The Hestia Women’s Giving Circle continues its Women’s Issue Discussion Series with its second program on Monday, Feb. 16, at the Petoskey Public Library Carnegie building.
The informal presentation and discussion will feature Shelley Paulsen of Planned Parenthood of North and West Michigan, and Niki Kinney of the Community Free Clinic. They will discuss health issues facing women and their respective agencies’ women’s health care services.
The program is free, and all women interested in issues facing women and girls in our community are invited to attend. A social period during which guests can enjoy wine, soft drinks and hors d’ouevres will take place from 5–5:30 p.m., and the program will run from 5:30–6:30 p.m.
“One of the Hestia Giving Circle’s goals is to educate our members and the public about the issues facing women and girls in our community,” says Denise Simon, president of the Giving Circle. “We hope that this discussion series will do that. Our first program in October focused on the issues of crime among young women and featured one of our funded programs which addresses that problem. This event will continue the series and feature two of our funded programs.”
Future programs will focus on education, employment and job training and feature the other programs funded by Hestia this year.
Last year, the Giving Circle awarded nearly $42,000 in support and seed money to seven local programs that serve women and girls. Among the programs funded were Planned Parenthood and the Community Free Clinic, as well as the Emmet Court Girl’s Program, Girls on the Run, Women’s Resource Center Employment Services, Women’s Resource Center Children’s Learning Center, and Cross Village Rug Works.
Grant applications for this year’s funds are available now through the Charlevoix County Community Foundation and are due March 1.
The Hestia Giving Circle formed in 2006 with the leadership of Planned Parenthood staff and volunteers. Its goal is to promote the economic self-sufficiency and well-being of women and girls in Emmet and Charlevoix County. The circle is named for the Greek goddess Hestia, who expresses her love and concern for others through thoughtful acts. The Giving Circle provides an opportunity for women to pool their donations to make a significant impact and to also educate themselves about issues facing women and girls in our community.
In 2008, the Hestia Giving Circle had 36 memberships which included 45 women, and the group is actively seeking new members. The annual membership fee is $1,000, and all of the funds received are distributed directly to local organizations serving women and girls. The funds are held as a donor-advised fund of the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, which assists in the grant review and funds distribution.
For more information about the Giving Circle or the program, contact Denise Simon, Hestia president, 526-8402, or Leah Cole at Planned Parenthood, 347-3710 ext. 15.