The Women’s Fund was founded in 1979 with a generous gift from Mr. and Mrs. Wayne
Goettsche in an attempt to provide study and research involving the medical problems
of women. The stated goals were to educate the public, to obtain funds for teaching
and research, and to distribute these funds to institutions or single individuals
striving to find new information and solutions concerning women's health. The goals
remain essentia the same today.
The Women’s Fund began its existence as The Women’s Fund for Female Enrichment.
In 1985, the name was changed to The Women’s Fund for Research and Education to
more accurately describe the goals. The name was changed again in 1992 to The Women’s
Fund for Health Education and Research (HER) to make it more easily identifiable.
Over the years this group has been known simply as The Women’s Fund.
Since 1979 The Women’s Fund has provided more than 165 educational lectures and
seminars for its members. Speakers are sent to area corporations and women’s groups
at no charge through its Speakers Bureau. In 1980 The Women’s Fund began funding
research grants. Even though the early grants funded were small, 157 grants have
been funded for a total of nearly $1,300,000.00. Besides formal research, several
outreach service programs with far reaching effects have also been funded.
The Women’s Fund publishes and distributes health publications to the Houston community.
The publications are:
- What are the facts? Information to help women take control of their health
- How’s my health? A personal health record
- What about me? A girls’ guide to health
- Which “weigh”? A roadmap to a healthy lifestyle for you and your family
Publications are available free of charge in both English and Spanish. The Women’s
Fund also publishes a quarterly newsletter, HER Voice, which circulated to members
and other interested women. The newsletter contains timely information regarding
a variety of women’s issues. It also keeps members informed about upcoming educational
events and the latest recommended reading in the area of women’s health.
In addition The Women’s Fund has an IRS 509(a)(3) supporting organization called
the HER Foundation whose purpose is to manage the endowed funds of The Women’s Fund
for Health Education and Research. Careful management of endowed funds will insure
that The Women’s Fund continues to serve women and girls in our community for years
to come. The Foundation has its own board of trustees and by-laws.
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