Addressing violence in the lives of girls – United Way of Central Mass. awards $300,000+ to fund programs

Women’s Initiative Awards More Than $300,000

Addressing the Issue of Violence in the Lives of Girls

The Women’s Initiative of United Way of Central Massachusetts recently awarded more than $300,000 to fund 12 programs in central Massachusetts that directly impact the lives of area girls.

The following 12 funded programs are focused on reducing the incidence of violence affecting girls through the strategy of building, strengthening and supporting the development of healthy, safe, and confident girls.

In addition to funding programs and events, Women’s Initiative continues to offer free community-wide economic empowerment conferences, called “Dollar $cholar,” for eighth-grade girls in Worcester and surrounding towns. During the fall of 2013, Women’s Initiative members mentored 200 girls from Worcester East Middle School and are currently preparing to work with approximately 180 girls from Grafton Middle School and Abby Kelley Foster Charter School in May 2014. Since 2006, almost 3000 girls from central Massachusetts were introduced to the basics of finance and budgeting, setting the stage for future independence and confidence around personal finance.

2014 Women’s Initiative Funded Programs

Express Yourself Program African Community Education Program $23,750.00

Girls Voice Program Boys and Girls Club of Worcester $17,500.00

All Kinds of Girls Clark University $12,000.00

Dear World: Voices of Worcester Girls Incorporated of Worcester $29,450.00

Latina Achievers in Search of Latino Education Institute (LEI) $34,526.80

Success (LASOS) Worcester State Foundation

Project Shine LUK Crisis Center, Inc. $15,500.00

Just Us Girls Seven Hills Family Services $17,427.75

Young Women – Healthy Choices Southeast Asian Coalition $14,025.00

One Circle Program Worcester Youth Center $45,000.00

(with The Community Builders and the