Just who are these women and why are they hopeful?
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
Every year at this time, we meet with Women United members to set our sights for next year. It’s a routine that I look forward to. One of my favorite things is sitting around the table with these women. We reflect on the past year, get to know each other and we do some strategic planning for the upcoming year. This year, I was unable to attend this wonderful meeting, and I was so sorry to have missed it. My team reported the notes and outcomes.
Women United (WU) is an affinity group of United Way of Charlotte County that focuses on women’s initiatives to build a stronger community in Charlotte County, Florida. WU mobilizes women who strengthen our community by investing in and promoting programs that positively impact our families, children and their future. Members engage with one another and participate in events and volunteer projects to learn, share, and grow.
This week was our 2nd Women United HOPEFUL Hour in which experienced members and some new faces gathered to engage, socialize and learn. Who are these women and why are they attending a HOPEful Hour? What does that mean?
The women are local professionals representing other non-profits, legal firms, realtors, the construction industry, the county and memorial gardens. Several of them have participated in UWCC or WU focused events. They are aware of our mission and believe in our impact. They are already connected to the community and want to make a difference. We had some newcomers, and it was refreshing to see their excitement and eagerness to engage in upcoming activities.
While seated around the table, and getting to know each other, guests shared their WHY? Kellie shared that her participation is for personal reasons to be with people that bring her joy and happiness. Laura expressed, “It’s a wow factor! We were ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) growing up, now I want to set an example for my daughter.” Shannon stated, “These are amazing ladies and what we pour into the community is rewarding.” Anne said, “We’ve all needed a little help. It’s a great feeling to be able to make a difference.” Finally Caryn shared that she believes in the mission and has a heart for community service.
Some of the upcoming activities that were planned is a Holiday Social with the Festival of Wreaths on December 5, the 9th Annual Women United Lunch on February 13, 2025, Advocacy in Tallahassee (to be determined) in February 2025 and a Spring Event that is in the works.
Financial investment in Women United supports Family Empowerment in Charlotte County focusing on programs like Kids Thrive Circle of Parents, a newly formed Parent Advisory Council and Charlotte County Reads.
Women United is open to all women interested in sharing their talents and passions. Our participants are women of all ages, backgrounds, and career paths who offer their time, talent, and treasure in a way that meets their individual philanthropic needs. If you are interested in learning more about Women United, please visit: unitedwayccfl.org/2ndHOPEfulHour
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.