Current Projects
The Women's Fund is committed to identifying and supporting innovative efforts to improve the well-being of women and girls in Monterey County. Our current efforts include the “Girls’ Health in Girls’ Hands” project - the county’s first action research initiative for girls’ health. Another priority is the economic self-sufficiency of women. Our “Women’s Business Education and Loan Program” (WBELP) was the first education and microfinance program for women in the county. More than 40 women have participated in the program, and in 2009 we awarded the first low-interest micro-loan.
Girls’ Health in Girls’ Hands
Fifty (50) girls from all around Monterey County are leading the creation of a public policy plan that will improve their access to health information. Working in five teams, these highly-motivated teenaged girls conducted research across the county – exploring the health information and services that are available to pre-teen and adolescent girls. This action research project was also designed to empower girls to make informed choices and advocate for their own health. They presented their action plan recommendations to key decision-makers throughout the county in the fall of 2009 and implementation teams were formed by year end. While gaining important skills that will serve them well, these young women are also learning about each others’ lives and making lasting friendships. The California Endowment was the primary funder with additional funds coming from individual Women’s Fund donors.
Women’s Economic Empowerment
One of our long term goals is to help women in Monterey County achieve economic self-sufficiency regardless of their circumstances and micro-enterprise as a major tool for women’s economic self-sufficiency. WBELP was the first and only program in Monterey County to provide business training classes and access to low-interest loans to women who want to become entrepreneurs. By focusing on both business education and access to low-interest financing, we support women’s efforts to become economically self-sufficient.
The WBELP program was been made possible with generous support from Rabobank N.A., Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, Comerica Bank, First National Bank and individual Women’s Fund donors. The WBELP education course was launched by the Women’s Fund in 2007 in partnership with the El Pajaro and the loan fund was established at 1st Capital Bank in 2008, with the support of Cal Coastal Rural Development Corporation. 1st Capital Bank recently awarded the first low-interest micro-loan to Kathleen Green, owner of Stone Green Studios, an illusionary concrete business . Kathleen credits the classes with giving her the confidence to grow her business. Her $5,000 loan should generate $25,000 in revenue for her business.
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