GWC hosted our annual workshop, “Grant Writing 101”, on Tuesday, July 25. The workshop was offered at no charge to 18 registrants from local nonprofit staff and volunteers. West Side Baptist Church generously provided the meeting space.
Christopher Timmons, Associate Pastor of West Side Baptist Church, warmly welcomed all workshop participants and presenters. Mary Woodiwiss, Chair of GWC’s Advisory Board and member of the Grants Review & Awards Committee, extended GWC’s welcome and made introductory announcements.

Workshop sessions were conducted by Jan Puzar, Kathy Emily, Donna Foster, and Kerry Ignatovich, GWC Members who have professional experience in program direction, grant writing, assessment, and management. These presentations included discussion of a homework assignment to help participants focus on their organization’s funding priorities, writing an effective grant proposal, and outcome measures for assessment of a program or project.

During the workshop, we enjoyed a break for coffee and bagels.

The workshop also featured a Funders Forum comprised of representatives of local granting organizations. Each spoke about the granting process, funding priorities, and other aspects of their grantmaking as well as responding to workshop participants’ questions. Presenters were: Cyndi New, Self Regional Community Health; Mamie Nicholson, Self Family Foundation; Justo Chalaire, United Way of the Lakelands; Sally Kauffmann, Greenwood Women Care; and Mary Woodiwiss, Greenwood County Community Foundation.

This training provided attendees with fundamentals for improving their grant application practices, whether for GWC Grants or requests made of other local or external funders. GWC’s Grants Review & Awards Committee members believe that Grant Writing 101 is a valuable way to be of service to our local nonprofits as they carry out their missions for the benefit of our whole community.

For the month of May, in which we celebrate our mothers, GWC wanted to celebrate the multi-generational family members among us. Nine of our members participate in GWC with their mother or daughter(s). Two are grandmother and granddaughter to each other and two are mother- and daughter-in-law.

It’s a delight to see these women find another meaningful connection as GWC members together!

What do they appreciate about GWC? Rachel Strayer and Rowan Pallis answered, “It’s a good feeling to know that at every gathering of this organization we’re each surrounded by people who walk the talk when it comes to caring about the world around them.” Debbie Coesens and Emma Grace Iseman observed, “GWC provides an outstanding example for learning, giving, and growing.” Tara Smith, who engages in GWC with her mother-in-law, Cindy Smith, reflected, “I am very proud to be a part of Greenwood Women Care, especially because it is comprised of a diverse group of women doing great things for our community. To be able to share that with one of the most important women in my life, my Mother-In-Law, is extra special.”

Why did they join GWC? Terri Bacon explained, “Carson (Penney) and I joined GWC to learn more about our new hometown, to find out where the needs were, who was meeting them, and how we could support them. GWC delivered on all these and continues to do so!” She added, “We hope Greenwood Women Care becomes a legacy organization for all kinds of women-to-women connections!” Peggy Adams and daughters Margaret Conrad and Courtney Christensen shared, “We love GWC’s dedication to a better community, the energy of the members, and the connections among members. We are excited to be part of Greenwood Women Care!” And Vickie Chandler and Susan Albon spoke for all of us when they remarked, “Because Greenwood is home.”

Happy Mother’s Day from Greenwood Women Care!

Greenwood Women Care (GWC) is pleased to announce the recipient of the GWC second biannual Women’s Health Grant. Helping Hands Women’s Organization has received funding to provide bras, inserts, head coverings, post-surgical garments, and wigs for those women who cannot afford them after treatment for cancer.

Debra Moton, Executive Director of Helping Hands Women’s Organization and owner of  Naturally You Boutique, was so surprised, happy, and excited when told her newly formed nonprofit had been granted $6,700 that she hardly knew what to say other than a big thank you and how much the award would help so many in need. Moton went on to express how hard it is for women who need special supplies after a lumpectomy, mastectomy, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy and cannot afford them. The after-effects of these conditions often diminish a woman’s self-esteem and can lead to depression and other emotional stress. Helping Hands Women’s Organization will serve those in financial need to help make them feel whole again. Helping Hands Women’s Organization works closely with The Cancer Center of Self Regional Healthcare to provide these needed services.

Please see the Index Journal article about this award here.

The GWC Women’s Health Grant was first offered in 2021. The grant supports holistic care and health education to improve the physical, mental, or social health and well-being of women in our community. It is funded by a Field of Interest fund endowed by Jim and Denise Medford and held by the Greenwood County Community Foundation. In conclusion of an application process that required a letter of intent followed by a full application with supporting information, the grant award was finalized. The grant will be offered again in 2025.

Members of this year’s GWC Women’s Health subcommittee are: Anne Craig, Alice Hodges, Sally Kauffmann, Marilyn Murphy, Jan Puzar, Karen Smith, Charlene Kish, and Mary Woodiwiss.

Congratulations to our award recipient , Helping Hands Women’s Organization, and all the best to you in your service to women in our community!

Marilyn Murphy, 2023 GWC Women’s Health Subcommittee Chair