and even the responses we received that day are pretty powerful! Here are reflections from both girl and adult attendees:

"What one thing sticks in your mind from the Healthy Relationships session?

"How, when I was in two abusive relationships that the cycle would go again and again, and how I can recognize the signs." - Local 13-year-old girl

"Do you feel that your participation today has made a difference in the life of your daughter?"

"I think the participation in today's event has made my daughter more aware of women's needs in the community and the lessons learned in the healthy relationships seminar will make a strong difference in her life; it will open doors for healthy relationships now and in the future." - Mother attending with her 14-year-old

"What was the most valuable part of the day for you?"

"Seeing my daughter be a part of the process to learn of needs and experience the process of allocating donations." - Mother attending with her 15-year-old

"Do you feel you made a difference in the lives of others today? How?"

"Just seeing the happiness and joy of the mothers and children (at the Julian Center) made you feel like you accomplished something great." - Ninth grade girl

Do you know someone who could benefit from this meaningful program focused on learning about healthy relationships, needs of the central Indiana community, and philanthropy? Our next event will be in 2010; contact me at abigailc@cicf.org if you would like us to send you information!

Caregiving: Challenges and Solutions

2009-11-05T16:13:00.016-05:00

Many of us are fortunate to have the resources to be able to handle both day-to-day and unexpected caregiving challenges. What about those who are on the edge of making it—or not? Take, for example, the single mother who is working an $8.00-an-hour job. What if she doesn't have a safe, affordable childcare option, or a family member, neighbor, or friend to leave their child with?

Women's Fund has made a concerted effort to fund organizations focused on caregiving. We have made great strides in central Indiana, granting over $832,000 to address caregiving issues through organizations like Day Nursery Association of Indianapolis, Project HOME Indy, Business Ownership Initiative (BOI), Indiana Women's Prison, and John P. Craine House, for example. Our focus has been not only on care of children, but also of seniors. This funding has helped women access affordable childcare, helped homeless pregnant and parenting teens become self-sufficient, and promoted the start of businesses providing reasonable senior and childcare options, for example.

November is National Family Caregivers Month; to learn more and access resources, click here. Whether you do or do not have someone to provide care for, I encourage you to take time this month to explore what caregiving resources are available in our community and consider how you might help those facing challenges in caring for seniors or children.

Discovering “Did You Knows”

2009-11-03T08:37:00.003-05:00

I truly have had a great time getting to know Women’s Fund better over the past few months. Yes, I went through OPTIONS several years ago. Yes, I know several of the organizations who benefit from Women’s Fund grants. Yes, I have a few friends on committees and/or the board. But I’ve discovered some new things I didn’t know (or maybe didn’t remember). Take, for example, some of these “did you knows” that I’ve discovered – or rediscovered.

Grants: I was familiar with the fact that Women’s Fund supports women and girls in Central Indiana. However, I didn’t recall their primary focus on caregiving, domestic violence and insufficient income. The even greater “did you know” … Women's Fund has awarded a total of 236 grants totaling $3,244,077 to 89 different organizations since its inception in May 1999. This year alone they granted over $330,000 to 13 organizations. Wow!

Programs: I was familiar with OPTIONS because I went through the program, but what I didn’t know was some of the specifics about their other philanthropic educational programs, such as GO: Give Back and Power of Girls – programs specifically designed to teach youth about philanthropy and giving back to the community.

Research: I was familiar with their “Still On Shaky Ground” reports, but I find the work, passion and commitment to research on the critical issues facing women and girls in our community remarkable. Again, my “did you know” moment was realizing that the research and key findings help form Women’s Fund priorities when making grants.

Funding: This isn’t a “did you know” defining moment, but it was a great reminder, Women’s Fund continues to fund programs that improve the lives of women and girls in our community, but in order to do so, they need our help. They can’t continue to fund at the level they have been if we don’t continue to fund them. “Did you know” you can donate online now too?

I look forward to discovering even more about Women’s Fund -- about the organizations they support and the programs they develop; their research and key findings; and how Women’s Fund will continue to make an even greater impact in the work they do throughout the community.

OPTIONS and Impact

2009-10-29T10:46:00.010-04:00

We all have options to give money where we like: church, museums, not-for-profits, etc. My OPTIONS class number four had the opportunity to give money as a group. That is what I love about Women’s Fund. It takes all the money we give, pools it all together and gives it where it is needed.

Our group had $3,500.00 that we chose to give to Planned Parenthood, Hawthorne Community Center, Girls Inc., the Julian Center and the OPTIONS Scholarship Fund. I could have given a donation to each of these groups initially but my small gift probably would not make as big as an impact as the bigger gift we gave as a group. Don’t get me wrong... in today’s economic time, any donations are welcome. I know that giving money to Women’s Fund makes an impact that I cannot make alone.

There are now nine OPTIONS classes, each having the opportunity to give money to various organizations. It is amazing when we see the difference we have made in the community. If you are in OPTIONS or an alumni of the group think about the impact your donations will make. A little bit of money can go along way!

Power of Girls: A Life-Changing Experience

2009-10-26T12:28:00.004-04:00

Power of Girls is a one-of-a-kind program providing a unique opportunity to learn lessons that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Since March 2004, Women’s Fund of Central Indiana has partnered with Indianapolis Power & Light Company and the Julian Center to host eight Power of Girls events. Power of Girls IX will be held Saturday, November 7, 2009. Over the course of a six hour period, participants:

Learn what constitutes healthy relationships, recognize the signs of abusive ones, and learn how to get out of a destructive relationship before it’s too late.
Learn about all forms of philanthropy and how to help.
Hear a summary of current research about problems faced by women in our community and how Women’s Fund is helping in a very special way.
Understand what the Julian Center does, how it is funded and the cost of providing its services.
Hear how the Julian Center is changing the lives of many women in our community that simply have no where else to go.
Meet and do a project with shelter residents and tour the facility.
(Girl participants) Grant approximately $3000 to the Julian Center for purposes that they decide based on what they've learned about the Center during the day.
(Adult participants) Watch girls present the grant and explain their rationale for choosing particular services or programs to support.

