Women's Fund Of Essex County Awards $250K In Grants To Nonprofits

SALEM, MA — Thirty-four nonprofits dedicated to transforming the lives of girls and women on the North Shore will share in $250,000 in grants from the Women's Fund of Essex County.

"Supporting the essential needs of women and girls that lead to economic self-sufficiency remains at the center of TWF's funding, especially for those who have been the most vulnerable to the economic and social implications of the pandemic and beyond," said Trish Moore co-president of The Women's Fund of Essex County.

The Women's Fund of Essex County has raised and awarded more than $3 million to nonprofit partners that provide local women, girls and their families with the resources they
need to find success at work, school, home and life.

"By making bold investments in a wide range of organizations working to address the most pressing issues facing women and girls throughout Essex County, we strive to be a catalyst for change in their lives to ensure they will have opportunities and pathways to grow and reach their full potential," co-president Wendy Roworth said. "The TWF firmly believes that stronger women and girls build stronger families, and stronger families build stronger communities."

Among the organizations receiving awards are:

● Amirah, Inc., Lynn | for Sexual Trafficking Victims Recovery program.

● Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, Essex County | for the expansion of Big Sister | Little Sister resources and services throughout Essex County.

● Budget Buddies, Gloucester, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lynn | for the expansion of the financial literacy mentorship program specifically designed to assist lower-income women and their families.

● Centerboard, Lynn | for the organization's "We Rise" program focused on preventing sexual exploitation of children.

● Ellie Fund, Essex County | to strengthen free critical support services for breast cancer patients in Essex County, including access to clinical trials, transportation, groceries, emotional support, housekeeping, and childcare.

● Essex County Community Organization, Lynn, Saugus, Peabody, Beverly, Gloucester | for affordable housing legislation counseling and advocacy programs.

● HAWC-Healing Abuse Working for Change, Essex County | for programs that offer counseling to victims of domestic violence.

● LEAP for Education, Salem, Lynn | to strengthen and expand social-emotional support programming for girls and young women in the greater Lynn community.

● Lifebridge, Salem, Beverly | for mental health counseling and housing for women struggling with homelessness.

● Roca Inc., Lynn, Salem | to strengthen the High-Risk Young Mothers Program in Lynn.

● The Haven Project, Greater Lynn | for job skills programs for young, homeless women.

● The New American Association of Massachusetts, Lynn | for the Afghan Refugee Women Community Sewing Program.

● The Welcome Immigrant Network, Beverly, Peabody, Salem | for financial literacy program and immigration support services.

To learn more about the work of The Women's Fund of Essex County, and ways to get involved or support this all-volunteer organization, go here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)