Impact and Testimonials
Since 1991, The Women’s Foundation of Greater Kansas City has awarded 262 grants totaling over $2.5 million to 117 agencies. Whether it is teaching Girl Scouts fiscal responsibility, enlightening young mothers about career opportunities or providing a bus ticket for a domestic violence victim to leave town and seek comfort and security, together, we are investing in the success of women and girls.
“Hope House is extremely grateful to The Women’s Foundation for the support we’ve received through five grants over the last twelve years. Without such financial support, Hope House quite simply would not be the organization it is today…and more critically, the women and girls’ lives we’ve touched would not be what they are today, either.”
-Mary Anne Metheny, President & CEO Hope House, Inc.
“The Foundation’s support enabled Don Bosco’s Youth Development Center to engage nearly 150 young women in positive, encouraging activities that built self-esteem and equipped them with the resources they needed to avoid negative behaviors. The young women experienced a decrease in unhealthy behaviors, and an increase in overall health.”
-Nicholas Scielzo, President Don Bosco Centers
“With The Foundation’s support, we have facilitated life-changing legal remedies for immigrant women and have educated hundreds of advocates about ways to assist one of the most vulnerable populations in our communities.”
-Megan Hope, Project Development Writer, Legal Aid of Western Missouri
“Because of The Women’s Foundation’s commitment to our mission, WEN has been able to provide the comprehensive skills training and support services that empower women to forge positive life changes for themselves – and the children and families who depend on them.”
-Lynnette Williams, Director of Program Services, Women’s Employment Network
Tamika was a single parent who had depended on shelters and agencies to support her family. When she lost her children and wound up living on the streets, she realized that her life was nothing she imagined it would be. Through one of the shelters she was staying at, she was introduced to Culinary Cornerstones, a 2008 Women’s Foundation Grant Recipient. Culinary Cornerstones provided her with an internship program that taught her the skills to run her own catering business. Tamika says, “Culinary Cornerstones is independence. I wanted to be a productive citizen and this means change for me.” Tamika hopes to open her own restaurant and she plans to name it Fannie B’s after her grandmother.
Yessenia grew up in a migrant farmworker’s family. Her parents are mostly illiterate and the dream of going to college seemed nonexistent. When Yessenia came in contact with the Migrant Farmworker’s Project, a 2008 Grant Recipient, her ability to go to college suddenly became within reach. The money granted to the program provides funds for volunteers to mentor young girls on migrant farms to help achieve their goals. Yessenia now attends Donnelly College with the help of the Migrant Farmworker’s Project. “I want something better for me and my family,” says Yessenia. Through the Migrant Farmworker’s program, Yessenia’s dream of making it to college has now become a reality.