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Funny How I Returned to the Women's Foundation ... ! |
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 by Jessica Reeves
I interned with the Women's Foundation in the summer of 2003 through the Memphis Challenge program. At that time, I was a rising senior at Dartmouth and was still trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. After my internship, I was sure I wanted to have a career that was meaningful to others. I saw what an impact WFGM was having in the lives of underprivileged women and children. I just recently finished my first year at Yale School of Management. The school is know for its strength in non-profit management and has a commitment to help improve all types of organizations. While taking a class on Financial Statements of Non-Profits, I was asked to evaluation the financial poistion of a non-profit of my choice. I immediately thought of WFGM and was amazed at how much WFGM leads the pack in grant-making ratios and program expense ratios, meaning the organization is efficiently using its contributions to make sure it has the biggest impact for the programs that it supports. The Women's Foundation gives out over 60% of its contributions received in the forms of grants to other organizations, and 86% is invested in overall total programming. To put that number in perspective, the second highest organization had a grant-giving ratio of just over 40% (see chart below). With these numbers, along with the office efficiency and exceptional leadership at all levels, donors can be confident that their contributions to WFGM are truly making a difference. These gifts count for creating social change in Memphis. |
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 Memphis H.O.P.E. (Health, Opportunity, Pride and Empowerment)
Summer 2009 – Technology and the Community Youth Employment Program (TCYEP)Memphis HOPE is currently making plans for its third TCYEP summer youth program, which includes some exciting new changes. This summer, TCYEP will be expanded to serve 60 kids from the Memphis HOPE program. In addition, Principal Alisha Kiner from Booker T. Washington High School has generously offered free space in the school to hold the program. TCYEP has also partnered with Break Away Technology to develop an expanded curriculum that will focus on computer technology, life skills, employment readiness and a new "green education" component. A technology certification component is also in the works. Thanks to the John Dustin/Buckman Trust Fund and W.K. Kellogg Foundation for their support of this program. Learn more about Memphis HOPE. |
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2009 Legends Award Honorees |
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To learn more about the 2009 Legends Award honorees, click here. |
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Transforming the Lives of Women with HOPE |
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Memphis H.O.P.E. - Health * Opportunity * Pride * Empowerment
A Vision of Change for Dixie Homes and University Place Residents
Take a look at the WMC TV story on "Taking Back Our Neighborhoods," featuring youth who are taking part in the Memphis HOPE summer job training intiative. With a little help - and lots of HOPE - the future can look most bright. Such is the attitude that the Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis, The Memphis Housing Authority, Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare and others are bringing to the revitalization of Dixie Homes and University Place. The approach taken by Memphis HOPE has never before been tried. Indeed, we are in uncharted waters. Under Memphis HOPE, the "revitalization" of dilapidated housing projects no longer means a repair here and there, or a new coat of paint. It means transforming lives. The hoped-for result is one the Women's Foundation seeks on a daily basis: lasting systemic and social change. Through focused assistance, we are helping the former residents develop a life plan so that they can live their best lives, and give their children that chance as well. Using new models and mentoring, we are tracking their successes. As a result, the women themselves can see the success. The community as a whole, too, can see the change we all have helped to achieve through a little help and lots of hope. We hope you will join us as we undertake this journey of social transformation and building the lives of women. For an overview of the HOPE project, including the history, milestones and future plans, click here>> To see pictures from Memphis HOPE initiatives, take a look at our photo gallery>> Memphis HOPE participants answer the question, "What does HOPE mean to me?" >> |
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Transforming Our Community |
"I would tell girls that the sky is the limit. Engineering is challenging, but it pays off. Through the program, I’ve learned different teamwork skills, leadership skills, and how to get my ideas across to other people I’m working with."
~ Patrice, Girls Experiencing Engineering participant 
Read more about what Patrice and Melanie have gained by being a part of Girls Experiencing Engineering. Learn more about Girls Experiencing Engineering. |
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