A single mother of two young children had to leave work to take her feverish toddler from daycare to the doctor. The child had a miserable ear infection, so mom stopped for a prescription. She hurried back to her car through snow and wind, buckled her fussy daughter into her car seat, put her key in the ignition and the car wouldn’t start. She grabbed her phone and just stared at it. She had no family, no one to turn to; her neighbors were all working. With tears running down her face she called her son’s school, she needed to be sure he stayed safe until she arrived. She was distraught and shared her dilemma with the school administrative assistant, who suggested she call 211, which started a process to connect her to assistance.
Weld Women2Women (W2W) board members never know the women identity that receives a “hands-up” grant. A request appears on their computer for voting from one of the 90+ referring nonprofit agencies, schools or churches who vet the situation as frontline partners of W2W. These referring partners are knowledgeable about resources in Weld County that can resolve challenging issues and navigate women through the process to available funding. W2W is notified if no other agency has available funding or if immediate action is required to avoid escalating the problem.
Board members only see details such as:
Single employed mother with two dependents; took brief time off work to care for
a sick toddler. Then her vehicle quit running. She needs her car repaired to get to
work, get son to school and daughter to daycare. She doesn’t have money to pay for repairs, especially after a doctor visit, paying for prescriptions, lost time at work.
The request itemizes vehicle repairs and the cost from a trusted repair
shop. Board members vote, responding within 24-48 hours. If approved
the bill is paid directly to the service provider.
Unexpected financial challenges result in falling behind and things start to crumble. Our referring partners ask all the hard questions about each woman’s scenario.
Are you employed?
Are you current on paying your bills?
What portion of the bill can you contribute?
If W2W helps and the service cost exceeds our maximum $750; we ask if the service provider will set-up a reasonable payment plan to carry the “balance due” for the woman?
Our biggest concern is sustainability. A woman is only eligible one time for a “hand-up” award. The mission of W2W is to assist Weld women in crisis, anonymously and with dignity so she can remain independent and provide security for her family.
HISTORY and GIVING
Ten women gathered around the W2W founder’s dining room table in 2009 and each donated $100. Then each woman recruited 10 of her friends to do the same and established this nonprofit organization and the tagline: The Power of the Purse!
Their annual 100 by $100 fundraising campaign continues the final 100 days of each year (9/23 to 12/31). An affordable $180 Turn auto giving-option can be set-up to donate $15 monthly - totaling $180/year. W2W has awarded financial assistance to 2,149 women since Jan. 2009 through Dec. 2022 and invested $1,194,163 during that time back into our local economy while supporting the businesses that provide the necessary services to the women they serve.
Here's how YOU can help - Can We Count On YOU?
Saturday, May 6th at the UNC Campus Commons, 1051 22nd St., 11 a.m.–2 p.m. attend the 11th Annual Circle of Sisters Fundraising Luncheon and Silent Auction.
-
Buy a $55 ticket and enjoy a delicious lunch, delightful shopping experience to purchase a Mystery Bag or Silent Auction treasure, while learning more about W2W.
-
Assemble a table of 8 fabulous friends or co-workers for $440
-
Donate a Silent Auction item (minimum value $50) – the more unique, the better
-
Be an Event Sponsor; Levels available: $10,000 / $5,000 / $2,500 / $1,000 / $500
-
Apply to become a volunteer board member
-
Become an individual or partner business who/that supports women by investing dollars to provide a one-time emergency service while supporting our local economy
All are invited: Saturday, May 6th at the UNC Campus Commons, 1051 22nd St., 11 a.m.–2 p.m., the 11th Annual Circle of Sisters Fundraising Luncheon and Silent Auction. For tickets, visit weldw2w.org
Ten women gathered around the W2W founder’s dining room table in 2009 and each donated $100. Then each woman recruited 10 of her friends to do the same and established this nonprofit organization and the tagline: The Power of the Purse!