GWC Quarterly Meeting, “Celebrating Community Together”, at Cokesbury College, August 17, 2021

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GWC Members and guests braved the wind and rain to gather at Cokesbury College for our third Quarterly Meeting on August 17. After a lovely time of socializing on the first level of the lovely, historic Cokesbury College, we stepped swiftly through the rain to the upper floor to attend a program honoring our 2020 GWC Grantees.

Mary Woodiwiss, GWC Advisory Board Chair, opened the program, welcoming Members, guests, and grantees. This evening, we welcomed a new member, bringing our 2021 membership to 127! She reviewed GWC’s mission statement to support non-profits in our community. Mary reminded us “that every good effort of GWC happens because of the time and talents contributed by our Members over and above their annual financial contribution. We are un-staffed, but rich in resources.” She encouraged participation on our committees, saying, “strong committees are essential to the health of GWC, and they are also a great way to get to know other remarkable GWC women and to develop personally.” Mary concluded with an example of how one person’s contribution, combined with many others, makes an incredible impact on our community.

Trentsie Williams, who serves on the Grants Review & Awards Committee, welcomed representatives from all the 2020 grant recipient organizations. They were:

Austin Wilkes Society – Denise Mock

Boys & Girls Club of the Lakelands – Sabrina Miller

Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries – Eric Taylor

Crossroads Pregnancy Center – Brenda Feece

Emerald City Rotary Club Foundation – Rachel Strayer

Food Bank of Greenwood – Andrea White, Onye Cosom

Greenwood Area Habitat for Humanity – Rob Graves

Greenwood Pathway House – Anthony Price

Healthy Learners – Aimee Clark

Project Hope Foundation – Lisa Lane, Niki Porter

Trentsie also recognized all the hard-working Grants & Awards Committee: Allison Fletcher, Jan Puzar – Co-Chairs; Margaret Conrad, Anne Craig, Mary Dula, Kathy Emily, Donna Foster, Sally Kauffmann, Sandra McMullen, Anna Welborn, Trentsie Williams, and Mary Woodiwiss.

A video presentation highlighting our 2020 grantees was unveiled. We were able to witness how our funds have been used to help each non-profit and the impact on our community. Special thanks to Mary Balfour Dunlap for recording our 10 grantees’ comments and Lesley Lane for her masterful video editing and concept!

Jan Puzar, co-chair of the Grants & Awards Committee, introduced Carol Scales, a member of GWC and a commissioner of the Cokesbury Preservation Society. Carol welcomed everyone to this historical building, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Homes and provided a brief history of Cokesbury College. Founded in the early 1800’s, Cokesbury College gave young women the rare opportunity to receive a quality education. From 1854-1874 (through the Civil War), 120 women received their classical education at Cokesbury. During the post-war period, many emancipated people who had been enslaved were provided an education as well. As the building later fell into disrepair, a decision was made in 1964 to demolish this historical building. In an effort to preserve the building, Nell Graydon spearheaded a cookbook entitled From My House to Your House, and all proceeds went towards saving the building. Women played an important role in the history of this historical institution.

Our final presenter was Louise Robinson, Chair of the Programs & Education Committee. She presented a book entitled The Perfectly Perfect Wish to the Greenwood County Library in honor of our 2020 grant recipients. Louise thanked our Grants Review & Awards, Programs & Education, and Social Committees for all their hard work to produce this evening’s event and the GWC tech team for the new Grants video and wished us all a good night.

GWC Grant Writing Workshop, “Grant Writing 101”, July 28, 2021

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In our continued commitment to learning, giving, and growing, GWC hosted our annual workshop, “Grant Writing 101”, at no charge on Wednesday, July 28. The workshop was attended by 20 Executive Directors, Staff, Board Members, and volunteers of local nonprofit organizations. Church of the Resurrection provided the meeting space.

Our own Kathy Emily, Donna Foster, and Jan Puzar provided guidance on successful grant writing. These included the importance of relating grant requests to organizational mission, producing a sound program or project budget, and developing collaborative partnerships. With decades of pertinent experience, Donna, Kathy, and Jan were able to break down the fundamentals of presenting a compelling story though clear goals, concrete outcome measures, and effective language.  As one participant noted: “We were so fortunate receive such a wealth of knowledge, insight, and advice based on so much experience.”

Following the workshop sessions and a break for coffee and bagels, Funders’ Forum representatives spoke about the specific funding priorities and processes of their organizations. They were:

Mary Woodiwiss— Greenwood County Community Foundation and Greenwood Women Care

Mamie Nicholson—Self Family Foundation

Marisel Losa—United Way

The training provided attendees with the tools and fundamentals needed for improving their grant application practices. More importantly, every attendee left with a greater understanding of how to strengthen their organization’s communication, evaluation, budgeting, and partnerships. It was truly a gift to our Greenwood nonprofits.

GWC Social, “A Summer Soirée”, at Inn on the Square, July 22, 2021

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Greenwood Women Care held “A Summer Soirée” at the Inn on the Square on Thursday, July 22. This event marked our first in-person, purely social gathering since the pandemic began. We met in the lobby which provided us with many conversation areas for quiet (and not-so-quiet!) conversation. Members and guests were so happy to be together and enjoyed wonderful fellowship with each other.

