May 2016

  

Last month was exciting for the Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis as we prepared for our signature fundraising events. On the day of our Annual Tribute Luncheon, a storm rushed in and the windows of the Memphis Cook Convention Center mirrored gray clouds, dark skies, and lots of rain. Our 1600 attendees brightened our day with smiles and encouraging words. People came from all over the city to hear our keynote speaker, enjoy a great lunch, fellowship, and help us honor the three trailblazing women we recognized as our 2016 Legend Award Honorees. Guests listened and applauded as we:
 
  • Shared progress of our Vision 2020 Strategic Plan to reduce poverty, 
  • Announced new investments and partnerships in 38126, and
  • Launched our new Membership Campaign to become part of WFGM. 

 

We pushed through the storm and you let us know it was worth it with a thunder of praise via email, phone calls and social media. Thank you for your support of our events and initiatives and for helping with Moving the Vision Forward. We can continue a legacy of leadership, philanthropy, and collaboration because of our many supporters like you.

Ruby,  Executive Director and CAO WFGM
PHILANTHROPY
WFGM launched new "Become a Member" campaign and $100,000 Hyde Family Foundations Challenge Grant
Become a donor level member of the Women's Foundation by June 30th and
The Hyde Family Foundations Challenge Grant  will double your gift  of $100 or greater. 

Over 20 years ago, a small group of women launched WFGM for the purpose of combining their giving to benefit women and children in Memphis. Since then, thousands of donors have supported the grant-making, advocacy and leadership development work of WFGM. Now we invite you to go beyond giving. Make an impact in your community and Join the Vision!  




Annual Tribute Luncheon and Legends Award Reception a SELL OUT Success!

At our SOLD OUT 2016 Annual Tribute Luncheon, attendees enjoyed a powerhouse presentation from our keynote speaker Robin Meade, host of HLN's, "Morning Express w/ Robin Meade." The generosity of our guests helped to raise $82,000 towards WFGM grant-making and the Vision 2020 Strategic Plan to reduce poverty by five percent over five years in zip code 38126.  Read more about the events ...

View our 2016 Legends Award Reception and Annual Tribute Luncheon photo galleries.


WFGM Announces $1.5 Million Investment in 38126
During a press conference held on April 29, prior to the Annual Tribute Luncheon, the Women's Foundation announced the 2016 grantee partners and a $1.5 million investment in 38126. The 22 partners are organizations with services that align with the Vision 2020 Strategic Plan.

Areas of Focus/Funding Priorities:
  • Adult Education and Training
  • Case Management/Wraparound Services
  • Early Childhood Development
  • Job Skills and Employment
  • Youth Development and
    Employment
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Financial Education and
    Asset Building 


Moms Move Memphis
If you want to get anything done put a Mom in charge ... Moms Move Memphis is a virtual fundraising campaign to empower Moms across the city to impact the families of Memphis by supporting programs that help women and children reach economic security in zip code 38126. Help WFGM raise $15,000 by May 31. With a donation of $25 or greater, you will help moms in need learn marketable skills to gain living-wage employment, help provide resources to prepare young children living in 38126 for kindergarten and help to provide women with financial education. Donations to Moms Move Memphis   also help WFGM meet the Hyde ChallengeDonate now ...



Mary Wolff Memorial Golf Tournament
The Mary Wolff Memorial Golf Tournament, hosted by the Association of Women Attorneys Foundation, is Friday, June 3, 2016, at The Links at Galloway. Proceeds benefit three charitable organizations including The Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis.  As a member of WFGM's Board of Directors from 2006-2016, Mary Wolff was described by her friends, family and colleagues as a tireless champion of social justice. She was dedicated to improving the lives of women and children in Memphis through the advancement of educational opportunities, workforce development and financial literacy. For more information and to register go to awamemphis.org.