There are several things that make this event so special:

It targets teenage girls, ages 13 to 16, at a critical time in their journey toward relationship building and teaches them some very valuable and practical lessons about healthy and not‐so‐healthy relationships.
17 adult/girl couples participate, making this an intimate and interactive session.
Although a girl can attend with her mom, she may also attend with an aunt, grandmother or other special woman in her life.

The cost per couple is $250. While this may sound pricey, I assure you this program provides tremendous value and an unforgettable experience ; the fee is also tax deductible. For full details and to register, please download the brochure by clicking here or calling 317.634.2423. Spaces are limited and are first-come, first-served, so register soon.

I can’t recommend this program highly enough. I attended with my daughter in 2004 and I encourage you to participate with your daughter or special teenage girl. You won’t regret it – in fact, it just may change your life… and hers.

Becoming Passionately Pink

2009-10-20T07:22:00.005-04:00

During October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wear more pink than normal; I eat pink M&Ms and I eat Yoplait and save the lids. For several years I have walked in numerous breast cancer walks locally and even 60 miles in San Diego for the 3-Day Walk. I’ve attended fundraisers and made donations. In a way, I hoped that would make me exempt from breast cancer ever affecting me – or my friends. Not so. Last year was a year when breast cancer became more than a “cause” and more of a “personal passion”.

Last year, my best friend from college was diagnosed, fought –and beat breast cancer. While I celebrated her survival, I mourned the loss of another friend’s mom who lost a long battle with it. With all of the money raised, research being done, innovative programs established, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.

As I’ve become more “passionately pink”, my interest in organizations supporting breast cancer has increased. In my attempt to learn more, I decided to explore the work of Women’s Fund and find out what they’ve done to support breast cancer. I was pleasantly surprised by what I learned. Once again, I was introduced to new organizations and new programs through the organizations and programs they support. Some of the organizations I wasn’t familiar with; some of the needs I wasn’t aware of – all of it will be things I will further explore as I continue my passion for pink.

Here’s what I discovered. Over the years, Women’s Fund has provided dollars to and for:

Gennesaret Free Clinic and Shalom Health Care Center: for breast exams, screenings and breast health education for women.

Indiana Women in Need Foundation: money to help women going through cancer treatment pay for non-medical services, such as housecleaning and childcare.

Little Red Door: to pay for garments, hats, bras, breast prostheses and other items so cancer patients can get them for free.

During October – and all year long, I hope you will celebrate the survivors, remember the fighters and find your own way to support the cause. One new thing I'm doing this year is chairing the 2010 Komen Indianapolis Race for the Cure. What ways are you becoming "passionately pink"?

Business Ownership Initiative - Another WF Success Story

2009-10-16T10:32:00.005-04:00

Three years ago, I attended my first Women's Fund dinner. I was in awe of thousands of attendees, all of whom were involved with and passionate about Women's Fund. Fresh off my OPTIONS class, I was feeling happy and motivated about staying involved, but I wasn't sure what avenue would best suit my enthusiasm. During the dinner, Jennifer announced a bold and transformative grant to an organization called the Neighborhood Self Employment Initiative. I was impressed. I loved the idea of helping women help themselves by giving them the tools to start and run small business, like daycares and cleaning services.

For a while, that was the extent of my involvement with the NSEI. In the meantime, they changed their name to Business Ownership Initiative. With the help of the bold and transformative Women's Fund grant, BOI grew into a much bigger, broader organization, offering one on one business counseling services, planning, and workshops to help people with any of their small business educational and support needs. In June of this year, I started a law practice with a focus on small business and entrepreneurial services. I contacted BOI and was thrilled to hear about all the programming being offered to small business owners. What was most impressive was the full slate of workshops BOI offered, everything from basic instruction on how to incorporate a business in Indiana to complex topics about sales and marketing. And now, I have worked with BOI to assist in teaching some of their legal related topics, even developing a new class for their clients on the legal risks of marketing using social media tools.

It was just a happy coincidence that I was introduced to BOI from Women's Fund, but it is not a coincidence that both organizations are meaningful to me. Women's Fund yet again exposed me to an organization using innovative tools to help women and girls in Central Indiana, and I am sure BOI's success is in no small part because of the Women's Fund grant that I saw awarded in 2006. There are so many other organizations out there that need our dollars and or time. My experience with BOI is just a great example of how I have been able to give both, directly and indirectly because of my involvement with Women's Fund.

Investing in Our Community

2009-10-13T12:17:00.008-04:00

What would you do with $337,500? My first instinct would be to buy a house, save for retirement, and give a portion to my favorite nonprofits. While this might bring joy to me and my family, I am proud to work for Women's Fund, where, with a similar amount, we regularly impact hundreds of people's lives through funding of central Indiana nonprofits. Thanks to our permanent endowment and all donors to it, Women's Fund will be able to continue this impact in our community for generations to come.

Women's Fund recently awarded grants totaling $337,500 to 13 central Indiana organizations. This year, in the difficult economy, we focused on organizations keeping women and children safe and helping women gain and retain employment. To do this, we engaged organizations with which we had established relationships, going on site visits and facilitating roundtable discussions to learn more about current community needs. A sampling of grants awarded includes:

Day Nursery Association of Indianapolis - $30,000 for the Tuition Assistance Program, helping low-income families access early care and education for young children.
Girls Incorporated of Franklin/Johnson County - $25,000 for operating support to help inspire girls to be strong, smart and bold.
Hawthorne Community Center - $20,000 for operating support to help women and girls living in Indianapolis’ near westside.
Prevail, Inc. - $15,000 for operating support of its victim awareness and support program serving Hamilton and surrounding counties.
Turning Point Domestic Violence Services - $30,000 to support a matching grant for operating support for Johnson and Shelby County services of victims of domestic violence.

Learn more about all of the organizations we supported this year by clicking here.

I encourage you to get to know what each of these organizations is doing in our community to support women and girls!

Friendships Made; Experiences Gained – Your OPTION

2009-10-08T13:16:00.011-04:00

Recruiting for OPTIONS Class 10 already? It doesn’t seem that long ago that I participated - eight years goes by quickly. Back then I was eager to learn; eager to make a difference. I wanted to participate in every leadership and community program offered. OPTIONS was one of several – and the one that had the greatest impact on me.

