Girls & Self DevelopmentFaces Benefitting from Your Support
View a short video featuring women and girls in central Indiana who have overcome barriers and are achieving success, thanks to your interest and support.
Exploring a Community Center i Never Had
I decided to take a closer look at Concord Neighborhood Center. Women’s Fund has provided significant funds to this organization for a number of years – from computer training for girls to childcare for women; assistance with basic needs to youth development.
"Working it Out" with Girls Inc.
When I had an opportunity to volunteer for Girls Incorporated of Greater Indianapolis, I was immediately interested. Through their recent expansion of outreach-based programming, volunteers and staff are reaching more girls through program delivery in community centers and schools.
New Grants Give More Opportunities to Women and Girls
We are excited to announce we have made grants of $354,413 to benefit 17 organizations in central Indiana. Learn more about the organizations we funded and the important work they are doing in our community.
Power of Girls inspires teenage girls and their mentors
Power of Girls is a day-long session that educates and inspires teenage girls, their mothers and mentors, and encourages children and families healing from domestic violence.
Lessons for a Lifetime
What did participants learn at Power of Girls? How were they impacted? So many of the "take aways" from this program go well beyond the day of the event...
A Conversation Seven Years Ago Becomes a Beautiful Home for Pregnant Teens
Project Home Indy is opening a home for pregnant and parenting homeless teens, to meet a demand that is greater than what is available in central Indiana.
Body Image Influenced by Families
Jen Van Dame, AmeriCorps VISTA Public Affairs Specialist, Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis, shares how parents can communicate with girls about the impact of media on their body image.
It’s the 21st century – how much longer will this take?
Deborah Hearn Smith, CEO, Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, shares her perspective on how objectification of women and girls has–and has not–changed during her lifetime and encourages us to take action.
Smashing Tennis Star and Champion for Equality to Visit Indianapolis
Billie Jean King, legendary tennis star and champion for women and girls, both on and off the court, is visiting Indianapolis December 10, 2012. Will you be there?
Indiana Fever Champions Inspire Girls to Imagine Possibilities
Indiana Fever earn a WNBA title and inspire girls, and countless others in the community, in the process.
Lessons Learned from Young Pakistani Advocate
Jennifer H. Pletcher, Educational Consultant for GO: Give Back - a philanthropy education program, shares her thoughts and lessons learned from an outspoken Pakistani girl.
Women's Fund Awards $337,500 to Organizations Supporting Caregiving, Domestic Violence and Insufficient Income
(Indianapolis) Women’s Fund of Central Indiana recently awarded $337,500 to organizations giving opportunities, encouragement, knowledge and hope to women and girls in central Indiana. The grants, awarded to 13 organizations, target central Indiana’s organizations focused on caregiving, domestic violence and insufficient income.
Friendships Made; Experiences Gained - Your OPTION
Recruiting for OPTIONS Class 10 already? It doesn’t seem that long ago that I participated - eight years goes by quickly. Back then I was eager to learn; eager to make a difference. I wanted to participate in every leadership and community program offered. OPTIONS was one of several – and the one that had the greatest impact on me.
Power of Girls Inspires Life-Long Lessons
Power of Girls is an amazing program providing a unique opportunity for girls age 13 to 16 and a special woman in their life to learn lessons that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. When I found out about Power of Girls and heard the reactions of participants, I wished something like this was offered when I was a teenager... and I'm sure to tell anyone I know who could benefit from this program today.
Planned Parenthood: There When I Needed Them
Read a post by Jen Rawe, OPTIONS Class 12 member and AdvoCare Independent Distributor, on a recent OPTIONS site visit to the Midtown Center of Planned Parenthood of Indiana. Jen shares her personal perspective and some things you may not know about Planned Parenthood - including education and adoption services.
Project Home Indy
Project Home Indy, a Women's Fund grantee, aims to provide a nurturing residential environment for homeless teenage girls who are pregnant or parenting gain self-sufficiency. Statistics from Still on Shaky Ground highlight the critical need for this organization.
More Than Fun and Games
I was lucky enough to have opportunities like Girl Scouts and great programs at school to get involved in... so many good opportunities, it was sometimes hard to choose. I never imagined that these choices and opportunities did not exist for other girls.