Naturelle Cosmetique to Donate Portion of Sales for May
Founded in 2014, Naturelle Cosmetique provides non-toxic premium natural skincare for women of all skin types.Ashley Perry, the founder and owner of Naturelle Cosmetique, will donate a portion of her sales for the entire month of May to the Women's Foundation! Products can be purchased online at Live Naturelle , The Trolley Stop Market or The Curb Market.
LEADERSHIP
WITT Panel Discussion and Reception
The Women's Initiative Think Tank (WITT), an auxiliary of WFGM, will host an invitation-only panel discussion and reception called Find Your Power: Professionalism and Communication Tips in June at The Racquet Club. The event will focus on business etiquette, giving company presentations, and how to take career aspirations to the next level. For more information on how to join WITT, email wittofwfgm@gmail.com.


Women's Foundation Board Members Recognized
for Excellence
Sharon Ryan , Development Chair for the Women's Foundation, was featured on CorpCounsel.com this month to discuss her career accomplishments and her path to the position of general counsel for International Paper

WFG M Board of Trustees Member and Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of Memphis Dr. Rosie Phillips Bingham was recognized as part of the New Tri-State Defender's 2016 Women of Excellence. The honor is bestowed upon women who have made great strides in the community.
Learn more about Rosie ... 


Nisha Powers , Grants and Programs Vice Chair for the Women's Foundation and President of Powers Hill Design, LLC is one of five winners for the Executive of the Year Memphis Business Journal Small Business Awards. Nisha started her civil engineering company in 2005 to better serve her clients and the community.
More about Nisha...

Founding WFGM Board Member and Chairwoman for the Memphis Symphony Orchestra (MSO) Gayle Rose received national news exposure in May. MSO was renamed the Memphis Symphony Orchestra in Residence at the University of Memphis and will move from South Mendenhall to the unoccupied Newport Hall at the U of M due to a new partnership. 
Read more...

Stephanie Simpson, a member of the WFGM Board of Directors, has a new position as Vice President of NewSouth Capital Management, Inc. Previously, she served as Senior Vice President of Disability and Absence Management Practice and Compliance at Sedgwick CMS.
More about Stephanie...


Susan Stephenson, WFGM Executive Committee Member, Vision 2020 Development Chair, and President and Co-Chair of Independent Bank was featured in the Memphis Business Journal in May. Independent Bank is the No. 1 ranked community bank by local deposits according to the Memphis Business Journal's Book of Lists.  Read more...
 


WFGM Board Members Celebrate Retirement
Rev. Marilynn S. Robinson will retire from her position as Sr. Vice President of St. Francis Healthcare. Marilynn was responsible for marketing, governmental affairs, patient advocacy, and the hospital's external communications. Marilynn has served on the WFGM Board of Directors since 2012. She is currently on the Education and Training Committee and the Marketing and Communications Committee. 
 
Joyce Thomas Fykes will retire from her position as Community Investment Manager at Cummins, Inc. She was responsible for Cummins' financial investments in the Memphis Community, charitable giving, employee community volunteer contributions and recreational activities for more than 600 employees. Joyce has served on the WFGM Board of Directors since 2007. She is currently on the Development Committee and the Marketing and Communications Committee.
ADVOCACY
Today, We'll Change Tomorrow
The United States of Women Summit, Tuesday, June 14, 2016 in Washington D.C., will be an important moment for both women and girls, domestically and internationally. Speakers will focus on economic empowerment, health and wellness, educational opportunity, violence against women, entrepreneurship and innovation, and leadership and civic engagement. Register and learn more about the summit...


Vision 2020 Progresses to Second Year

The Vision 2020 Strategic Plan to reduce poverty by five percent over five years in 38126 is in its second year. The plan calls for a $10 million investment in 38126 over five years by meeting five goals. Read more about the plan ...
COLLABORATION
Foote Home Residents Receive Free Internet for 
a Year
"If we want families to live in the 21st century, we need them to have 24 hour access to the Internet and therefore the world,"  said
Ed Jennings, SE Regional Administrator of HUD. 

