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 | Memphis HOPE client Leslie Shaw
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As we begin 2014, we are building on a milestone achievement - The 10 th anniversary of Urban Strategies Memphis HOPEŽ. This two-generation model provides comprehensive support services that address the needs of the entire family and sets goals for each family member. The program provides the necessary wraparound services such as healthcare, education, childcare and transportation to help families succeed. As we continue to make strides one family at a time, we are sharing best practices with other women's funds and national foundations so that programs and services across the United States can be expanded.
The focus on the entire family provides resources for women and children to help them achieve economic self-sufficiency to break the cycle of generational poverty. We are dedicated to Memphis, and we are proud to be a leader to assist serving 17,000 women and children through our grant-making and collaboration. There is more work to be done as we plan to make more strategic investments to serve more families in need.
Donate now to make a difference...one family at a time.
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LEADERSHIP
Timeless Reflections
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Dr. Rosie Phillips Bingham
WFGM Trustee and
Past Board Chair, 2004-2006
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Dr. Rosie Phillips Bingham, Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Memphis, has been a part of the Women's Foundation since its inception. She is a founding board member, served as board chair from 2004-2006, is a member of the Board of Trustees and a 2013 Legends Award Honoree.
Dr. Bingham took a moment to reflect and share fond memories and her thoughts on the work of the Foundation:
On how she became a founding board member... "I was asked by Beth Dixon if I would like to be a part of starting a Women's Foundation that helps women and girls reach their full potential. As a psychologist, I thought I would be conducting workshops. I never thought I would be a 'philanthropist.'"
On the Women's Foundation's impact in Memphis...
"I certainly think the Women's Foundation has changed the conversation about poverty and women and families in Memphis. We think on a grander scale about what we should be doing. The Foundation not only works to end poverty, but has helped make changes to the landscape of the city. To make that kind of social intervention is incredible."
On the importance of uplifting women...
"If you do a simple act of working with a woman and helping her out of poverty it changes the world in a significant way. If you can stabilize a woman, you stabilize a family. If you stabilize a family, you stabilize a community. From there you can change a city, then state, and ultimately the country to make a global impact."
ANNUAL TRIBUTE LUNCHEON & SYMPOSIUM
2014 Leadership Roundtable
The Leadership Roundtable Co-Chairs lead three events by bringing strategic leadership, while galvanizing volunteers and WFGM staff to successfully host the Annual Tribute Luncheon and Symposium held every April. The Annual Tribute Luncheon and Symposium assembles more than 2,200 attendees engaged in several events in an atmosphere of passion, exhilaration and power as we build on our legacy to Memphis and Shelby County.
Women's Foundation Makes Memphis Business Journal's Top 25
 WFGM is one of 25 non-profit organizations named to the list of Top Granting Foundations by the Memphis Business Journal. Read more...
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PHILANTHROPY
Leaving a Lasting Legacy  It is estimated that between 60-70% of Americans do not have a will. Everyone has an estate, and everyone needs a plan. However, estate planning is especially an issue of importance to women as women live longer and are more likely to make the final decision on distributing assets. There can be many challenges to effective estate planning, and many issues to think through, but the benefits, like directing your assets and social capital to those people and organizations you value most, will protect your family and assets you will leave behind. Charitable giving can be part of good estate planning. You are part of the majority of households which have made charitable gifts throughout your lifetime. The same reasons you give during your lifetime are the reasons you might consider giving through your estate as well. Every dollar you give to a charitable organization, like the Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis, carries your values. A charitable lead, remainder trust and other forms of planned giving support the foundation's growth while providing substantial benefits to you. Consult your attorney or accountant for more information. |
GRANTEE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Girls Incorporated of Memphis
The Eureka! STEM Internship Program is a hands-on approach to engaging girls in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects. The initiative is to provide opportunity beginning with rising 8 th graders. This multi-year effort combines sports and personal development activities with an intensive experience on a college campus for four weeks. Eureka! offers educational and experiential opportunities during the school year, and looks to provide paid STEM focused internships.
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ADVOCACY IN ACTION
Earned Income Tax Credit Alliance and SmartBucks
 According to studies from the Internal Revenue Service, Memphis and Shelby County have missed out on millions of dollars in unclaimed Earned Income Tax Credit refunds since the year 2000. The studies indicate 24,200 eligible families failed to claim this important credit even though they qualified based on family income.
United Way provides leadership with other local groups to bring some of those missing millions back to low-income Memphis-area families and individuals. Many families of limited financial means can boost their available income by up to 30 percent by claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit, according to IRS studies. Read more...
50th Anniversary of the War on Poverty
 Marking the 50th anniversary of the War on Poverty, The Shriver Report, "A Woman's Nation Pushes Back from the Brink," has been released. The Aspen Institute Vice President and Ascend Executive Director Anne Mosle is a featured author in the report alongside Maria Shriver, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Beyonce Knowles-Carter, Anne-Marie Slaughter, LeBron James, Dr. Eduardo Padron, Sheryl Sandberg, Howard Schultz, and Tory Burch, among many others.
In her chapter "Personal Solutions, Collective Impact," Anne Mosle examines three bold ways to move women and girls toward economic security:
- Developing and elevating two-generation approaches, which provide opportunities for and meet the needs of children and their parents together;
- Strengthening the networks and relationships - the social capital - on which women rely; and
- Integrating a new "life education," including financial literacy and mentoring, in the lives of young people.
The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Pushes Back from the Brink asks-and answers-big questions. Why are millions of women financially vulnerable when others have made such great progress? Why are millions of women struggling to make ends meet even though they are hard at work? What is it about our nation-government, business, family, and even women themselves-that drives women to the financial brink? And what is at stake?
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Join us on Facebook and Twitter.
 
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LEGENDS AWARD
ART EXHIBITION
The Legends Art Exhibit is available.
To host the exhibit, please e-mail
Kesha R. Whitaker or call 901.969.2405
for more information.
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WFGM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Administrative Support
Clerical
Communications & Marketing
Data Entry
Special Event Support
To volunteer, e-mail Joyce Presley
or call 901-949-2406.
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Kroger Plus Card Community Rewards
Use your Kroger Plus card to earn points that turn into rewards for WFGM.
By signing up your card on
Kroger's Community Rewards website, you can select the Women's Foundation as your organization of choice. Best of all,
it won't interfere with your fuel points.
Learn more ...
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January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
ADVOCACY IN ACTION
If you suspect someone is a victim
or you witness activity you believe
to be related to sex trafficking,
call the Tennessee Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline
at 1-855-55-TNHTH.
You can also visit:
StopSexTraffickingInTN.com
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We Want to Hear from You!
Each month we receive information about incredible women doing incredible things.
If you have a story about a phenomenal woman who is impacting the community, transforming women's lives and the face of poverty and supporting the work of the Women's Foundation, we want to hear from you.
Please make suggestions or submit information regarding potential
e-news stories to Kesha R. Whitaker
or call 901-969-2405.
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