Times have changed and community needs may be different, but I’m certain Women’s Fund has adapted in order to continue strengthening OPTIONS and making it a meaningful experience for participants. Just to be sure, I called a friend. Tonia Lotz, community volunteer, OPTIONS Class 9. Our conversation reinforced what I was thinking.

OPTIONS:

is a wonderful way to meet and network with like-minded women. We made great friendships and connections – not just with classmates, but with community leaders.

opened our eyes to other organizations. We had been involved with nonprofits, but we agreed our knowledge was pretty limited until OPTIONS. We were introduced to organizations we didn’t know existed.

challenged the way we thought about philanthropy. It helped us understand when, where, why and how to give in order to make the greatest impact.

site visits provided powerful messages and often intense experiences. We were both impacted by our visit to the Women’s Prison. Tonia also talked about Girls, Inc. and how impressed she was by the girls' confidence. I recalled the Julian Center and how shocked I was at how many women and children were affected by domestic violence.

Friends, knowledge and incredible experiences – that’s what we remember most from OPTIONS. Consider applying and inviting others to join you. It’s an experience you truly won’t forget.

E-mail me at kelly@baisecommunications.com if you want to talk more about OPTIONS.

Creating OPTIONS and Opportunities

2009-10-07T10:00:00.003-04:00

We all want options in life: paper or plastic, Coke or Pepsi, run or walk, chocolate or peanut butter ... peanut butter in our chocolate. All of the grants Women's Fund makes are designed to give women and girls options, the kind of options and opportunities that position them for success in life. How do we have the money to give to organizations, who helps make those decisions, where does the leadership begin? One resource for all of those answers comes from OPTIONS.

OPTIONS is a year-long philanthropy education program for women who are 25-45 years-old. For nearly ten years, Women's Fund has been educating a new class of twenty women every year to learn about the needs and concerns of women and girls, personal and group philanthropy, the role of non-profit board leaders, and creating opportunities for site visits to organizations we support.

OPTIONS members are today's donors and leaders for Women's Fund. OPTIONS members and OPTIONS Alumnae are creating the future path for Women's Fund ... our future donors and leaders. In the past nine years over 200 women have participated in OPTIONS and Alumnae and have contributed more than $260,000 to Women's Fund. Amazing!!

To find out how you can participate in OPTIONS, go to our website: http://www.womensfund.org/ and click on OPTIONS ... hurry ... the next and last information session is October 13th and applications for 2010 are due by October 31, 2009.

Shining a Light on a Quiet Issue

2009-10-01T15:40:00.007-04:00

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Thanks to initiatives like Shattering the Silence, led by Angela Caine at WTHR Channel 13, domestic violence is more openly discussed in our community. As one of our primary funding areas, Women's Fund welcomes opportunities to shine a light on domestic violence and its impact on our community. Last week, Women's Fund awarded a total of $105,000 to three organizations providing direct service to victims of domestic violence: The Julian Center, Prevail, Inc. and Turning Point.

Connect 2 Help and Domestic Violence Network founded the Domestic Violence Navigation Hub (2-1-1) in 2003 to field domestic abuse calls in central Indiana. For the 2008-2009 year, Connect 2 Help's "Domestic Abuse on the Rise" reports:

3,682 recorded domestic abuse calls, a 5% increase from the previous year.
The violence is increasing, with 20 domestic violence fatalities.
There has been a 65% increase in the number of child abuse-related calls in homes were domestic violence is also reported.

Women's Fund research shows that children who witness domestic violence incidents, and those in homes where domestic violence is present, are 1,500% more likely to become victims themselves.

Domestic violence persists in central Indiana and impacts the health of our children, families and entire community. It is a quiet issue we tend to tiptoe around because we believe "it doesn't happen in my neighborhood," yet it knows no boundary by income level, educational level, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation. It's hard to imagine a neighbor or friend is experiencing this terrible violence, but it is happening more than we think. Will you join Women's Fund and help shine a light on this quiet issue?

If you or anyone you know is a victim of abuse, call 2-1-1 immediately.

Funding Cut; Women’s Fund Refuses to See Women at Risk

2009-09-29T16:37:00.008-04:00

This week I learned from Women's Fund that they are involved in trying to save a critical program in our community. Women's Fund stepped in after the Julian Center learned the Department of Justice is cutting funding for "The Grants to Encourage Arrests" program – a program credited with having a significant impact on saving lives and keeping women safe. Without this funding, six family violence advocates and officers who respond daily to domestic violence calls will lose their jobs. Without this funding, a partnership between IMPD and the Julian Center will cease to exist. Without this funding, women and children in our community are in danger. It's sad to know we are putting women and children at risk.

Last year alone, more than 2,000 women received help through this program. I hate to think what would happen if this program didn’t exist.

I think it's great to know that Women's Fund is committed to keeping women and children safe - and that their Advisory Board approved an emergency grant of $30,000 for the first month of support in order to prevent layoffs and help keep the program afloat.

The loss from this cut is nearly $360,000 ($30,000/month). Women’s Fund is now seeking others to join them in providing one month of support toward the Julian Center. If, as a community, we can secure a full-year of funding, the Julian Center can be strategic and thoughtful in their approach for finding replacement funds. I truly hope it happens, and I look forward to seeing who else will support this effort. Will it be you?

Domestic violence is too important for us to ignore. In fact, it's one of Women's Fund's focus areas. This is a timely topic too: October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. That's why we will dedicate much of October's blog to this issue.

Visit this blog throughout October to find out what happens to this program (let's hope for full funding) and other important topics related to Domestic Violence.

Bank on Indy

2009-09-24T22:22:00.007-04:00

How did you first learn about managing money? As a child, you might have had an allowance and a piggy bank, and as you got older, perhaps you had a part time job and a checking account. At some point, you probably learned something about the value of money and keeping it safe. Through economic literacy programs at local Girls Inc. chapters, for example, many central Indiana girls are developing money management skills at an early age.

79,000 Marion County residents do not use bank accounts, according to today’s Indianapolis Star article “Indy to help 79,000 ‘unbanked’ open accounts.” Instead, these residents utilize cash or payday loan companies that charge a fee to cash a paycheck. “Bank on Indy” is a campaign to encourage these residents to obtain bank accounts. Twelve area banks participating in the program will forgive those who have made financial missteps in the past and allow them to establish free or low-cost bank accounts, as well as access support services provided by ten local community centers and five Centers for Working Families (click on the article and program titles to learn more).

