Dear Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge Supporter,
The world has changed drastically in the past several weeks, and the news about COVID-19 has impacted us all. The Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge’s primary concern is for the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve. We are continuing to monitor information around COVID-19, including guidelines from federal, state, and local authorities. Given the latest recommendations, we have decided to postpone the Power of the Purse Luncheon that was scheduled for June 18, 2020. This event will now take place in June of 2021.
This was not an easy decision to make, but we believe it to be in the best interest of our donors, guests, and the community-at-large. The Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge remains deeply committed to improving the lives of women and girls in Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties. We appreciate your understanding during this ever-changing situation. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at the Power of the Purse luncheon. Should you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at karen@womensfundoftheblueridge.org or call us at 828-264-4002.
Wishing you, your family and friends good health.
Karen Marinelli
Executive Director
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Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge
Supports 11 Area Food Banks
Thank you, Women's Fund of the Blue Ridge (WFBR) supporters. Our collective giving efforts made this special funding available. The WFBR would like to say thank you, to the food banks in Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties for all they are doing in our community during this unusual and unprecedented time. Their efforts and commitment to providing food to those that have been impacted by COVID-19 have not gone unnoticed.
We see and applaud their work, and the WFBR has committed $8,250.00 to 11 food banks. Checks for $750.00 have been sent to Ashe Really Cares, Ashe County Sharing Center, Jefferson United Methodist Food Pantry, Reaching Avery Ministries, Feeding Avery Families, Volunteer Avery, Blowing Rock CARES, Casting Bread, Greenway Baptist Food Pantry, Hunger and Health Coalition and the Hospitality House so they can replenish their much-needed food supplies.
We thank you again for all you do! Remain safe and healthy.
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Membership 2020
WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER!
Be a part of a passionate community of women with diverse perspectives. We believe our collective spirit thrives when we hear all voices. When we join together, combine our resources and work as a team, we can accomplish what none of us can do on our own.
When you become a member, you are supporting our grants program as 90% of funds raised through the WFBR membership program goes to our granting program. Membership is an important part of our success in making a difference in the lives of women and girls in the High Country.
Thank you to all of those who have joined already! Please consider joining as a member this year. Membership levels are as follows:
Legacy $2,400/yr. - $200/mo.
Visionary $1,200/yr. - $100/mo.
Champion $600/yr. - $50/mo.
Change Maker $300/yr. - $25/mo.
Friend of the Fund $120/yr.
Join us at our website:
http://www.womensfundoftheblueridge.org/membership/
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Grantee Spotlight
The Women's Fund of the Blue Ridge was able to provide over $170,000 in grants to 21 organizations in 2019. We are going to spotlight organizations in each newsletter so supporters like you can see how your money is making a difference in our area.
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We are SHOES FOR KIDS and we will not rest until EVERY needy child in Ashe County is afforded the necessity of properly fitting, season appropriate footwear.
- Imagine a six-year-old child wearing shoes four sizes too large.
- Imagine a nine-year-old boy wearing his mother’s shoes to school.
- Imagine wearing flip flops to school held together with rubber bands.
These are not the stories of children living in refugee camps in Syria, war-torn Afghanistan, or the slums of India. These are the stories of Ashe County children. This is the harsh reality of life for others less fortunate. Thankfully, the children in the anecdotes above, and many more, have been assisted by SHOES FOR KIDS.
Our “shoe closets” are established in all seven public schools, all six childcare facilities, and the Department of Social Services: Child Protective Services. Additional programs serviced by SHOES FOR KIDS include The Nest and Agape Christian Academy. To accomplish our mission, we work directly with teachers and school administrators to identify children who need shoes.
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The Community Care Clinic is a free clinic that provides healthcare to low-income, uninsured persons in our community. Through our integrated care model, patients have access to high-quality services that include primary care, behavioral health, disease management, active follow-up, and continuity of care.
For individuals without health insurance, the impact of a diagnosis of a chronic disease can be devastating and can affect the individual’s quality of life in many ways. In addition to life threatening physical symptoms, these chronic illnesses cause severe stress on the individual and their family and often requires people to make difficult choices between paying for medication, food, housing, and other basic needs. They do not have the discretionary funds for preventive care and may delay treatment until the conditions have worsened. Two significant health issues, where treatment is often postponed due to cost, are dental and vision care.
Our role in the community is to provide a safety net for those who are uninsured, to minimize the costly use of emergency departments for non-emergent primary care and to improve health outcomes. Funding from the Women's Fund of the Blue Ridge ensures that women with dental and vision concerns receive the care they need; care that may not be available otherwise.
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Outreach Opportunities
The Outreach Committee has cancelled all meetings until further notice due to the coronavirus.
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Basic Totes Wish List
WFBR distributes Basic Totes that are filled with necessary toiletries and/or cleaning supplies to various non-profits throughout the High Country to pass on to women and girls who are in transition. In support of this effort, the following items are requested:
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Feminine Products
- Razors and shaving cream
- Hair brushes, combs, and elastics
- Shampoo, conditioner, and bodywash
- Hand soap
- Deodorant
- House cleaning supplies (all purpose wipes, pine sol, laundry detergent)
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Until further notice, Karen and Carolyn will be working from home. We have access to emails and voicemails and will respond as quickly as possible. We will periodically be going by the office to retrieve the mail. If you have mailed us a donation, please email us to let us know. Our email is info@womensfundoftheblueridge.org. Thank you for your understanding!
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The Women's Fund of the Blue Ridge has earned the 2019 Platinum GuideStar Seal of Transparency
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