Women’s Self-Sufficiency Initiative Allocations

Women's Self-Sufficiency Initiative
Making an impact on the lives of women in our community!

In 2010, Women in Philanthropy focused on supporting programs that have a direct and measurable impact on women's self-sufficiency in central New Mexico. Specifically in the areas of improving high school graduation rates and/or assisting with GED completion; providing job/skill training for women to secure employment; and securing quality childcare as it enables women's employability.

Five nonprofit organizations were selected to receiving program funding:

ACCION: To provide ongoing loan support, leadership development and financial literacy training for women entrepreneurs.

Precious Gifts Housing Program: To support educational and career coaching for women.

Ser de New Mexico (Service, Education/Employment, and Redevelopment): Program support for the United for Women (UWF) in conjunction with the Southwest Employment and Training Program (SWEAT).

Southwest Creations Collaborative: Program support for the Creating Family Assets (CFA) program that provides consistent, well-paying employment for women while addressing barriers to economic success and employability.

WESST (Women's Economic Self-Sufficiency Team): Program support for the Individual Development Account (IDA) program.

2009 - 2010 Year in Review

In 2009 – 2010 Women’s Self-Sufficiency funding focused on closing the front door to women in poverty by enhancing women's employability.   So far:

ACCION: 70 female loan applicants have received one-on-one training and technical assistance, with 31 becoming loan recipients. Loans were granted for businesses such as book keeping, mechanic shop, pet groomers, auto parts, retail stores and a beauty shop.  65% of loans were made to minorities and 68% were low income.

Rio Grande Educational Collaborative: 171 children have been able to participate in after school learning activities for a period of 12-16 weeks at their school.

Ser de New Mexico (Service, Education/Employment, and Redevelopment):  So far 17 women are enrolled in the GED program; 4 have passed all 5 sections of the GED and 3 of them are currently attending CNM, 3 other women took the GED in December and are awaiting results.  Additionally, 10 women have completed 50 hours of employment training and life skills workshops.

Southwest Creations Collaborative: 43% of eligible employees have completed their GED.  100% of child care requests have been met; 20 children are receiving onsite childcare allowing their mothers to earn a living and advance their education.

WESST (Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team):  49 participants have been enrolled in the 10 week financial literacy training program; all participants thus far have qualified and opened IDA (Individual Development Accounts)

Click here to view the 2009 - 2010 Women's Self-Sufficiency Mid-Year Funding Report

Become involved!

You too can have an impact on the lives of women in our community. By designating your gift to support the Women in Philanthropy Women's Self Initiative, your dollars combined with others will be used to support local programs for women that help to alleviate the root causes of poverty.

Interested in learning how you can become involved? For more information please contact Christina Woodlee at christina.woodlee@uwcnm.org 247-3671.