"Bank on Indy" allows community members to gain access to a resource many of us take for granted. For a woman living paycheck to paycheck, utilizing a payday loan company that charges a fee of $8-$12 per paycheck she cashes, the ability to establish a bank account charging no more than $15 a year may help her stabilize herself and teach her children about money management. Coupled with support from other community resources, such as Making Connections and Business Ownership Initiative, “Bank on Indy” is an important part of a woman’s path to economic self-sufficiency. Women’s Fund applauds this new initiative!

Options and Opportunities

2009-09-22T18:54:00.009-04:00

My grandmother graduated in 1949 with a Chemistry degree (pictured is the two of us in recent years). Her five hard-working daughters became a teacher, nurses, doctor, and a graphic designer/business owner. From a young age, my closest friends were education-focused, and they are now working in a variety of career fields. You might imagine one of the most important values to me is education, and I am fortunate this was modeled by many strong women in my life.

Still on Shaky Ground, Women’s Fund’s 2006 research document, shows, with equivalent education:

The salary of a male high school graduate is 78% more than a female’s, and

The salary of a male with a Bachelor's degree is 64% more than a female's.

This highlights clear economic disadvantages for women regardless of the education they have received, and, barriers to women achieving economic self-sufficiency without depending on the goodwill of others.

Concord Neighborhood Center is one of the many organizations Women’s Fund has funded in the area of insufficient income. Serving over 1,000 low-income women on the near south side of Indianapolis, Concord provides wide-ranging services, including affordable childcare, youth development, basic needs assistance (including GED classes), job coaching, and case management for senior women. Their services help women of all ages be economically self-sufficient and build a foundation for them, their families, and their neighborhood to achieve long-term success.

As a woman who has had many options and opportunities through education, I am proud Women’s Fund supports Concord and their efforts to help many women also have options and opportunities!

Are You Hungry?

2009-09-15T16:36:00.012-04:00

I am feeling hungry as the day winds down and am eating an apple and trying not to drip the juice on the keyboard while I type. For my entire life, I have been fortunate to have never worried about having food for my next meal. My food worries center more around eating too much food and making healthy choices.

This past Saturday our GO: Give Back participants gathered for their GO educational sessions and in age-appropriate and gender divided groups, we discussed Food: Enough to Spare? Enough to Share? It was a challenging topic for children to think about people in our country and community who don't have enough to eat. The children were open, receptive, and left the session with a greater appreciation for food, nutrition, and hunger.

Here are some comments from GO participants about what they learned:

"We talked about world hunger and hunger in the U.S. and I learned that 1 out of nine people are hungry in the U.S. and a lot more people are hungry around the world."
--Maddie, sixth grade

"I learned about hunger and soup kitchens. We talked about how we can help people who don't have as much food as we do."
-- Joel, fourth grade

"I learned that one out of nine people in Indiana are hungry. I learned if we do not waste our food then less people will be hungry. I learned if you want to donate give some food to Second Helpings."
-- Catherine, fourth grade

Stay tuned for more later this week about what participants like best about GO. In the meantime, for more information about GO, see our website: http://www.womensfund.org/.

Thanks for reading! I have to go clean my sticky keyboard now.

More than Fun and Games

2009-09-10T19:09:00.003-04:00

When you were young, I bet you liked to have fun and play games. I did too. There was always the fun of playing naturally with friends in the backyard and structured play times (like the 3rd grade lip sync performance). In hindsight, I most enjoyed learning when I didn't even know I was doing so. I was lucky enough to have opportunities like Girl Scouts and great programs at school to get involved in... so many good opportunities, it was sometimes hard to choose. I never imagined that these choices and opportunities did not exist for other girls.

In Shelby County, Girls Inc. of Shelbyville/Shelby County is one of the only girls-only programs in the area. They have a beautiful center located in the heart of Shelbyville and offer dynamic, affordable programs for girls. They are accessible to many girls and are working to reach girls living in the far reaches of their county. On a recent site visit, I was surprised to learn that they offer the only gymnastics program in Shelby County. They have an amazing facility and offer very reasonable rates so any girl who wants to participate is able to. The girls have the opportunity to compete, and some travel to do so.

In addition to their gymnastics program, Girls Inc. offers age-appropriate hands-on programs for girls, mainly in the summer and before and after school. Some of their offerings include gardening (in collaboration with a local gardening club), cooking, economic literacy, self esteem, and science programs.

Shelby County is lucky to have Girls Inc. to help girls discover they are strong, smart and bold. Women's Fund is proud to fund Girls Inc. because they help us fulfill our mission to provide options and opportunities for women and girls.

Everyday Leadership

2009-09-08T16:10:00.010-04:00

Do you see yourself as a leader? Many of us are leaders by nature of our work or affiliations. Leadership opportunities occur at many moments each day. Sometimes we take advantage of them, sometimes we don't, and sometimes we exhibit leadership in unexpected ways.

Over the years, I have had several trainings on leadership. These opportunities have helped me define my own style of leadership, think differently as I approach many situations, and not to sit on the sidelines. One of my favorite leadership books shared with me is "The Leadership Moment," which outlines nine true stories and reminds me how each of us can be leaders in our everyday lives.

At a recent Women's Fund event, Ann Murtlow, Women's Fund Advisory Board Vice Chair and community leader, said something to the effect of "strong women make strong families, and strong families make strong communities." While our community needs leadership in board rooms, companies, and classrooms, we also need it in our homes and within our families. Women are often the pillar of their family, so it is necessary for us to see the issues women face as important to the success of our entire community.

Women's Fund is providing leadership for women and girls in our community not only by bringing to light the issues they face, but by providing funding to effective nonprofits addressing these issues. Women's Fund has granted to John H. Boner, Concord, and Hawthorne Community Centers, for example. This funding has helped with services such as high-quality childcare and job coaching primarily for low-income families in the neighborhoods they serve.

How are you using leadership opportunities each day? What are you teaching others? How are you using these opportunities to make our community a better place?

