Who We Help
2009 COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDSW.H.O. awards $105,500 in Community Service grants to 7 organizations
Never before has the power of the W.H.O. (Women Helping Others) Foundation been more impactful than in the past year. In the midst of an uncertain economy and the resulting decrease in charitable giving, W.H.O. continues to make a powerful difference for women, children and families, who need us now more than ever.
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2009 Community Service Award Winners were recognized at Celebration 2009. |
This year, at Celebration 2009, W.H.O. awarded $105,500 to seven deserving charities and recognized the BeautiControl Independent Consultants who volunteer at them.
• FELIX DAMIAN ROMEROIndependent National Executive Director FELIX DAMIAN ROMERO, PR, has been volunteering for approximately 18 months at Hogar Ninos Que Quieren Sonreir (Home of the Children Who Want to Smile). Affiliated with the American Cancer Society, this organization believes no pediatric cancer patient should go without care due to economic reasons. They provide free services and support to newborns to 21-year olds and their families. The generous $30,000 W.H.O. grant will help with funeral costs, medical equipment, transportation and bone marrow transplants.• MELODYE LEVEY
Women escaping from domestic violence need the proper training, skills and a wardrobe to get a job and get back on their feet. Women Helping Women does just that through their Employment Success Program. Independent Unit VIP MELODYE LEVEY, CA, a three-year volunteer, has seen how this program has turned lives around. The $5,000 W.H.O. grant will help fund the interviewappropriate clothing for 25 single mothers who are seeking economic independence for themselves and their children.• KAREN FRITSCHI
Independent Director KAREN FRITSCHI, CA, has volunteered at the Time for Change Foundation since 2006. The agency helps provide food, clothing, shelter and other supportive services for homeless women who want to escape their circumstances and rebuild their lives. Recently Time for Change was burglarized, and an estimated $15,000 in property was stolen, leaving the agency barely able to stay afloat. Karen requested a $10,000 grant but the W.H.O. Foundation generously increased it to $20,000 so Time for Change can replace its losses and continue to change lives.• VICKI BRYSON
The W.H.O. Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to Cleaning for a Reason Foundation, thanks to the submission by Independent Senior Director VICKI BRYSON, FL, a recent volunteer. This nonprofit dedicates itself to improving the lives of women undergoing treatment for cancer by providing free house cleaning services. Fighting cancer is difficult enough without having to worry about cleaning the house, and the grant makes it possible for more women to receive this gift. The grant money will go toward expanding the number of professional cleaning companies involved and matching them with women in their local areas.• ANNIE KLEOPPEL
For two and a half years, Independent Senior Director ANNIE KLEOPPEL, MO, has been involved with Odessa Clothes Closet. They sell used clothing and household items donated 100% by the community. These items are either given to the needy or sold, with the revenue used to help fund other local charitable, non-profit organizations. When W.H.O realized the passion behind their mission, it doubled the original request of $10,000 to $20,000. Odessa Clothes Closet will use the funds to help community organizations, including the Senior Center, the library and the Youth Backpack Program.• CATHY WAGNER
Independent Senior Director CATHY WAGNER, TX, has volunteered at the Zina Garrison Academy for seven years. This organization is dedicated to teaching life skills, promoting community service, providing positive role models and strengthening education opportunities for underprivileged youth in Houston. All the programs are held in the Academy’s trailer, which desperately needs upgrading and a wheelchair ramp. The $15,000 original request was increased to an $18,000 grant to cover both the trailer expenses and the program’s entire budget for the remaining year.• RENEE ZIMMERMAN
For eight years, Independent Unit VIP RENEE ZIMMERMAN, AZ, has volunteered at One on One Mentoring, where at-risk youths get a second chance at a positive future through caring adult mentorship. They benefit from much-needed attention and a glimpse at alternate life choices. The $2,500 grant from The W.H.O. Foundation will be used to purchase new tires and maintenance for their 15-passenger van.
2009 Education & Literacy Grant Recipients>>
2010 General
Grant Recipients >>