WEDC Foundation: About the Foundation

Mission History Vision Values & Beliefs Goals Named Fellowships Foundation Board Members

Mission

To work within our community to help women achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence by providing mentors, development opportunities, grants and scholarships.

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History

The WEDC Foundation was formally established through the efforts of the Women's Economic Development Council in July 1998 as a separate 501(c-3) charitable non-profit organization. The present focus of the WEDC Foundation is to provide financial and mentoring support to adult women living in Madison County, Alabama who need an academic degree or technical training in order to become self-sufficient and achieve economic independence for themselves and their families.

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Vision

The Foundation will create a legacy of accomplished and independent women who will share their energy and success.

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Values & Beliefs

• We believe that every person has a responsibility to leave a legacy of giving back.
• We believe that by sharing our resources, we can positively affect lives.
• We believe in improving the community one person at a time, and that every effort, no matter how small, can make a difference.
• We believe that every woman should have the opportunity to find her greatness, as she defines it.
• We believe in economic independence for women and that education and training can help women achieve economic independence.
• We believe in women helping women and in the power and effectiveness of groups of women helping women.
• We believe in the power of encouragement, tolerance, understanding, community and inclusion.
• We believe that a support circle can build confidence and make opportunities known and real.

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Foundation Goals

1. To grow and expand the financial base of the WEDC Foundation.
2. To build community awareness in order to increase donors, candidates and volunteers.
3. To grow an organization that perpetuates itself
4. To continue to partner with WEDC, major sponsors and the community.
5. To enhance services to scholars.

There were several action items under each of the broad goals, and we'd be glad to share them with anyone who's interested. Just contact someone on the board for more information.

Board meetings are the 4th Thursday of each month except July and December. If you have suggestions, comments or questions for the Foundation, please contact us. We're always looking for resources and ideas that will help us improve our services!

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Named Fellowships

In years past, we have been able to award scholarships from the following, named scholarships.

Alice Arrington
Marie Bone
Lettye Garrett
Virginia Anne Savage
Kathy Schuffert
Jean Wessel-Templeton
Diane Weston

Donations may be made to the general scholarship fund or directly to one of these fellowships.

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WEDC Foundation Board of Directors, 2003

President: Cindi Branham
Vice President: Elizabeth Abel
Secretary: Nikki D. Chenault
Treasurer: Donna Berger
Past President: Dr. Barbara A. P. Jones

Directors:

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