Dr. Emily Frank - Chef and Physician Extraordinaire

2009-09-03T20:24:00.009-04:00

On Tuesday night, I had the honor of attending a dinner and talk given by Dr. Emily Frank at her lovely home in Carmel. For those of you who know Emily, you also know that she is a very gifted internal medicine physician, who has a passion for women's health issues. As if that wasn't enough, Emily is also a fantastic cook, and she is furthering that past time by attending culinary school. She also happens to be my older sister.

About twenty OPTIONS Class Nine members and OPTIONS Alumnae members attended. We enjoyed a menu of appetizers that Emily prepared, including blueberry and brie shortbread tarts, goat cheese, caramelized onion and candied walnut pizza, gazpacho with shrimp, tuna tartar, and dark chocolate, among other treats. Emily prepared all these delicious goodies from scratch with ingredients that were vitamin rich and contained healthful qualities such as antioxidants.

Emily's theme was wellness for women and she focused our conversation on the recommendations that we should all keep in mind as we take care of ourselves. We discussed everything from the amount of vitamin D we should all be taking to whether the BRCA testing is a reliable screening tool for the chances of developing breast cancer. One of the common themes from the evening was the question of whether we would alter our behavior knowing the out come of these types of diagnostic tools. Even if we knew we carried the gene to develop breast cancer, would we do anything differently? The recommendations for the general public are that BRCA testing is not a reasonable exam because of the cost balanced against the likelihood of preventing disease. That then begs the question should cost be a factor when determining who is entitled to good medical testing? What tests are excessive and may lead to unnecessary treatment, regardless of cost? In this climate of complex debate regarding health care, our discussion seems even more timely.

Another reoccurring theme throughout the evening was nutrition. Emily mentioned that the issue of nutrition, and more particularly weight loss has come up every time she speaks to women on the topic of wellness. In our discussion, we talked about nutrition and weight loss in the context of what diets Emily would recommend, what supplements were safe and effective, and how to balance our love of good food against our desires to be a size four.

It was interesting to contrast our questions against the questions posed to Emily when she spoke to the Professional Women's Group at Dress for Success. These women aren't any different than us in that they want to know more about their bodies, their diets, and improve and extend their lives and the lives of their families. What is different is that Emily had to tailor her recommendations to the PWG women because of their tight budgets and limited access to fresh produce and healthy food. Jennifer had a great recommendation that perhaps Emily would go to Double 8 or the downtown Kroger before she speaks to PWG again so that she can see the meager food options at the stores in which these women shop.

And that is what is so great about Women's Fund. On Tuesday night we had the opportunity to better ourselves by listening to a dynamic, engaging, and informed speaker who gave us specific recommendations on how to improve our health and wellness. However, Women's Fund's commitment to women and girls in need still found its way into our discussion, and we all paused to think about how lucky we are that we can afford those shiny Honey Crisp apples at Whole Foods. Women's Fund helps us balance the benefits of our lives against the responsibility to remember and understand women in need residing in Central Indiana.

Thanks you Emily for a fascinating (and delicious!) evening.

Go Girl!

2009-09-03T14:29:00.008-04:00

Driving home from a meeting with Women’s Fund, I found myself comparing them to an event I participated in over the weekend. On Saturday, I was one of 500 women who participated in the Go Girl Triathlon, an event benefiting the Julian Center (I can't believe I'm actually posting a picture from the race, but there I am).

At the triathlon, women and girls cheered each other on. “Go Girl, Go” was a common chant throughout the race. Women of all ages enthusiastically supported and encouraged each other along the course. Women empowered one another and lifted each other up. The energy and excitement was an incredible experience.

So, how does that compare to Women’s Fund? Simple. Women’s Fund awards grants that encourage and inspire hope to women and girls in central Indiana. They are the support and encouragement that organizations need to ‘keep going’ and to ‘finish the race’.

As I sat in traffic, my mind wandered and I thought about some of the women in our community who inspire and empower women and girls with grants from Women’s Fund. I smiled as I thought about how they cheer for the women and girls in our community.

I can see:

Sharon Pierce, president & CEO, The Villages, saying “Go Girl” to a teen who suffered abuse, yet overcame tragedy and graduated from high school.

Pat Wachtel, executive director, Girls, Inc., high-fiving a young girl as she crossed the finish line driving the soap box derby car she made at camp.

Niki Girls, executive director, Concord Neighborhood Center, cheering on a team of girls playing basketball, soccer or softball.

And the list goes on.

What women do you know who empower women and girls? I’d like to know so I can say “Go Girl” and Thanks!

Mentors and the green sash

2009-08-26T19:20:00.009-04:00

When I think of the experiences in my life that have made the person I am, there are many that come to mind, but one that stands out is my Girl Scout experience. I was a Brownie, Junior Girl Scout and a Cadette (there were no Daisy’s in 1973). I now realize how lucky I was to have amazing mentors as my troop leaders. In fourth grade, Yvonne Shaheen dutifully guided us through all the badges we worked on as a troop. She and Barbra Mundt took time to help all of us with our projects and take us to new places. We all went to Camp Dellwood, part of Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, on Indianapolis' west side. I don’t remember too much about it except it rained. I am not much of a camper, but we cooked on a fire and all and all had fun!

Girl Scouts, Women's Fund grant recipient, is much more than selling cookies - although I sold a ton of them. It taught me life skills. I baked my first cake because of Girl Scouts, went bowling, and sewed up a very cute halter top that I wish I could still fit into. I believe Scouting made me a leader. The Girl Scout Leadership Experience today engages girls to discover, connect, and take action.

We are all busy in our lives but ask yourself: who mentored you? Do you mentor anyone? I challenge you to take the time to give back to today's young women. They might look back one day - as I do - and say "thank you" for the life lessons you gave them. Thanks Yvonne and Girl Scouts!

Back to School...or Not?

2009-08-18T17:28:00.008-04:00

It is back to school season... yellow busses abound on our streets and school supplies line the aisles of our favorite stores. This time is one of excitement for many children and parents, and one of dismay for others. Most parents have to adjust work schedules to manage pickup and dropoff for their children, determine new caregiving options, and the like.

"Kids go back to school... or maybe not" talks about the challenges the Indianapolis Public School (IPS) system faces this time of year. Having worked with families and schools in IPS in the past, I know attendance can be an issue. I was surprised to see the actual number of children not present in the first days and weeks of school. IPS School 60 had around 100 children absent the first day, and according to this article, almost 9,000 children expected to attend school were not present on the first day.

