High Country Women’s Fund paves way to success

By Sherrie Norris
Its members not only have a genuine interest and enthusiasm for successful outcomes, but also the determination to change the lives of women and children, one step at a time.

Members of the HCWF and representatives of some of the programs served through the fund gather at a recent event to celebrate another success. They are, back row left to right, Patrice Auspitz, Susan Stuber, Jenny Miller, Mary Jo Grubbs, Kim Kincaid, Marianne Hall. Front row: Catherine Scantlin and Joan Zimmerman. Photo by Sherrie Norris

The group of women working behind the scenes of the High Country Women’s Fund (HCWF) represents the heartbeat of the community, proving it daily by their individual and collective involvement in countless projects created to make life better for others.

HCWF is not just another organization that raises money and distributes grants.

Catherine Scantlin, HCWF coordinator, said, “We are members who care deeply about the individual women we serve. Working through our partner agencies, we deliver the goods from the heart to these women. We interact on a personal level, when appropriate with the women we serve. We work with our agencies to meet needs – whether it be simply listening, mentoring, encouraging or offering financial assistance. Whatever is necessary to get their lives back on track, we do all we can to help make it happen.”

Through a relatively new partnership with other nonprofit agencies and organizations in the High Country, HCWF is seen by its benefactors as a vital link in a very necessary chain of resources, often able to provide for necessities and even a few “extras” that other programs are simply not designed to fund.

The testimonies are pouring in – words of heartfelt gratitude from many who are benefiting from the help offered through HCWF.

One of the most recent is a young woman recently “showered” with new and gently used household items to honor her successful completion of the Family Solutions House program. One of HCWF partnering agencies, the Family Solutions House is the only one of its kind in this community that aids, counsels, and houses women recovering from substance abuse, while allowing their children to remain with them.

Gifts for the young woman’s new home poured in during a dinner at Kim Kincaid’s home. The dinner was a chance for some local women to learn more about the HCWF and be of service to this young woman.

This represents just one of many ways that these compassionate women stand behind their mission.

A representative of the Family Solutions House, Joan Zimmerman , attended the celebration to explain briefly the struggle of the woman she helps, the successes of the program and expressing appreciation for the assistance of the HCWF.

Kincaid, fundraising chairwoman, said, “It is very rewarding for us to hear women’s stories through our agencies. It puts a human face to our service and giving.”

High Country Women’s Fund is a grassroots “giving circle” that responds to the needs of women of all ages and their children who are not looking for a handout, but simply a hand to help them up. Many of the women served are struggling for different reasons (often due to the current economy) and find it difficult to survive — much less thrive — in a fast-paced world that can feel like a roller-coaster ride with ups and downs and unexpected turns.

Active member and allocations coordinator Mary Jo Grubbs said it best, “The fund should be seen as a hand to help bridge a temporary gap when there is a setback in the lives of those we serve.”

She further emphasized the fund’s mission “to empower, not entitle,” hoping that the women served will be willing to take the steps needed to change their lives.

Members of the HCWF agree, the increase in women’s philanthropy is amazing, as Grubbs points out, “It is also important to look at where these funds are needed. We cannot throw money at a problem and see results. It takes time and communication to really have an impact. ” From the most basic of needs — books for college classes, new tires, eye exams and glasses, Internet access to allow a mother study online, etc., to more critical issues dealing with housing and health care – HCWF leaves few stones unturned, knowing that added expenses can be an absolute setback for a woman juggling classes, a part-time job and supporting a family.

Since January, HCWF has distributed more than $31,000 to area programs, money that had been donated by community members during last fall’s Power of the Purse luncheon.

Jenny Miller, an active member, said, “It is important to realize that all funds raised by the HCWF stay here in our community to help women who live right in our own backyard.”

She adds, “We are all doing this from our heart. We are blessed to be in a community where there are so many ways to make a difference. It doesn’t have to be splashy, expensive or advertised. It is a gentle process of women working together. So many people ask, ‘How can we help?’ I just tell them to hop in my car and I’ll show you. From there, it leads to raising funds, raising awareness and making an impression that will last a lifetime.”

Kincaid and Marianne Hall, co-chairwomen, are in the process of organizing this year’s Power of the Purse, scheduled for Sept. 12. Women, this is your chance to be a part of changing lives. Mark your calendars now for this exciting event, they say.

For more information on how you can help, contact Catherine Scantlin, High Country Women’s Fund coordinator, P.O. Box 144 Boone, N.C. 28607; phone (828) 264-4007, fax 828-264-4005; or email hcwf@boone.net