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Fund for Women Awards $200K in Grants

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Marking its 25th anniversary, the Delaware Fund for Women at the Delaware Community Foundation has awarded $200,000 this year to 16 Delaware nonprofit organizations statewide, breaking its record of $190,046 from last year.

The grants were presented at the Duncan Center in Dover on May 10. Each recipient organization addresses the Fund for Women’s mission to empower women and girls in Delaware to achieve their potential.

Delaware Adolescent Program, Inc. (DAPI) — $15,000

DAPI

The Delaware Adolescent Program, Inc. DAPI is empowering pregnant and parenting teen girls to achieve their potential by academic skill building as well as understanding/selecting concrete career options. DAPI will assist its DAPI Daughters with a tangible career plan that supports self-sufficiency. 

Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation — $15,000

The Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation is awarding scholarships to women based on need, academic record and potential for success. They will provide mentoring support through professional women in the community. FSS’s mission is to grow the number of scholarships and strengthen mentoring services. 

Friendship House, Inc. — $15,000

The Friendship House, Inc. “New Start Program” is providing transitional housing and paid employment training to motivated homeless women who have demonstrated a commitment to address their issues in a holistic manner.  Living and working in supportive environments will encourage growth and self-confidence.

Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County — $15,000

Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County is partnering with Family Promise of Northern New Castle County to provide rental housing, with the opportunity for purchase after one year, for families experiencing homelessness. The families are utilizing the State’s rental vouchers, and support from organizations to prepare them for potentially buying the house.

Lewes Public Library — $4,000

FFW Chair Kay Keenan

The Library will host 16 teen-aged girls for 12-session, bi-weekly intensives in computer science with female professionals, concluding with tours of local businesses utilizing skills learned. This project introduces girls to different aspects of computer science and STEM career pathways.

Literacy Delaware, Inc. — $10,900

The Literacy Delaware, Inc. is organizing “Women’s English Conversation Groups” that focuses on participants’ English and survival skills while also meeting the social-emotional needs of women who are often isolated in their homes. They create an inclusive and safe learning environment to build a community of peers.

Nanticoke Health Foundation — $14,525

The Nanticoke Health Foundation through its support of Nanticoke Health Services is providing breast cancer screenings for black women age forty or older, or for those younger than 40 who are at high risk for breast cancer.

National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Delaware Chapter Inc. — $13,325

National Coalition of 100 Black Women

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Delaware Chapter Inc. “Mary Ann Shadd Cary/Margaret Rose Henry Civic Engagement Initiative” is providing statewide leadership development project targeting Black women for active participation and decision making roles in neighborhood, government, business and civic affairs.

Pacem in Terris — $1,000

Pacem in Terris is providing a weeklong art workshop for the women of Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution which will enhance their well-being, creativity, and future opportunities through display of their work on the theme of peace.

Pathways to Success, Inc. — $6,250

Pathways to Success, Inc.  “I Choose Success” continues to empower Sussex County High Schools via follow-up sessions with young ladies (age 15-19) who have been identified for needing individual or group mental health counseling due to emotional, physical and self-esteem related traumatic experiences.

People’s Place II, Inc. — $15,000

People’s Place II, Inc. is offering “Making Cent$” classes that teaches domestic violence survivors skills to take care of themselves and their families financially.  Making Cent$ also offers innovative financial incentives and loan programs designed to improve a student’s credit while increasing their financial stability. 

Planned Parenthood of Delaware — $15,000

Planned Parenthood of Delaware

Planned Parenthood of Delaware “Teen Council” is striving to change teens’ sexual health attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs while honing their individual strengths. Teen Council members are trained to present to their peers on Healthy Relationships, Rape Culture, Communication, and more. Members represent diverse beliefs, viewpoints, and backgrounds.

Ronald McDonald House of Delaware — $15,000

Ronald McDonald House of Delaware is providing housing and support services to Delaware mothers with pre-term infants, who must travel 25 miles or more to the Wilmington area, in order to access the level of neonatal care their children require.

 The Way Home, Inc — $15,000

The Way Home, Inc. “Determining Your Freedom” is working  with incarcerated women, while in work release and upon immediate release, and providing trauma-informed services that are gender-responsive to help these women transition back into the community and maintain an independent life.

Urban Promise

 UrbanPromise Wilmington — $15,000

UrbanPromise Wilmington is employing “StreetLeaders,” teens working as junior counselors in their After School Programs and Summer Camps. The young women are provided with mandatory tutoring, mentoring, college tours, and cultural activities. The program prepares young women for college to ensure they enroll and graduate from college.

YWCA Delaware — $15,000

YWCA Delaware “YWCA’s Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC)” is providing stipends for highly-trained advocates that cover the 24/7 crisis hotline and go on medical and legal accompaniments with survivors. SARC provides emergency services, aftercare, counseling and coordinated community response referrals statewide.

FFW Grants Committee vice chair Kirsten MacGregor and chair Pamela Sharpe

DCF President & CEO Stuart Comstock-Gay