Several questions linger in my mind: What happens to those children who are not in school on the first day - are they safe and well-cared for? What about children like 7-year-old Anya, who want to go to school, but are not able to attend due to a barrier related to income? What is the impact on our entire community of nearly 9,000 children missing one day, one week, or more of school?

I am proud Women's Fund provides funding to address issues around caregiving and insufficient income. I hope that the families who struggle with back-to-school time know their options. One great resource is our grantee, Indianapolis Day Nursery; they keep a list of childcare resources. Check back on Thursday for a post by Jennifer, who will continue our discussion about childcare.

Women's Fund Endowment Campaign

2009-08-13T15:37:00.002-04:00

Welcome to my very first blogging experience. This is a big step for someone who does not facebook or twitter! I make this exception because Women's Fund is an organization that is important to me and, I believe, essential for the central Indiana community. If you look over some of the previous posts, you can read about a few of the services provided by agencies that focus on meeting the needs of women and girls. Women's Fund exists to support agencies that provide these front-line services. It does so by distributing grants to effective and innovative agencies that will transform lives. However, it is important to me that the impact is not a short-term one. The transformation of a single woman or girl is amazing, but it takes more to build a community and sustain that success.

Women's Fund maintains a permanent endowment. A well-funded endowment allows Women's Fund to research and communicate the needs of women and girls in this community. A well-funded endowment supports the needs of the agencies to continue their crucial services. A well-funded endowment creates opportunities for sustained success in changing the lives of our friends and neighbors. A well-funded endowment builds communities that help women and men, girls and boys, live lives of dignity.

I believe in this mission and I have seen the impact Women’s Fund already has had on this community. When Women’s Fund determined to do more for central Indiana so that agencies with qualified needs were not left without adequate funding, I was grateful to be able to contribute to and participate in its endowment campaign. Women’s Fund is in the final few months of a crucial campaign to grow its endowment an additional $10 million. This will allow Women’s Fund to significantly increase its impact on the community, with a goal of distributing $1 million dollars a year.

Contributing toward the transformation of lives and building a better community through an organization that so carefully monitors and distributes my philanthropic dollars means that I can make an immediate and lasting impact through one endowment fund that will support this community well beyond my lifetime. Reach me through Women's Fund. I would be glad to tell you more about making a donation that impacts lives for more than a lifetime.

Planning for Impact

2009-08-11T15:56:00.005-04:00

What do all of the following entities have in common?

Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Woman magazine
Indianapolis Airport Air Traffic Control

Planning. All of these have a plan - a detailed plan - to accomplish great success. The Indianapolis Colts spend months recruiting players, determining a training schedule, running routes and drills. Indianapolis Woman has a dynamic content and image plan for each issue. The Indianapolis Airport's Air Traffic Control artfully instruments a high volume of air traffic safely on and off its runways every day.

What does this have to do with Women's Fund and with you? Everything! Women's Fund places an emphasis on careful planning. For example, our Advisory Board leadership is planned years in advance and we recently adopted a strategic plan. We also make grantmaking decisions informed in part by our research, such as Still on Shaky Ground 2006.

You know that planning helps you get places on time and remember important tasks. What about your personal philanthropy? If you are like many people, you probably have not thought carefully about your philanthropy goals. What are your values? What issues do you want to impact? It is never too early or late in life to become more strategic with your personal giving.

Personally, since joining the Women's Fund and CICF team about a year ago, I have become a more thoughtful philanthropist and have grown in my efforts to impact areas I care about. Over time, we will share on this blog how Women's Fund helps many current and future donors with their philanthropy planning, through programs such as GO: Give Back and OPTIONS.

A Delightful Experience

2009-08-06T09:18:00.007-04:00

As an alumnus of OPTIONS Class Eight, I had the opportunity to attend a Girls Inc. “Do’s and Taboo’s Class – Etiquette Tea Class” last Wednesday, July 29, to see a program funded by the members of the OPTIONS Class Eight.

Two sessions took place at the Morris-Butler House, attended by 55 girls from 6 to 14 years of age. The class began with a tour of the historic home followed by the initial test of setting a table properly. I sat at a table with four girls with ages ranging from 11-14. They struggled to set the table correctly. Do you remember if the fork goes on top of the napkin or to the right of it? Where is the knife’s blade positioned next to the plate? I failed to get these two items correct (by the way, the napkin goes to the left of the fork and the blade of the knife faces the plate). It was an interesting exercise for us all.

Tea and finger foods were served with instructions provided throughout the session. Amy, the program director at the Morris-Butler House, provided interesting etiquette tips and asked various etiquette questions of the group. Many hands were raised with either the answer or another etiquette question. My OPTIONS classmates felt very strongly about providing this type of instruction and experience to the participants of Girls Inc. We understand the value of having good etiquette skills in the business environment and how that can give them an edge.

I will leave you with the Cardinal Rules for Dining that was shared with us on the back of our menu:

Always say “Please” and “Thank You".
Keep the conversation pleasant and enjoyable. Never engage in gossip.
Always bring food to your mouth, not the mouth to the food.
Never talk with your mouth full.
Don’t blow your nose on your napkin – ask to be excused and visit the restroom.
Chewing gum and applying makeup are never allowed at the table.
Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Toothpicks are never used at the table, nor are forks to be used as toothpicks.

Also, I wanted to extend congratulations to Girls Inc. on its 40th Anniversary!

Celebrating 40 Years

2009-08-04T15:36:00.018-04:00

Girls Incorporated of Greater Indianapolis celebrates their 40th anniversary this year. As a long-standing Women's Fund grantee, we are proud to support their work to help girls become strong, smart, and bold. This year, we provided funding for their summer camp program as in previous years; we have also funded staff and volunteer training, for example. Programs such as "She's on the Money!", which teaches economic literacy skills, are a great benefit to the girls and their families, and, ultimately, our community.

In June, I had the opportunity to go on a site visit to Girls Inc., where Women's Fund visitors participated in a summer camp program about beauty and self-perceptions. We were shown a video from the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty which reminded me about the unrealistic expectations the media establishes for beauty. Alongside young ladies participating in the summer camp program, we critiqued the images portrayed by female superheroes and were challenged to work in teams to create our own "new and improved" female superhero. The girls had some amazing ideas which they confidently presented to the entire group. This exercise was a first-hand example of the impact of their programs on girls.

