Community Outreach Projects:
In addition to our publications, The Women's Fund has developed several community outreach programs and also collaborates with other organizations that have a similar mission or a need for The Women's Fund services.

Please click on the links below to learn more about about community outreach efforts:   
 
Health Fairs
 
Mother/Daughter Event
 
National Women's Health Week
 
Scholarship Essay Contest
 
Smart Lunch on the Run
 
What about me? After-School Program
 
 


Health Fairs:

The Women's Fund participates in health fairs throughout the city of Houston at churches, community centers, schools and other organizations. A representative will bring copies of our publications, handouts and information about The Women's Fund.  We send representatives out to health fairs on a case-by-case basis, so please call Allison Triplett at 713.623.6543 for more information.


Mother/Daughter Event:

The What about me? Mother/Daughter Event is a program for girls ages 9 – 12 and their moms or female guardians. The event takes place on a Saturday morning and each mother-daughter pair chooses three break-out sessions to attend throughout the day.  The break-out sessions aim to enhance communication between mothers and daughters as they face the many changes that occur as girls enter their teenage years.  Girls may think it’s all about them, but there are lots of changes for moms during these years too.  Learning to make healthy lifestyle choices during and beyond these challenging years makes it easier for both mother and daughter. Each mother/daughter team receives a free copy of The Women's Fund What About Me? publication for reading, sharing and learning together.

The Mother/Daughter Event is a collaborative program put together by several Houston area non-profits.  Details for the 2009 event TBA later this year.


National Women's Health Week:

National Women's Health Week is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health (OWH) and empowers women to make their health a top priority. With the theme "It's Your Time," the nationwide initiative encourages women to take simple steps for a longer, healthier, and happier life. During National Women's Health Week, communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups work together to educate women about steps they can take to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of certain diseases. Important steps include:

  • Getting at least 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both each week.

  • Eating a nutritious diet.

  • Visiting a health care professional for regular check-ups and preventative screenings.

  • Avoiding risky behaviors, like smoking and not wearing a seatbelt.

  • Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.

 

Scholarship Essay Contest:

Each spring, The Women's Fund holds its annual Scholarship Essay Contest and awards two $1,000 scholarships to college-bound high school seniors.       Scholarships will be given only for use at an institution of higher learning (accredited 2- or 4-year college or university), and the student must be enrolled full-time. The 2009 Scholarship Essay Contest is closed.  Check back again in early 2010 for next year's scholarship!
 
Congratulations to the two winners of our 2009 Scholarship Essay Contest:

Lauren McMahon, The Woodlands College Park High School
Danielle Wilson,  Friendswood High School                               

2009 Essay Topic: How does being an advocate for your health and living a healthy lifestyle help you achieve your future personal and professional goals?

Scholarships have been generously underwritten by Cooper Industries, The Hoglund Foundation, The John P. McGovern Foundation, The Frank A. Liddell, Jr. Fund, The Vale-Asche Foundation, The Neva and Wesley West Foundation and members of The Women's Fund for Health Education and Research.



Smart Lunch on the Run:

Are healthy employees more productive? Absolutely!

Due to time constraints created by balancing work and home, many working women do not have easy access to preventive health information. The Women's Fund is proud to provide Smart Lunch on the Run, a free service for Houston Area businesses. The Smart Lunch program takes place at corporate sites and features a series of different speakers and topics on health issues relevant to women.  Each seminar is offered during the lunch hour for the convenience of employees and employers.

The theme of this year’s Smart Lunch program is Which “weigh” is the right way?, as we aim to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent obesity by addressing nutrition, exercise, and the challenges that face busy working women.  Each seminar is conducted by a professional in that topic. You can choose one of our proposed series or select specific topics to create a personalized series for your employees. Click here for a list of our series and topics offered. 

The Women’s Fund provides the speakers free of charge, and we only ask that you provide a meeting space and invite the employees in your company.  You may provide lunch or encourage employees to bring their own, or we can provide lunch for a fee.

If you have any questions, please call Allison Triplett at 713.623.654.



What about me? After-School Program:

The Women's Fund is collaborating with school and after-school programs to implement the What about me? A girl's guide to health curriculum with middle school students. The What about me? book and curriculum explore nutrition, active lifestyles, body image, self-esteem, relationships, stress, mental health, and many other health related topics of relevance to young girls. The curriculum consists of twelve 60-minute sessions with activities and discussions that are appropriate for girls ages 11-16.    

The Women's Fund has partnered with Citizen Schools after-school program, YES Prep, KIPP academy and other schools and organizations to reach middle school girls through these classes. The Women's Fund is always looking for volunteer teachers and individuals or organizations who are interesting in hosting a class. Training on the curriculum is also available.  

For more information, please call Allison Triplett at 713.623.6543.