THREADS

THE WOMENS FUND  |  FALL 2022

"I remind you of the powerful impact you have all had in our work."

I can’t help but reflect on this year with gratitude, as we look to the close of 2022. With help from our donors and a strong board of directors leading the charge, the Women’s Fund hosted two profound speakers both of whom have opened our eyes, each in her own way, to the mental health struggles many around us are facing



As we continued our work supporting parents, we knew the timing was perfect to bring in Sue Klebold. Sue may be one of the strongest moms I have ever met. Her mission to share with others the signs of struggling youth and her willingness to be in front of people when it would be easier to hide, had me in awe of her courage. Her reminder to invite our youth to “tell me more” and then to listen to their answer, was impactful to all. If you were not able to join us for her sessions please visit our pod cast, Let’s Talk.

Ginger Zee also focused on mental health and emphasized how important it is to take care of our mental health just as we do our physical health in order to be mentally strong for those we care about. She had our Power of the Purse audience captivated with her message which she shared with humility and humor.

As we move into 2023 the WF team will be participating in listening sessions centered on the complex issues of women’s health, childcare, and substance abuse currently facing women. Our goal is to educate ourselves, allowing our team to determine what is an appropriate role for the Women’s Fund and our donors in addressing these issues.

I close in reminding you of the powerful impact you have all had in our work. We have seen change. The RISE 2.0 program for our single mothers is one example of the positive effect you, our donors, made on generational poverty. For that, we thank you.

We look forward to continued success in 2023.

Karlene Grabner

Executive Director

Power of the Purse

Thank you! You spoke with your participation and your dollars at the 2022 Power of the Purse Luncheon, held on June 1. With over 900 attendees, our generous sponsors and our featured speaker Ginger Zee you all helped us achieve our fundraising goal to allow us to continue to provide important programming and assistance for women and girls in our community. Ginger left our audience feeling renewed, empowered and moved by her inspirational personal story about overcoming “storms” in her life and the growing need for mental health care services in our communities, 

Earlier in the day, we heard about supporting parents and all who provide nurturing and care for children and the steps the Women’s Fund is taking to help fill the gaps in resources needed by caregivers. In addition, we heard an update from the 2022 Girls Granting Team, who awarded $10,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin. 

We are extremely grateful for our partnership with Community First Credit Union who has consistently supported us as Lead Sponsor for the event.

Girls Granting Initiative 2022

The 2022 Girls Granting Team comprised of 19 high school girls from Oshkosh West, Oshkosh North and Lourdes Academy participated in the Girls Granting Initiative. With a look to their peers, the girls who served this year identified issues and barriers faced by high school girls as well as those things that helped them become successful. A few key issues identified by the team were mental health, toxic relationships with friends or family and a lack of confidence. With these issues in the forefront of their in minds, the girls interviewed four agencies to hear their grant proposals and how the agency would address the issues if they were to receive the grant dollars.

The Girls Granting Team selected Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin and awarded them a $10,000 grant. In their grant proposal BBBS noted the organization was starting to see a staggering increase in the number of teen Littles struggling with academics, mental health, bullying, suicidal thoughts, and unhealthy relationships with social media. During this same time, they were receiving requests from Bigs asking for resources and guidance on how to best support their struggling Littles.



The plan identified by BBBS was to use the funding from the Girls Granting Initiative to deepen their support for teen girls in three areas: programming focused on preparing for life after high school, safe teen activities, and social and emotional support.

Susan Klebold Community Conversations

The Women’s Fund has never shied away from tough subjects, which is why we were pleased with the turnout for the recent Community Conversation events with Susan Klebold, mother of Dylan Klebold, one of the student shooters in Columbine, Colorado. 

In partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh we welcomed over 140 people during the afternoon session that included educators, agencies and nonprofit representatives. Over 500 people attended the evening session including parents, local leaders and community members. 

The consensus among attendees is the single biggest message shared by Susan was to simply listen to our kids. Stop talking and listen. Don’t try to fix, listen.

Hear more from Sue Klebold:

https://gooshkoshkids.com/podcast-sue-klebold/

What's Next?

“The Women’s Fund will host three interactive information sessions focused on topics of particular concern to women. The sessions will take place between now and next summer and include expert panelists who will provide the most current facts and data around these topics. The sessions will focus on the following: Childcare, navigating women’s health care in a post-Roe environment, and opioid drug addiction and death. We know these issues are of concern to friends of the Women’s Fund and our goal with these sessions is to inform and educate our Board of Directors and our Committees about the issues.”

For more information regarding the sessions contact The Women’s Fund.

Year End Appeal

As you look to bring 2022 to a close, we ask you to consider a gift to the Women’s Fund. Give us a call to explore your best options for a gift, whether it is appreciated stock, a required minimum distribution or your annual planned philanthropic giving, we invite you to have a conversation with our staff. 

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