This Thursday, August 6, is Girls Inc.'s annual Touchstone Awards luncheon. This year, they are celebrating their 40th anniversary and honoring 40 strong, smart, and bold central Indiana women. It is not too late to register; sign up now by following this link.

Check back with us this Thursday for a post by OPTIONS Class 8 participant Shelley Raper, who will share about her etiquette lesson with Girls Inc. summer camp participants.

Summer Camp ... at Indiana Women's Prison

2009-07-29T10:20:00.005-04:00

How many of you think back to childhood and remember the joy of summer camp? I remember it seemed to take forever for the school year to end and the hot, sticky summer to begin. While the days flew by too fast, I had magnificent weeks of summer camp wedged in between the school years. Day camp or sleep-away camp, it didn't matter, it was a great way to do something fun and to be independent of teachers, parents and all the other structures of my childhood. I see the same joy through my daughter's eyes this summer; she has been totally and completely wrapped in the sweet dirt, sun, and water that I remember as a child.

So, as much as I LOVE summer camp, I have to say I was astounded to learn about summer day camp at the Indiana Women's Prison (IWP). I first learned about the summer camp ten years ago through a partnership with the former YWCA and I had to see it to believe it. I couldn't imagine how and why. Once I spent a day there, I was an immediate convert and an ardent supporter.

The summer camp at IWP was started as a week-long day camp for children whose mothers participated in the Family Preservation Program (see earlier posts). Each day the children would come to IWP and participate in the kind of day camp activities they might do anywhere else, except at this day camp the kids do everything with their mothers. Crafts, games, songs, skits, snacks, camp lunch ... you name it; they did it. The grounds of IWP remind me of a small college; old brick buildings, a pretty green lawn, simple but nice landscaping. So summer camp there seemed summery, not scary behind big bars.

The children had a unique opportunity to bond with their mothers and to also connect with other children who understand completely the feeling of having a mother who is incarcerated. No one had to explain themselves or feel ashamed, they just knew and it was okay. For the children who didn't live close-by, in the evenings they were able to spend the night at the facility of another child-serving organization and have the opportunity to debrief about the days activities. For the mothers, this opportunity was unlike anything else they experienced throughout the year. A taste of home, love, and the opportunity to really connect with their children ... a hope for what the future might be like when they leave prison.

The economy has taken a toll on summer camp. Today the experience is just one day on the weekend; a far cry from the week with mom several years ago. It's unfortunate but the DOC doesn't have the extra money or the extra staff to support the huge endeavor of a week long camp. So while I am sad about this change and think of the missed opportunities for children and mothers, I do understand. I would much rather have critical programming such as education and job training stay in place. I would much rather see the Family Preservation Program with it's extended visitation throughout the year stay in place.

For those of us who can hug our children every day and tell them how much we love them ... don't forget to do it!

Family Preservation @ The Indiana Women's Prison

2009-07-23T21:52:00.003-04:00

Hi - it's Jennifer again ... I have been interested to see the recent spate of newspaper articles and stories on the news about our state prison system. I think it is a natural reaction for many people to roll their eyes and not have sympathies towards those who are incarcerated; afterall, they have committed crimes and deserve to be punished. Agreed. However, I think it is critical for everyone in our community to understand it benefits all of us if offenders have access to programming to help pave the way for successful re-entry into our community. This means proper healthcare, alcohol/drug/addictions counseling, education, job training, and parenting classes.

Women's Fund has long supported the Family Preservation Program at the Indiana Women's Prison (IWP) because we believe a woman is more likely to live a lawful life and not re-offend if she has the tools necessary to be a good mother. So what does this mean?

Unless a mother has committed a crime against her child, she doesn't necessarily lose legal custody of that child when she goes to prison. Typically her mother, sister, aunt, neighbor, friend agrees to take care of the child/ren during her absence. That can be comforting to the mother knowing someone she knows will care for her child. However, care for that child can be difficult. If the caregiver doesn't have legal custody, they aren't able to access medical/dental care, school records, public benefits, etc.

Several years ago Women's Fund gave funding to hire a social worker who would work with the caregivers to ensure they were able to access the services the children needed in order to be healthy, educated, well-fed, etc.

Additionally, Women's Fund has provided support to the Family Preservation Program at IWP which allows a mother and child to have more intimate visitations than allowed in the typical visitation room. If a mother participates in appropriate parenting classes and meets other requirements set forth by IWP, she can be allowed up to eight hours a month of visitation with her child/ren in a family room setting. The mother and child/ren can read stories, play games, have snacks, and spend special time together. The opportunity to create and nuture this bond is important to the emotional well-being of mother and children, leads to successful reconnections upon the mother's release, and provides a powerful motivation for the mother to stay on a good track while incarcerated and then to be successful upon re-entry.

The women who have participated in the Family Preservation Program are significantly less likely to re-offend than women who have not. I once heard a statistic from a former superintendent at IWP that goes like this: 60% of all offenders will re-offend, 40% of women will re-offend, 27% of women at IWP will re-offend and only 9% of the women who participate in Family Preservation will re-offend. I cannot verify if those statistics from ten years ago still hold true. I can tell you the pattern is likely to be very consistent.

Women's Fund is proud to be a part of helping the women at Indiana Women's Prison stay connected to their families and prepare for successful re-entry.

Indiana Women in Prison

2009-07-21T13:18:00.005-04:00

The front page of today's Indianapolis Star tells a story we are, unfortunately, familiar with at Women's Fund. In the past eight years, the number of women incarcerated in Indiana has risen 61%. If you read the article (if you click on the title of this blog post, you will be directed to the article on the IndyStar website), you can discover the varied reasons why; as you might imagine, drug use/abuse is a huge contributing factor.

The article doesn't mention how domestic violence contributes to crime activity, but we know from our work with the Indiana Women's Prison that many women are there due to an abusive relationship: being force to drive the getaway car, carry the drugs or stolen items, etc. and sometimes, the women are there because they committed a crime against the abuser in retaliation for the abuse.

