The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties Awards $26,600 to Non-Profit Organizations that Support Women and Girls

Annually The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties awards grants to area nonprofits that have programs which support women and girls. This year $26,600 was awarded to fund programs at Mosaic Health, Thea Bowman House, Midtown Utica Community Center, Old Forge Library and Upstate Caring Partners.

“Our mission at The Women’s Fund is to help improve the lives of women and girls in our area,” stated Denise Flihan, owner of Daughters-for-Hire and co-chair of the Grants Committee of the Women’s Fund Board of Directors. “The funding for the five organizations this year addresses a number of needs in our area including the critical healthcare needs of women and their maternal health before and after pregnancy. The grants also ensure educational instruction on topics including lead poisoning, asthma treatment, food allergies and diabetes and helps to continue to support treatment for mental health needs as well as empowering women and girls through outreach, support and team building. These agencies are doing extraordinary work, and we are very pleased we can support them.”

Funding for women and girls is important. Recent studies show than while half the population of the United States is represented by women and girls, less than two percent of the charitable giving activity nationwide concentrates specifically on that demographic. The funding of the following agencies helps to begin to bridge the gap and supports both the mental and physical well-being of women and girls in our communities.

The grants awarded for 2024 are:

Mosaic Health – the organization received funding to support the Holistic Women’s Health and Prenatal Supportive Initiative which ensures comprehensive care before, during and after pregnancy. Designed to improve maternal health outcomes for underserved populations, the grant expands access to primary care, dental care, doula services, as well as nutrition support and education.

Thea Bowman House – the grant helps address health education and wellness for women in low-income populations. Through monthly educational meetings of mothers of pre-kindergarten children, a nurse-led forum will cover topics like maternal health, dental care, lead poisoning prevention, diabetes and food allergies. These forums will serve as a resource for women and families in the area.

Midtown Utica Community Center- the grant will launch a self-care program specifically designed for women and girls in our refugee community. Safe space workshops will focus on goal setting, self-confidence and leadership skills, career exploration and empowerment exercises. The program is designed to support the women in our communities while honoring their diversity and cultural traditions.

Old Forge Library- area libraries serve as a resource and meeting center in our communities. This initiative supports senior women living in the Adirondacks by helping them with access to essentials needs for their care including educational programs, hygiene products, health information and supplements. Additionally free Wi-Fi allows library attendees to have tele-health access and working in collaboration with library personnel the initiative helps to build supportive communities within the surrounding area.

Upstate Caring Partners- the grant will help to address the lack of inclusiveness and accessibility for social opportunities for women and girls with disabilities and behavioral health needs. The activities are designed to foster social engagement, personal growth and mental wellbeing. Engagement activities will include arts programming, yoga and nature-based team building activities.

The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a volunteer-driven, not-for profit which is funded by donor contributions. The organization has been supporting women and girls in our communities for more than 26 years. For more information visit The Women’s Fund at www.womensfundhoc.org

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