History of Appalachian Women’s Fund

On October 25, 2007 twenty-four talented, energetic, diverse women gathered together to form the Appalachian Women’s Fund. These founding members are committed to supporting women’s programs exclusively and all decisions are completely controlled by women for women.

Women representing the medical, legal, educational, realty, insurance and banking professions have joined and many of our current members have extensive non-profit experience to bring to the table. Memberships ranging from the Circle of Sisters $100 level to our Leadership Circle of $600 to our Champion Circle of $2,500 givers allow us to welcome all women to the fold.

Appalachian Women’s Fund will create social change in our community by empowering women to have self-respect, be responsible and take personal pride in their lives. We will support local agencies by:

• Sponsoring girls’ programs that will help young women look beyond what society is telling them to be and allow them to discover what they can be.
• Encouraging women to strike out into the world when they have not had the opportunity to do so by assisting them with an education, job interview skills, resume’ writing and professional clothing so women may become self-supportive.
• Providing transportation and childcare for women who have difficulty making it to medical appointments, counseling, classes and jobs until they can get back on their feet.
• Supporting additional transitional housing for women and children so they may leave a violent home.
• Helping women battle substance abuse so they may make it through to recovery.
• Providing more classes for teenage mothers so they may become better parents.
• Encouraging girls who have dropped out of high school to get their GED.

Join us today. Together, we can create social change for our fellow sisters and future generations of women in the Appalachian Mountains!

Founding Leaders: