Due to Covid-19, Women United moved its annual grant awards program online. Members and guests were able to watch the event via Zoom or Facebook Live. Libby Edwards-Allbaugh, Vice Chair of the Steering Committee, welcomed everyone and spoke about how the needs in our community have been compounded by Covid and that our work and generosity are more important than ever.
Members and guests heard updates from our 2019 grant recipients. Jessica Maslaney, Chief Executive Officer of Piedmont Family YMCA, shared that the $30,000 grant allowed them to offer childcare scholarships for children (ages 6 weeks to 5 years) of low income single mothers who are seeking education and career opportunities. The grant served 43 women and 55 children, for a total of 236 weeks of high-quality child care. Jayson Whitehead, PACEM’S Executive Director and Heather Kellams, Women’s Case Manager, shared that their $30,000 grant allowed them to hire Heather to serve their female clients, as women’s needs are often more complex than men’s and tend to be under-served. Heather served 81 homeless women this past year
Kendra Stribling, the Grant Committee Chair for this round of grants, announced the recipients of two $25,000 grants: AHIP and Piedmont CASA. AHIP’s Safe at Home program responds to the urgent needs of Charlottesville and Albemarle families with children and youth under age 18. Piedmont CASA will use their funds for travel expenses for coaches in their Bridges to Success for Older Youth in Foster Care program.