July 2022

The official newsletter of the Women’s Fund of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation

Message from our Director

Just over a month ago, nearly 1,000 women (and men!) came back together for the Women's Fund Power of the Purse. After four years, the amount of energy and excitement in the room was overwhelming. We are so grateful for all the positive comments and feedback we received after the event. The Women's Fund is continuing to invest in our parenting initiative, ensuring our parent and caregiver community has the resources they need. We have already implemented some useful resources and hope you will check them out. Follow the Go Oshkosh Kids Facebook page, visit their website, and listen to the Let's Talk podcast. The Women's Fund, in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Oshkosh, is bringing Sue Klebold to Oshkosh in September. Sue is the mother of one of the Columbine school shooters. See below for more information. We are excited for the future of the Women's Fund and the direction of our initiatives and goals. Thank you for your support of women, girls, and all in our community.

Karlene Grabner Executive Director Women's Fund Karlene@OshkoshAreaCF.org 920.426.3993

Power of the Purse 2022

A room full of excited women and men were captivated by Ginger Zee's raw and inspiring message at the Power of the Purse event in June. We thank everyone who joined us, volunteered, donated and supported the Women's Fund at this amazing event. Your support at our Power of the Purse event helps change the lives of single mothers, children, and those living in isolation. You make a difference for women-owned businesses, girls struggling with mental health issues, and bridging the gender gap. Together, we are creating a positive impact in our community. We will see you in 2024! Click here to view all photos from the event. Click here to view all videos from the event.

Women's Fund Grants The Women's Fund recently awarded $50,000 in grants to local organizations. Bella Medical Clinic - Continuation of Parenting Steps Program that focuses on meeting new parents where they are in their lives. Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh - Family Skills Program that will educate parents/caregivers on topics such as budgeting/financial assistance, using community resources, building relationships with kids, self-care, childhood safety, job skills and more. Praise his Name in Dancing - Providing vulnerable girls an opportunity to see themselves differently and gain confidence. Reach Counseling - Enhance marketing efforts to increase the visibility of services. Salvation Army - Supplement existing community services or address gaps for mothers enrolled in the Pathway of Hope program. Solutions Recovery - Parenting Support Services that are offered to parents in the sober living and recovery community. Winnebago Area Literacy Council - Education services for adult women and their daughters who are refugees and immigrants.

Girls Granting Initiative 2022 In 2011, the Women's Fund established the Girls Granting Initiative to provide high school girls the opportunity to influence the financial support of an organization or program they feel passionate about and learn about philanthropy. Girls from Oshkosh area high schools come together to identify one issue affecting their lives and the community. Local organizations that align with that issue are invited to apply for a grant. The girls learn about granting and selection, as well as teambuilding, diversity, financial importance and philanthropy, social change, gender inequalities, stereotypes and leadership. The J.J. Keller Foundation has been instrumental in funding this program, providing $10,000 for use toward the organization of the girls' choice. This year's girls granting group awarded $10,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin for their mentoring program designed for young girls and adults. The girls presented their grant at the 2022 Power of the Purse event.

Sue Klebold September 20th Oshkosh Convention Center Sue Klebold is the mother of Dylan Klebold, one of the perpetrators of the Columbine High School massacre in 1999. She will be sharing her story about the signs she missed of Dylan's mental state. Stay tuned for more details and how to reserve your spot.

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Women’s Fund of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation  Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Friday 8:00 am - Noon (afternoon by appointment) 920-426-3993 | women.oshkoshareacf.org STAY CONNECTED ‌ ‌ ‌