2009 Grant Partners
Justice: Youthful Offender Program
Young Women's Resource Center
Create a new beginning for young women facing legal charges through life-skills education and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Location/Region: Polk County/ Central
Amount: $5,000
Mid-year Highlights: Justice Program counseling therapist Gretchen Critelli was presented with the "2009 Courageous Advocacy Service Provider Award" for her work with the program, which has reported high levels of participant satisfaction and a majority of participants refraining from committing crimes since entering the program. Another positive outcome has been the expansion of the program to more women through peer encouragement.
Iowa N.E.W. Leadership
Women's Resource and Action Center
Enrich and encourage undergraduate women during a week-long residential learning experience with the long-term goal of increasing women's representation at all levels of government.
Location/Region: Iowa City/ Statewide
Amount: $5,000
Mid-Year Highlights: Program administrators reported the grant from IWF "made it possible for us to spend less time fundraising and more time with the women we exist to serve in our community and state." Focused programming and a higher level of community engagement increased the participants' experiences: "Now I get that there is a support system that will help us run if we want to." "This is the path that found me -- public leadership is it."
Girls on the Run of Johnson County
Build strength, character and confidence among 3rd to 6th grade girls through an established curriculum, as they train for a 5k race.
Location/Region: Johnson County/ South East
Amount: $3,000
Mid-Year Highlights: The spring program increased to two new schools, with 76 girls participating. The participants all responded to the question, "How Has GOTR helped you become more fearless?" One respondent wrote, "When I passed coaches, they'd say, 'Nice job!' or 'Keep it up!' No matter what it was, it was always something that encouraged me to try harder... I walked away [from a GOTR meeting] smiling, and feeling confident in myself to make new friends, try new things, and try my best."
Empowering Young African American Women
YWCA
Develop participants into responsible community leaders by engaging in community service and educational activities targeted to their unique cultural needs.
Location/Region: Black Hawk County/ North East
Amount: $1,500
Mid-Year Highlights: Participants have reported strong, positive ownership in the program, including re-naming it Black Ladies, Inc. (BLI) after engaging in a focused, democratic process. One young woman stated that since joining the program, she has become a better role model. All in the group enjoy the opportunity to get together and share their feelings without being criticized.
Beyond Welfare Women's Circles
Beyond Welfare, Inc.
Establish a support network for women rejoining the community or those at risk for entering the justice system in order to address systemic issues linking poverty, inequality and incarceration.
Location/Region: Story County/ Central
Amount: $4,000
Mid-Year Highlights: In addition to reporting that women in the program have found a greater sense of value and belonging in the community, rather than just being defined by mistakes they've made, the program has reached outside of its original scope. The program has enlisted more than 30 allies, women who would not be labeled "at risk", but are volunteering and getting personally involved in understanding the inequities of the system. These women report that their hearts, minds and lives are changing as well.