Go Girl!
Driving home from a meeting with Women’s Fund, I found myself comparing them to an event I participated in over the weekend. On Saturday, I was one of 500 women who participated in the Go Girl Triathlon, an event benefiting the Julian Center
Is it "just" a t-shirt?
A recent t-shirt for girls was pulled from a major department store chain after the public reacted. What does this say about our culture, why does it matter, and what can we do to affect change?
Mentors and the Green Sash
Contributed by Lynda Goeke, Community Volunteer. When I think of the experiences in my life that have made the person I am, there are many that come to mind, but one that stands out is my Girl Scout experience.
Concerns About Early Puberty
By: Emily Frank, MD - OPTIONS Alumnae member This week the news outlets all carried the same scary story: young girls are beginning puberty at an alarmingly young age. Early puberty is defined as the development of sexual characteristics before age 7 in girls. An article published in the journal Pediatrics this week reports on a large study of nearly 1200 young females from across the nation.
Women and the Olympics
The girl power in these Olympic Games is extremely exciting, inspiring and captivating. I did some searching and am sharing some fun facts about women and the Olympics.
Women Dive, Paddle, Sprint and Kick to New Levels at 2012 Olympics
The Olympics are not only fun to watch, they have great significance for participating athletes - and those aspiring to participate. And through the Olympics, women receive more attention than ever on network television. How would increased coverage of women's sports change our daily viewing habits beyond the Olympics - and serve as an inspiration for young girls?
A Delightful Experience
Contributed by Shelley Raper. As an alumnus of OPTIONS Class Eight, I had the opportunity to attend a Girls Inc. Do's and Taboo's Class- Etiquette Tea Class last Wednesday, July 29, to see a program funded by the members of the OPTIONS Class Eight.
Celebrating 40 Years
Girls Incorporated of Greater Indianapolis celebrates their 40th anniversary this year. As a long-standing Women's Fund grantee, we are proud to support their work to help girls become strong, smart, and bold.
Giving Girls the Best
Girls Inc. of Franklin/ Johnson County has secured the highest Quality Assurance rating from Girls Inc. nationally - demonstrating how girls in Johnson County are getting the best!
Women Making Herstory
Yesterday I was delighted to attend the Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis Touchstone Awards, themed "Making Herstory". There are many positive elements of this event and an important one, in my view, is recognizing female leaders making a mark on central Indiana. Four women were honored with Touchstone Awards, which highlight and recognize their achievements and significance as leaders. Past honorees include current Women's Fund board chair, Ann Murtlow, Immediate Past Chair, Julie Davis, and a host of other women who have provided leadership to Women's Fund and our community.
Going Gaga for Beauty
Do you ever have the experience where something bothers you and you simply cannot shake it? Thanks in part to Lady Gaga, I had this experience as I read a recent New York Times article and learned about the newest Gaga-inspired trend for teenage girls and young women, "circle lenses." Circle lenses are essentially larger-than-normal contacts which give the wearer a doe-eyed look through seemingly enlarged pupils.
Title IX Game Wraps Fun and Learning Together for Girls
Photos and highlights from Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis program participants leading to the Title IX celebration and game on June 21.
Lawrence Taylor's failures reflect our own
Contributed by Women's Funding Network Hall of Fame linebacker and Dancing With the Stars personality, Lawrence Taylor, may face up to four years in jail. Taylor is accused of third degree rape after having paid for sex with a 16-year-old girl in May. His next court appearance was scheduled today, June 24.
Summer Camp Participants Empowered through Leadership and Learning
Contributed by Quiana Graham, Director, Youth & Family Programs, Indiana Black Expo, Inc. Every year March is designated as Women's Empowerment Month. During that month, we see public service announcements honoring great women such as Amelia Earhart, Madame C J Walker, Betsy Ross and other women who have helped to make this country great! As a person active in the non-profit community, I work first hand with the National Girls Inc. office, which is located in downtown Indianapolis. I have read numerous scholarships of Girls Inc. graduates from throughout the country who seek financial assistance from the organization to continue their educational endeavors.
