Announcing Independence and Name ChangeIt's the New Year and a new beginning for Western New York. To help us reach our goal of living in a community in which all women and girls have the opportunity to thrive, as of January 1, 2012 the WNY Women's Fund has become the WNY Women's Foundation, Inc.
The WNY Women's Fund was a created in 1999 as a collaboration of the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County and the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. Now - as The WNY Women's Foundation - we are a separate 501(c)3, non-profit, organization. A special thank you for the support of the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, the tireless efforts and vision of our Board of Directors, and individuals like you for making this vision a reality. Without your dedication, this transition would not have been realized.
You will continue to hear about our work as we move forward. The launch of the Out of School Time (OST) Initiative in 2011 - based on nationally recognized standards brought to Buffalo - is a milestone for the organization and our community. It is one of the largest and most innovative pilot projects of the WNY Women's Fund to date. In partnership with the Buffalo Public Schools and other key stakeholders, we're piloting an afterschool program at P.S. #59 as well as a quality measurement tool that we hope will impact the face of after school programming district-wide. On June 13th, you will see the return of our What She's Made Of - Signature Event with Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Ellen Goodman. Our Breakfast Series continues with intriguing speakers and our Fall In Fashion fundraising event will be back better than ever.
As the WNY Women's Foundation, we will have greater ability to advocate on behalf of women and girls on critical issues impacting their lives. We will continue to raise money and make impact grants to local community programs that result in systemic change and help women and girls develop self-reliance and become economically self-sufficient. Our physical location is the same, yet our website has changed. The first 10 years as the WNY Women's Fund has proven that we are a necessary piece in the puzzle to helping Western New York families thrive. The next 10 years - and beyond - will be an exciting time for growth and opportunity with your continued support.
We may have a new look and a new name, yet our focus remains the same. Together, we are one step closer to transforming our community by focusing on the future for women and girls. Thank you for your support.
Warm Regards,
Alice Jacobs Heather A. Filipowicz, CFRE
Chair, Board of Directors Executive Director
