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The DFW Effect
Singular vision, shared happiness
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By Marsha Wallace
DFW Co-Founder
I have been thinking about the connections that we make within DFW and the benefits that come to us as members as a result of those connections. In their recently published book, A Path Appears: Transforming Lives, Creating Opportunity, Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn describe DFW this way: "like a religious service, it provides fellowship and spiritual returns and leaves members uplifted.”
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This description was fascinating to me partly because I’ve never heard a DFW meeting or event described as similar to a “religious service that provides spiritual returns,” and partly because while I do see the connections and benefits as spiritual, I’ve never articulated them in that way publicly. It hit me as profoundly true.
Read more of Marsha's blog post on shared happiness
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Featured Program for November
Gardens for Health International
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Malnutrition is a complex problem with many causes and barriers to solutions. Climate, poverty, lack of education, can all contribute to the high rate of malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa. In Rwanda, Gardens for Health International's program targets mothers of children with a clinical diagnosis of malnutrition.
Our grant will arm these mothers with the knowledge, resources, and support to feed their families now and into the future. The program focuses on educating mothers but at the same time providing targeted agricultural support to help them produce healthy foods for their families and communities.
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3 things you need to know
(about Gardens for Health)
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 Since 2010, families enrolled in the Gardens for Health program saw their Household Dietary Diversity Score (a USAID-validated indicator) improve by more than 50 percent. This means they are eating a more nutritious and balanced diet – one that grows in their own backyards. Most importantly, mothers who came to the program without resources – and too often without hope – proudly share their victories: the weight gain of their children, the food they now grow and share, and the knowledge they use to keep their families and communities healthy. Learn More.
 Malnutrition is a complex problem that is evidenced in many ways and has many causes. Stunted growth is one of the most widespread, afflicting 165 million children under the age of 5. Globally, 25 percent of all children suffer from stunting, the result of inadequate nutrition during the first 1000 days of life. Eighty percent of those children live in 14 countries. Malnutrition's causes and effects.
 If you're invited to dine with a family in Rwanda, eat. Refusing to eat is considered a grave insult. Your host may take a bite first before passing food. That's a way of showing that the food is safe to eat. Find out more about customs in Rwanda and check out some great recipes - perfect for bringing to your chapter meeting! |
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13th Month Campaign: Who's in?
Well, certainly the Fontana-1 chapter in WI is all in for DFW. Led by chapter leader Cherie Ackman they started a 4K Walk for 13th Month. "We walked in our local conservancy called Kishwauketoe, located in Williams Bay, WI," Cherie says. "It was a beautiful sunny morning filled with a lot of spirited conversation. We are all so proud to be part of such a wonderful organization!" The group raised nearly $600, which is part of the nearly $12,000 from 218 individuals that we've received so far.
Why do we need your help? Find out what 13th month is all about and why it is so critical to DFW continuing to do the good work that is so important to all of us.
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During the 13th Month Campaign, we also talk a lot about the importance of a strong, professional staff. We are that. But we are a lot more — moms, grandmoms, golfers, musicians and motorcycle mamas! And our commitment to DFW goes beyond a paycheck. We thought you might like to get to know us so we put together some selfies. Check us out!
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WE SHOWED YOU OURS: Now you show us yours! Got a smart phone? Of course, you do. Take a selfie of your own and tell us why you've supported the 13th Month Campaign. You can help us reach members just like you. Post on Facebook or Twitter with #SelfieUsBack and we'll find you. We'll choose the best to share with everyone!
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OPEN MIC NIGHT: If you have a question about the 13th month, you'll have a chance to get Marsha and Barb to answer it. They'll be online on a hangout answering your questions on Nov. 19th at 7:30 p.m. ET. If you have a question you would like to ask email it to us along with your name, your chapter/state, no later than midnight Nov 14th. Register for the hangout and you'll get notified when the hangout starts with the live link.
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PS: Cherie's chapter has cool 13th Month t-shirts.
We want those!
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Beth Ellen Holimon to lead DFW
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Beth Ellen Holimon is the new executive director of DFW. She brings 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and business development to the post. She lives in San Diego, CA, and is moving to Greenville, SC.
Her first day on the job is Nov. 3. Look for news from Beth Ellen in next month's newsletter! More about Beth Ellen.
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Co-founders honored
Marsha Wallace and Barb Collins have been recognized as Everyday Freedom Heroes by the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, OH. The award was presented as part of the Central Region Conference. Read more. |
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Grant News
2015 Featured Programs and new funding model
Six programs that work toward improved health, increased educational opportunities, training of healthcare workers in rural villages, assisting refugees
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and medical screenings to ensure reproductive health have been selected as our featured programs for the first six months of 2015. “These programs are innovative and collaborative,” says Dr. Veena Khandke, interim program director. Read about the programs.
In other exciting program news, the board of directors approved a change in the funding model that will enable us to put up to $200,000 a year more to work in the world. We'll increase the upper level of featured program grants and the annual sustained program grants and use excess funds in the program reserve fund to select two other programs for grants each year. Learn about the new funding model.
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Travel Tales
Remembering the butterflies
Nov. 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. DFW's Travel Director Patricia Andersson writes about how tragedy forged the path of the Mariposa DR Foundation and drew the world's attention to the dangers women face everyday around the world. Read the blog post.
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