Together: Our 2020 Word of the Year
As we close out 2020, AWF’s CEO Kari B. Love shares how AWF and our community of supporters helped to make a positive impact for AWF’s grantees and the women and girls they serve during a very challenging year.
“To make life a little better for people less fortunate than you, that’s what I think a meaningful life is. One lives not just for oneself but for one’s community.” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg
In a year like 2020, the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s words ring truer than ever.
This year has been one like none other. A year filled with overwhelming uncertainty, loss, and fear. This year has also has had some silver lining moments. Moments of wonderful surprises and the opportunity to slow down and reflect on what is most important and cherished in our lives.
As this year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to express just how grateful I am for The Atlanta Women’s Foundation’s community who have remained steadfast in supporting women and girls in Atlanta. It’s thanks to donors, volunteers, and friends that women and girls in our community can be lifted up and continue to thrive despite these difficult times.
Thanks to you, AWF was able to provide COVID-19 relief funding to six grantee partner organizations on the front lines ensuring women and girls are safe, healthy, and secure. The AWF community came together to support women and girls in need, and we are pleased to share some of the highlights of this funding:
- 1,507 women received medical care, including annual women’s exams, recuperative care, COVID-19 testing, mental health visits and more;
- 364 women and their families benefitted from emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities;
- 172 women and their families were provided housing or mortgage forbearance; and
- 44 women were provided victim services to escape domestic violence in their homes.
Behind every number is a woman…
… such as Carol*. Carol was living with her daughter and grandchild in a rental home waiting to close on their new mortgage from an AWF grantee partner. A caregiver at heart, Carol worked in a child care center and her daughter worked in the food service industry, but were both laid off in March when the pandemic hit.
This loss of two incomes was devastating. Carol was unsure how long the layoffs would last or how long they could keep up with their rent and living expenses. By the third month without a paycheck, Carol and her daughter were struggling to even put food on the table.
Worried about still qualifying for the mortgage for their new home, Carol turned to an AWF grantee partner for help.
Thanks to donors like you, Carol received the lifeline she needed when struggling with the economic impact of the pandemic. Through the AWF COVID-19 relief fund, Carol was able to catch up on her rent payments and received forbearance on her rent for 3-months.
Carol burst into tears when she learned she could receive rental assistance. In a year where home is more important than ever, Carol was grateful to be able to stay at home safely with her family. Today, Carol and her daughter are beginning to get back to work and are striving towards closing on their new mortgage.
Behind every contribution made is a woman whose life has been changed.
Together, we will continue transforming the lives of even more women, families, and communities!
*Pseudonym used to protect grantee client.