Fulfilling its mission of inspiring achievement, the Giving Circles of the Nevada Women’s Fund awarded $70,000 to the Volunteers of America Family Shelter and $35,000 to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.

“This was not a difficult decision,” said Isabelle Rodriguez Wilson, the Funds new President and CEO. “Empowering women and families to improve their lives is the heart of our mission. And to work with organizations that are models for service makes it all the more meaningful.”

In 2008 Stephanie was homeless and pregnant and sought assistance of the newly formed family shelter. Supported by the family shelter’s maternity center, she gave birth to her son with their assistance. Today, Stephanie and her son are independent and self-sufficient living in their Reno apartment. She is a full-time student at TMCC and a part-time employee of the Washoe County School District supporting the shelter’s education re-engagement center. Her son is in public school.

Formed to reduce generational poverty, the Bridges Out of Poverty program of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada is an integral partner of the Family Shelter. Today the Food Bank implements its Getting Ahead program at the family shelter with the purpose of transitioning individual dependence on social service dollars.

“I’m proud of our Family Shelter and its partnership with the Food Bank. It’s a model program in our state and the nation,” said Nancy Cashell, a member of the NWF Giving Circles. “Today many communities are challenged by reduced government resources, it’s comforting to know a private fund can be an effective partner with public service and fulfill our mission at the same time.”
The NWF Giving Circles community awards total $476,000 since 2009.
Inspiring Achievement

Members of the Giving Circles of the Nevada Women’s Fund will tour the VOA Family Shelter on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. and present their financial awards at 10:00 a.m.
To participate in the NWF Giving Circles or to find out more information about the Nevada Women’s Fund and its work to support women and families, call (775) 786-2335 or email info@nevadawomensfund.org.