Education is Key to Violence Prevention
I was taken aback when reading the New York Times column posted on the Women's Fund Facebook page last week. The article highlighted a group of 14- and 15-year-old boys' "draft" of girls in their Maryland community. I won't go into the details, but you can read the column by clicking here. What may be viewed by some as innocent adolescent behavior may also foreshadow long-term issues with respect for women, which can lead to dating violence and domestic abuse.
Title IX 40th Anniversary Celebration
Celebration of Title IX on June 23 will mark 40 years of advancement for women and girls. Women's Fund is excited to be part of festivities with Indiana Fever before and during their game on Thursday, June 21.
Encouraging Healthy Bodies and Minds
Have you checked in on the state of your body and mind recently? Learn about some initiatives to help women and girls feel good about themselves, inside and out!
Title IX Protection Doesn't Just Apply to Sports
Title IX is a U.S law best known in the world of high school and college athletics. It was originally instituted to ensure gender equity in education. When I played sports in high school it meant that girls had equal rights to education and athletic opportunities as the boys. In fact, my freshman year, there was a girl on our varsity football team – and she actually played! What I think is often overlooked is that Title IX is not just about sports.
Redefining Beauty - Outcomes Beyond Measure
Tuesday I shared about the "Redefining Beauty" Girls Inc. program, which I recently facilitated at a local elementary school. The girls participating in the program came from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. I could not say that conflict did not happen (after all, I was working with 9 to 11 year-old girls)! However, the positive outcomes of the program were phenomenal.
Redefining Beauty
I really enjoy helping people through volunteering. When I had the opportunity to lead Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis programs through Junior League, I jumped on it. Not only do I enjoy mentoring children - especially girls, but this was a perfect connection to our mission at Women's Fund.
Sniffles and summer vacation mean extra planning for moms
Today I was struck by my good fortune of having a strong network – particularly in terms of quality daycare, a good family who helps with the kids and the ability to tap into the great community resources available for working moms. I’m currently facing two situations that are not uncommon to working moms – a sick kid and planning for summer care. Both raise the question of balancing work and family responsibilities.
Challenging what we know
Contributed by Raquel Richardson, Principal, Silver Square :: Marketing + Design. We know the sun will come up tomorrow. We know the leaves turn colors in the fall. We know the earth is round. We know the truth – until we don’t. Our world has a funny way of keeping us off balance and adding in those little idiosyncrasies that make us pause and take note, challenging what we know.
Shouldn't girls "just wanna have fun" - not worry about losing weight?
Women's Fund recently posted on an article on Facebook about elementary school girls trying to lose weight. Although the report was from 2003, the fact that 40% of 1-5th grade girls at the time wanted to lose weight is alarming.
Serious (and very scary) Stats Shared During Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. After reading some alarming statistics, I think it should be an issue we pay close attention to year-round in order to better protect young girls.
OPTIONS Perspective: Project Home Indy
OPTIONS Class 11 visited Project Home Indy on Tuesday, April 12. Class member Maggie Bowden shares her perspective on the visit.
Shaping the Next Generation
We often talk about the next generation—the problems and the opportunities. So much of our society's focus is on nurturing youth, and yet, in some ways, it is about destructing them. Mixed messages abound for young girls and teenagers.
New Law Designed to Prevent Teen Violence
Over the years, Central Indiana has experienced an increase in teen girls who are in more violent relationships. In 2005, 13.5% of Indiana high school girls reported they had experienced dating violence (had been hit, slapped or physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend) in the last 12 months. This translates to approximately 5,000 Indianapolis area girls, ages 15-18, who experienced dating violence in one year alone.
Internet Safety Concerns for Girls (and Women)
Recent news about the use of internet has me worried for myself, my daughter and my friends. I have a few ideas to help, but welcome more.
Inspired By a Victim of Child Abuse
Last week I attended a kick-off event for Child Abuse Prevention Month, hosted in partnership by Prevent Child Abuse America, Prevent Child Abuse Indiana and The Villages. Throughout the event, child advocates spoke about the importance of child abuse prevention and the devastating cycle of domestic violence. Statistics shared were stark. Each year, more than 20,000 Hoosier children are abused and neglected – that equates to 56 children being harmed every day and one child each week losing his or her young life to child abuse.