The Memphis Housing Authority (MHA), Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and WFGM
met with Foote Homes Residents in April about ConnectHome, a White House national initiative to provide Internet access in low-income communities through a partnership with T-Mobile. This digital literacy program kicked off with the distribution of 600 tablets to Foote Homes residents. Each household also received free internet access for a year funded in part by the Women's Foundation.
GRANTS AND PROGRAMS

Walmart awards $850,000 grant to Partnership for Women's Prosperity (PWP)
Walmart's investment has afforded WFGM the opportunity to invest and leverage local and national partnerships to increase women's economic security. Funds from this grant will be used to enable 2000 low-income individuals to achieve economic self-sufficiency through partnerships that offer wrap around services in areas of job training and placement, education and credentialing, financial literacy, and job retention.
In This Issue
Philanthropy
Leadership
Advocacy
Collaboration
Grants and Programs
Save the Dates
Success Stories

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SAVE THE DATES

The United State of Women
White House Summit
"Today, We'll Change Tomorrow"
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Washington, D.C.



Mary Wolff Memorial
Golf Tournament
Friday, June 3, 2016
1:00 p.m. shotgun start
The Links at Galloway

SUCCESS STORIES

Renisha Mayes 

Renisha Mayes   is currently the 
Program Service Coordinator for the
Talent Development Complex , housed under MMT (Memphis Music Town) Consortium. She's also a single mom,
media and music professional,
college graduate and volunteer. 

A determined, self-driven woman,
Mayes said she owes part of her success
to organizations like the Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis,
which supports many of the
non-profits that made an impact on
her life well before she even knew
WFGM existed. 


 
Chris Dean

Chris Dean, the Booker T.
Washington graduate who introduced President Barack Obama at his 2011 commencement ceremony,
was recently featured
in 
The New Tri-State Defender.  

Chris is a former resident of 38126
and a WFGM past participant in the Technology Summer Youth Employment Program. The article chronicled his
success from his high school graduation,
to internships at 
The Commercial Appeal  and the White House, and his graduation from Lane College. 



WHEREtoGIVEmidsouth


WFGM is a proud partner of 
WHEREtoGIVEmidsouth,

directory of nonprofit organizations
in the greater Memphis area.
Discover organizations working on issues important to you. 

Find information about their mission,
staff and board, major programs, and finances, and donate to
support their work.

  


KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS

 

 

Kroger is committed to helping 
 
communities grow and prosper. 
 
Year after year, local schools, churches
and other nonprofit organizations earn millions of dollars through
 Kroger Community Rewards®. 


 

WFGM supporters can earn rewards for our organization every time you swipe your Kroger Plus Card!

 

Log on to Kroger Community Rewards
and create or renew an account
if you have not already done so already. 


 

  
HOW TO GET INVOLVED - VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Join us as a volunteer with Vision 2020.
We have several areas of focus within
this strategic plan, including:
Early Childhood Education
Job Readiness
Financial Literacy
 
Volunteers are also needed for:
Administrative Support
Clerical Work
Communications & Marketing
Data Entry

To volunteer, complete the online form 
or call 901.578.9346
.
  

WE WANT TO HEAR
FROM YOU! 
  
Each month we receive information
about incredible women doing
incredible things. 

If you have a story about a  phenomenal woman who is impacting the community, transforming women's lives and the face of poverty and supporting the work of the  Women's Foundation,
we want to 
hear from you.
  
Please make suggestions or submit information regarding potential
e-news stories to 
WFGM
  
or call 901-578-9346.




ABOUT WFGM
  
Established in 1995, WFGM is one of the fastest growing women's foundations in the country that is dedicated to securing and granting funds to programs that enable women and their families to become economically stable.

We are considered to be on the leading edge of economic and community development focused on moving families living at or below the poverty level above the lines toward economic security. Building on what we have learned over the past 20 years, we collaborate with stakeholders from across the city to coordinate strategies to reduce poverty in Memphis. Our vision is for Memphis to become a city of choice, where poverty decreases as educational attainment, wages, business partnerships and
inclusion increase.

Learn more at www.wfgm.org


Find us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter

 

Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis
One Commerce Square

40 South Main Street, Suite 2380 | Memphis, Tennessee 38103

901.578.9346 (office)
901.578.9446 (fax)
 
www.wfgm.org 

 

The mission of the Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis is to encourage

philanthropy and foster leadership among women and support programs that enable

women and children to reach their full potential.