Women's Fund has had a long relationship with the Indiana Women's Prison (IWP). Some may ask why? There are several reasons, the most signficant being that with few exceptions, the women who are incarcerated at IWP will be released and return to living in our community. We want to help support programming that will give these women a good head start in being successful contributors to our community, as opposed to a continued drain on the community.

We also know the children of incarcerated mothers are among the most vulnerable and marginalized children in our community; by providing support to programs to help mothers with parenting classes and opportunities to connect and bond with their children, they have even more motivation to be successful upon release.

Women's Fund has provided significant grants to the Indiana Women's Prison over the past ten years. I will highlight the three major areas (Family Preservation, summer camp, and the new Nursery) in the next several blog entries.

The Department of Corrections has announced they will be moving women out of the 100 year-old Women's Prison to a new facility. How will this impact the women and the services they receive? I am not sure. As a member of the Community Advisory Board of the Indiana Women's Prison, I have been in touch with the Superintendent, Steve McAuley to learn more about the situation and will continue to do so in the months ahead. At this point, I don't know much more than has been in the papers, it seems like there is still a lot of work to be done in the planning and implementation process. Look for updates from me in this blog.

Learning the Lingo

2009-07-16T15:47:00.015-04:00

Most of us tend to use a specific vocabulary, or set of words, among our friends and family groups, coworkers, and organizations we are involved with. Women's Fund of Central Indiana and Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) are no exception. One of the terms I struggled with when I first joined the Women's Fund team is fundamental to our work today and in the future: endowment. A more sophisticated philanthropist would probably not be challenged by this word. I, however, rarely had a reason to use this term before, so here are some things I have learned.

An endowment is a permanent fund; the assets are invested to generate income and the principle is never spent, ensuring the permanence of the fund. This is different from giving to a specific organization at one moment in time, where a donation is usually spent within the same year.

While an endowment tends to grow in good economic times and shrink in bad ones, the investment is in the long term. Women's Fund is fortunate to have our endowment through CICF, especially in the current economy; our combined assets connect us to a more diverse investment pool than if we were on our own.

The needs of women and girls in central Indiana will change over time. To accomodate for these ever-changing needs, granting from the Women's Fund endowment will flexibly adapt over time. Our endowment grows over time thanks to donors who have long-term confidence in us. This growth allows more dollars to be granted back into the community every year. Women's Fund will proudly and responsibly steward these dollars for generations to come, thanks to our permanent, flexible endowment.

Taking a Charitable Staycation

2009-07-14T15:33:00.004-04:00

Are you being inundated with requests for charitable gifts this year? Are your inboxes and mailboxes full of invitations, stories, and pulls to your heartstrings? Are you finding yourself challenged by how to respond when your financial situation is different than in the past? If you answer yes to any of these questions, then you can empathize with the way Women's Fund is feeling in 2009. Our endowment losses in 2008 were significant, the economic pressure on the organizations we support is growing, and women and girls have greater needs than ever before. How will Women's Fund meet the challenges presented by all of these scenarios?

Women's Fund considered how to best tackle the significant downshift in funding available and recognized, just like families on a budget, maybe we have to think about staycation instead of a fabulous vacation to favorite stomping grounds or exploring new and exciting cities. For us a staycation means staying true to our three key priority areas: caregiving, domestic violence, and insufficient income. The fabulous vacation that will have to wait includes: all the other important programming and services to help women and girls increase their physical and mental well-being.

In 2009, our Grants Committee will be considering how they can make grants to continue to provide core services in each of our three priority areas by asking the following three questions: do children have a safe and affordable place to go while Mom is at work or school; is there a safe shelter for women and their children to seek when escaping violence; and, are women able to gain and maintain employment allowing them to take care of themselves and their families without depending on the goodwill of others?

If you are a donor to Women's Fund, thank you! I promise to you that our Grants Committee, Advisory Board, and staff are sincerely committed to making sure the gift you entrusted to us will continue have a significant impact during the economic turmoil facing many non-profits and their clients in our community. Thank you for helping us create options and opportunities for women and girls who may often feel like they don't have many of either and certainly need someone to believe and them and encourage them on their journey.

As always, I appreciate your interest in and support of Women's Fund.

Transforming Lives through Training and Education

2009-07-09T10:53:00.013-04:00

Hi, I'm Abigail Coleman, Women's Fund Development Officer. I am excited to contribute to the conversation about issues impacting women and girls and am interested in our collective efforts to lessen them. I hope our blog will inspire additional conversation - and action - around these issues.

As a native central Indiana Hoosier, I am fortunate to have been a part of the Women’s Fund team for nearly a year now. It has been enlightening to engage through the lens of Women's Fund. I'm learning about organizations playing a significant role in the success of our community, many of which I previously knew little or nothing about.

Thanks to great family support and encouragement, I am a graduate of Ball State University and SPEA at Indiana University Indianapolis. I am grateful for my family's support and as a result, I aspire to continue to make positive contributions to our community both professionally and personally. With this fortune, I often find myself asking: What about those who do not have the resources? And those whose support network is fragile, such as domestic violence victims? I’ve found some of the answers through Women's Fund, our funding focuses, and some amazing central Indiana nonprofits.

With the economic woes that have stricken our community and world, nonprofits are relied upon more heavily right now; those funded by Women's Fund in core funding areas of caregiving, domestic violence, and insufficient income are as relevant now as ever. Organizations such as Women's Fund grant recipient Training, Inc. provide services to those who do not have the support or resources and are hit even harder by the current economy.

The core function of Training, Inc. is to provide career training for people living in poverty in Marion County. 80% of clients are women, 77% of these women are single mothers with an average of 2 children each and 16% of these women have at one time been in a domestic violence relationship.

Through the Career Track program, Training, Inc. participants receive training in computer skills, resume development, job searching, professional etiquette and attire, and even create and execute a business plan by running a simulated business. As I saw during a recent site visit, the expectations for program participants are high; participants must clock in and out and excessive tardiness may result in removal from the program! Training, Inc. graduates are truly prepared for the workplace and have high job placement and one-year retention rates as a result.

What a wonderful alignment with our goals! We recently awarded a grant for board development, succession planning, technology upgrades, and a fundraising database, which we hope will help it continue to succeed in the long-term. I am proud we fund Training, Inc., as it serves an important role in the success and empowerment of women, children, and families in our community.