Women. Girls. Central Indiana. - March 2013
From visits to Dress for Success Indianapolis and La Plaza to discussions about feminism and GO Ahead & Play activity, March was an action-packed month for Women's Fund.
Remembering Female Athletes During March Madness
When considering all of the attention the men's tournament receives, the women's tournament seems overshadowed. There certainly has been coverage of women's games, but it does not seem to be to the extent of the men's games. The Olympics is one forum where male and female athletes have equal coverage, but more attention should be drawn to the efforts of all female athletes.
Quotable Quotes
As we come to the close of Women's History Month, enjoy some quotable quotes inspired by women who made - and are making - history.
Knowledge is Power: La Plaza Students Open Doors to Possibilities
Jennifer Hutchinson, La Plaza Mother-Daughter Program Coordinator, writes a personal insight into the positive progress and growth of middle school girls participating in programs she facilitates.
La Plaza: An Important Link for the Latino Community
A visit to La Plaza shows the vital role the organization plays for the entire Latino community in the Indianapolis-area, and also the opportunities it provides through programs like the Mother-Daughter Program, serving middle school-aged girls and their mothers.
Madeleine Albright: A Trailblazing Leader
Since March is Women's History Month, it is fitting to highlight a trailblazing woman in history, Madeleine Albright. Last night, Dr. Albright spoke at Butler University as part of the Celebration of Diversity distinguished lecture series, captivating the audience with a sincere, inspiring, witty, and thought-provoking presentation.
Cookies, Badges and Beyond: Women's Fund and Girl Scouts
I’m fascinated by Girl Scout cookie time – fascinated by the dedication of the Troops selling them each weekend throughout the city; I’m fascinated by the mom’s helping to sell their daughter’s cookies; but mostly I’m fascinated by the lessons learned by Girl Scout cookie time. And wouldn’t you just know that as I was talking about Girl Scout cookies with Women’s Fund I learned something new about the organization… they helped create a Girl Scout Badge.
Girl Power
Several members of OPTIONS, Women's Fund staff and Advisory Board members visited Girls Inc. and participated in a program about bullying and aggression. Read what one participant learned. - Written by Jennifer Berry, OPTIONS 12 Class Member
Mom/Daughter Time with the Wannabes
How often do you and your mom or you and your daughter get together with the explicit purpose of laughing, poking fun at each other, and seriously discussing issues of which your dad, husband, or brother have absolutely no clue?
Women. Girls. Central Indiana. - February Update
Welcome to our monthly update: Women. Girls. Central Indiana., featuring the latest on women and girls from Women's Fund of Central Indiana. I hope you feel better connected to the work of Women's Fund by learning about the incredible impact we are making together for women and girls in our community.
The Girl Effect
Invest in a girl. Your investment will pay off. The case has been made increasingly clear that not only locally, but internationally, investment in the future of a girl has profound ripple effects on a community and ultimately the world.
Reporting on Girls, Inc. From the Streets of Franklin
I participated in a video project for Women’s Fund this week and although I was skeptical about my ability to be a “woman on the street reporter”, I had fun and learned a lot about the organization I was assigned.
Mom, I'm Fat
"Mom, I'm Fat!" Sadly, it's a comment many mom's may hear. In fact, it's an issue I'm facing right now with my 9-year-old. I truly enjoyed reading how this mom responded when faced with the question. It inspired me and made me think differently about being open, honest and silly with my daughter. I hope it inspires others.
Volunteer to Make a Difference: Mentor at IPS
Mentoring is an important way to build a child's confidence and success. Read for a special opportunity to volunteer as a mentor for girls at an IPS school!
Welcome New Advisory Board Members
Women's Fund is grateful for the service of a team of community leaders who guide our work to improve the lives of women and girls in central Indiana—our Advisory Board. Thanks to 2008 - 2009 chair, Julie Davis, for her outstanding service to Women's Fund in this role. We would also like to welcome new leadership to our Advisory Board.
Women Are on the Up and Up
What is in store for women in 2012? Many challenges are ahead. Will you join Women's Fund in making a difference?
Future Promises Helps Pregnant and Parenting Teens Build Promising Futures
By: Heather Hafer, Public Relations Coordinator, Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County. Future Promises is a school/community-based program that offers education and support to pregnant and parenting teens to help them build their own promising future.
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