2018 grants

WFED Site-Visit Committee wrapped up visits will all 2018 grant recipients. Read their site-visit report here.

inspiration Grants

3 Strands Global Foundation
Employ-Empower Reintegration Program
$30,000

Survivors of human trafficking have told us for years that the most important action we can take on their behalf is to help them find a job. 3Srands Global Foundation’s reintegration program, Employ + Empower, provides sustainable employment opportunities for survivors and at-risk youth, as well as the behavioral health services they need to succeed in their jobs.

3Strands Global will partner with trusted community agencies that serve survivors and transitional-age foster youth, such as Summitview and CASA El Dorado, and will implement a streamline, trauma-informed process to place 15 survivors and at-risk youth (foster and homeless youth) in jobs. Because there is a high correlation between youth exploited for sex or labor and involvement in the foster care system, it is essential that these services are available to ensure that the current 300 foster youth in El Dorado County do not become victims of human trafficking.

As economic insecurity is one of the main vulnerabilities exploited by traffickers, and is a primary reason survivors return to a life of victimization, 3Strands Global teaches transferable job skills and provided substantial job training and interview coaching to place survivors in a job where they will thrive, ultimately preventing them from returning to a situation of exploitation. This impact is sustained through referrals to behavioral health services, such therapy from A Place Within counseling. By addressing the complex mental health needs of survivors while placing them in a job, the Employ- Empower program enhances their emotional well-being and provides financial stability.

Assistance League of Sierra Foothills
Operation School Bell
$30,000

Clothes

My mom and dad work hard all day

To provide for all of us

Sometimes I cry about the things kids say

When I go to meet the bus

You shouldn’t decide if you like someone

Based on the clothes they wear

It makes me sad when they make fun

I wish I didn’t care

Sadly, that is the situation over 4000 students on the Western Slope of El Dorado County experience because their families cannot afford new school clothes. Operation School Bell® provided new school clothing for those children in need. The program works with 32 schools on the Western Slope to identify socioeconomically disadvantaged students in grades K-8, who would benefit from our shopping events at local Kmart or Target stores. Upon arriving at the event, students are given $70 or $100 vouchers to purchase new school clothing.

Operation School Bell is much more than a new wardrobe: These clothes elevate self-esteem, encourage better attendance and improve academic performance. The program empowers young students to reach their full potential by focusing on school, not their basic need for clothing. “Inviting a group of students to buy clothes is the single greatest contribution that any outside agency provides for our children,” pronounced the Superintendent of Gold Trail Schools. We dressed 598 children this school year, addressing only 14% of the need. We believe positive change can be contagious, cultivating happy families thereby strengthening communities. Help us create that positive change by clothing kids with confidence.

Impact Grants

Acorn: for any new western slope nonprofit or a nonprofit that has never received a grant from the Women’s Fund.

Military Family Support Group
Crisis Fund for El Dorado Veteran Resources
$8,000

Military Family Support Group (MFSG) is a 501©(3) charity serving El Dorado County since 2011. On veterans Day 2017 MFSG launched El Dorado Veteran Resources – Permanent Stand Down (EDVR) s a week-day walk-in center offering immediate aid to veterans and family members in need. EDVR’s budget is $11,300 for direct assistance, plus only $1,650 for operating expenses, because office space and utilities are donated in the Veterans Memorial Building. All staff are volunteers. What is missing is a “Crisis Fund” for emergencies when we cannot reach one of our referral partners.

Human Services:  for any nonprofit providing services for human needs.

Hands4Hope, Youth Making a Difference
Youth Leadership Camp Scholarships
$4,500

Hands4Hope programs develops civic leadership skills in local youth. Our mission is to inspire and empower youth through service and leadership. To achieve this, we must do more than simply promote awareness of community needs. It is vital to train young people in skills that take ideas and turn them into action. This grant will make it possible for young people from Camino to El Dorado Hills to participate in Summer Leadership Camp, despite their financial situation, and gain skills to lead their peers in service learning projects that help fill unmet needs throughout our County. 

Windows To My Soul
Horses Help Humans Heal from Trauma
$3,500

Windows To My Soul provides mental health services to veterans, individuals with developmental disabilities and other individuals, using a trauma informed approach. Trauma informed care is based upon a thorough understanding of the neurological, biological, psychological and social effects of trauma, and the prevalence of these experiences in those who seek mental health services. Using horses as therapeutic partners alongside a licensed therapist, we provide therapy for those who have impaired life functioning. Because of their similar nature, horses can provide a “window” into the human soul. Funding will provide scholarships for those in need.

Community Benefits:  for any nonprofit providing services for the arts, environment, community beautification, animal welfare, or community development.

Cougar Band Aides
Music Instrument Replacement
$8,000

The Cougar Band Aides Booster organization supports the music programs at El Dorado High School in Placerville, CA. They include Jazz, Choir, Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Beginning Instruments and Color Guard. We would like to enlist your support to help us continue to provide incredible opportunities to our award winning music department. More than 90% of the costs for these events are covered by the Cougar Band Aides. We are seeking help to purchase some new instruments in 2018.