Women have a greater tendency to fall into poverty than men. But what might be termed a statistical defeat for the females of the race is proving instead to be a bugle call to action.
For many, a helping hand is required ”“ they may have the knowledge and willingness, but not the sheepskin needed to move forward. Young women play an important part in the process, too, for as they grow into adulthood, a good education and sound financial understanding are keys to their success and financial independence.
When Judy Eurich and Jonnie Wesley-Krueger started talking about creating a conduit to help women of all ages gain a better financial footing in a man”™s world, creating the Women”™s Leadership Fund was the first step in 2008. The two co-chairwomen were on hand at the Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center in Newburgh on Aug. 3 to give four grants to “the women”™s groups that presented the most focused concepts in their grant applications for the use of the money,” said Krueger.
Eurich, formerly with Orange County Partnership, now heads Orange County”™s United Way in Montgomery. “The response to this program has been overwhelming,” said Eurich. Krueger was just as enthusiastic, saying the community”™s outpouring of financial aid and offers to mentor women of all ages has been “more than generous, especially in these financially challenging times.”
Citing some statistics that might jolt female CEO”™s who have shattered the glass ceiling, they said women comprise 56 percent of Americans over 18 who live in poverty. Women in New York are worse off now than they were prior to the crash of 2008, with more falling below the poverty line.
Completing a four-year college degree sharply reduces the changes of a woman being poor from nearly 17 percent to 1.6 percent. And while there are a plethora of programs designed to give people a hand up, only 6 percent of charitable donations in the U.S. go to programs that specifically serve the needs of girls and women.
Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center received $6,000 for its Orange County Women”™s Enrichment Program for those who face barriers to living safe, healthy and financially independent lifestyles. YMCA in New Windsor, in partnership with Jewish Family Service in Newburgh, received $9,656 for its “Heels In Motion” program, which provides entry- to mid-level professional women advance in their careers and increase household income.
Nora Cronin Presentation Academy in Newburgh was given $1,000 towards a support and mentoring program for its eighth grade graduates. The grant will enable the academy to continue mentoring students during their secondary education.
The town of Wallkill Boys”™ and Girls”™ Club received $7,000 to allow for two 10-week programs for middle-school girls, grades 6-8, to educate them about the importance of financial literacy and includes a mentoring program pairing participants with women in traditional and nontraditional fields.
The Orange County Women”™s Leadership fund is always on the lookout for mentors and donations to help keep the women”™s programs going. To learn more, visit uwoc.org.
