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Girls and Young Women Adult Women Elder Women

What We Can Do

Throughout the research process, many promising ideas emerged about what can be done to address the economic, educational, health and safety challenges faced by women and girls in Monterey County.

We can promote:

EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES that help women become self-sufficient:

  • IMPROVED K-12 EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES for girls including better “advanced placement” classes; adequately staffed schools with health educators, mental health and career counselors; free extra-curricular opportunities such as art and sports
  • FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE and guidance for women to enter and complete post-secondary education.
  • LIFE SKILLS TRAINING to strengthen independence and self-sufficiency, such as how to search for opportunities and services, how to manage money, and how to get involved and participate in the community.
  • SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS providing creative solutions to the unique challenges faced by elder women and others re-entering the job market, such as training in the use of technology, navigating a job search and intergenerational job sharing.
  • BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT training, mentors and financial support for women wanting to start their own business.


SELF-HELP, MENTORSHIP AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT to encourage women of all ages in discovering and reaching their full potential:

  • PLACES/OPPORTUNITIES for women to come together, learn from each other, develop self-advocacy skills, participate in civic life, nurture leadership and act together on their own behalf.
  • LEADERSHIP TRAINING for girls and young women that promotes personal development and provides role models, linkages, community experience, and strengthens resolve to pursue higher education and professional careers.
  • ADVOCACY efforts that engage women in mobilizing community support for policy and systems changes needed to improve the lives of women and girls.


SOLUTIONS TO THE LACK OF AFFORDABLE, QUALITY CHILD CARE and early childhood education -- a serious impediment to economic security for families and the healthy development of our next generation. We can support:

  • PUBLIC CAMPAIGNS to promote policy and creative options for investing in care for children in Monterey County.
  • CHILD CARE CENTERS serving low-income families
  • HOME CHILD CARE PROVIDERS’ business development and training in child development.


REDUCTION OF HEALTH DISPARITIES across racial/ethnic, geographic and socio-economic lines by supporting:

  • Community-based and culturally appropriate approaches that encourage immigrant and low-income women to access early PRENATAL CARE and other health services.
  • HEALTHY LIFESTYLES promotion and greater access to affordable fresh foods, recreational facilities, parks, walking trails and other neighborhood-based wellness programs.
  • HEALTH EDUCATION and classes in schools and community settings, particularly on proper nutrition, exercise, and reproductive health. 
     

SAFETY FROM VIOLENCE AND ABUSE by making it a community priority and supporting:

  • Effective SUPPORT SERVICES for women of all ages to find protection from abusive situations, regardless of legal residency documentation status.
  • PREVENTION PROGRAMS in the schools to prevent harassment and bullying.


JulieDrezner“This data represents the strengths and challenges faced by real women and girls in local communities. We are grateful to all who took the time to voice their opinions and share their experiences. We are truly inspired by their passion and honesty that bring these numbers to life. And we are committed to collaborating with local policy makers, agencies and concerned citizens to take actions supporting a better quality of life for the women and children of Monterey County.”

Julie Drezner, VP Community Engagement, Community Foundation for Monterey County 

INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF WOMEN AND GIRLS

Though the nature of the needs of women and girls in Monterey County will change over time, the need to invest in them will remain constant. The Women's Fund is building its endowment to insure that there are permanent resources avaible to meet those changing needs.  With your support, we will continue to make a difference today, while building the endowment to meet the challenges of the future.

We invite you to partner with us. For more information, please contact Tobi Marcus, Director of Resource Development at 831.375.9712 x126.