The Inn provided elaborate and scrumptious fruit and cheese trays. Members were at liberty to enjoy the Inn’s cash bar which also had iced tea and sodas for a nominal amount.  It was a lovely gathering, and we all thank the Social Committee, especially Holley Coyle who spearheaded the effort, for their hard work in providing the rest of us with such a wonderful time.  It was a joyous celebration of summer, friendship, and new beginnings for all of us.

GGUM Final Report on the 1st GWC Women’s Health Grant

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Forty-four percent, (44%-approximately 220) of the GGUM Free Medical Clinic’s patients are women. Services of the clinic are available to anyone who cannot afford health insurance yet does not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. The GGUM Women’s Health Clinic focuses on the episodic health issues presented and offers prevention strategies to improve the quality of life for the women served. The GGUM Women’s Health Clinic specifically promotes the prevention of breast and cervical cancers.

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. Clinical breast examinations and mammograms can detect changes such as tumors and calcifications. The gynecologists of the GGUM Women’s Health Clinic perform clinical breast exams and screening mammograms are scheduled as recommended by the American College of Obstetricians (ACOG). The Self Regional Healthcare Mobile Mammography Unit visits GGUM quarterly providing screening mammograms to their female patients over 40.  Referrals for diagnostic mammograms are done as needed. Since the first Women’s Health Clinic in March 2021, four women have been referred for diagnostic mammograms with one having follow up on a questionable tumor.

Pap screenings are instrumental in detecting cervical cancer. Early detection of cervical cancer makes it one of the most successfully treatable cancers by removing or destroying the pre-cancerous or cancerous tissue. GGUM Gynecologists perform Pap and HPV screenings during clinic visits. There have been three cases of HPV detected and patients are receiving appropriate treatment.

Since the inception of the GGUM Women’s Health Clinic in March 2021, over 35 women have been served and are now calling the clinic their medical home. As GGUM offers gynecological medical care to patients, the GGUM Free Medical Clinic is also addressing the needs of these women as needed. The GGUM on-site Pharmacy makes it convenient for patients to receive medical care, medications, and medical supplies in one visit at one place.

Most of the women served through the GGUM Women’s Health Clinic have not seen a physician in a very long time. New patients receive health screenings (A1c, blood pressure, lipid panel, BMI, height, weight) on their first visit. This step enables the Gynecologist to assess their overall health and wellness and provide the clinical breast exam and Pap and HPV screenings.

The GWC Women’s Health Grant provided funding for critical medications and medical supplies for the women served through the clinic and disposable instruments being used by the Gynecologists.

We are so grateful to the GWC for choosing us to receive this grant! Together, we are making a difference in the lives of women in our community to provide help for them take care of themselves.

Rosemary Bell. Executive Director of Greater Greenwood United Ministries

GWC Women’s Health Grant award photo

Dr. Julius Leary and Dr. John Eichelberger

Larry Tompkins, RPh; and Donna Trapp, Medical Clinic and Pharmacy Coordinator

GWC Women’s Health Grant check presentation

GWC Quarterly Meeting, “Arts in Action!”, at The Arts Center, May 24, 2021

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Greenwood Women Care enjoyed an uplifting and joyous time together on Monday, May 24. Our social reception and program, “Arts in Action!”, was held in the Mays Reception Hall in The Arts Center.

We were greeted with four lovely selections presented by Palmetto Girls Sing! led by Amy Fennell and accompanied by Rodney Cleveland.  One of the selections was an original composition, “My Life is a Canvas,” composed by Richard Williamson, Professor of Music at Anderson University, and accompanied by Cleveland and flutist, Rhonda McGinnis, Chair of GWC Governance & Finance Committee. Amy Fennell informed us that Palmetto Girls Sing! was formed in 2015 and is comprised of 4th – 8th grade girls. They have enjoyed numerous trips and activities, and during a 2018 trip to New York they performed at Carnegie Hall.

During the reception, we enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres and refreshing drinks. Carol Scales, Programs & Education Committee member, served as emcee for the program portion. Mary Woodiwiss, Chair of GWC’s Advisory Board, offered a warm welcome to Members and guests as we celebrated our first in-person meeting in 15 months. She announced that 14 women have joined GWC this year and that Members currently number 125.

Carol Scales introduced our program presenters: Karen Jennings, Executive Director of The Museum and Railroad Historical Center, and Sylvia Martin, Executive Director of The Arts Center. The Arts Center and The Museum are free and open to the public.

Karen Jennings spoke about the value of The Museum’s role in preserving local history and promoting learning opportunities. She announced that there will be a new permanent exhibit, premiering on June 10, that reflects Greenwood in the early 1900s. The Museum offers changing seasonal exhibitions, often including items on loan from community members in their exhibits and engaging volunteers in various capacities. Staff were thrilled to welcome over 10,000 guests to The Museum in 2019. The Railroad Historical Center has developed a partnership with the Greenwood High School Theatre department for their signature holiday program the “Polar Express”. Major enhancements have been made to the full collection of train cars in this stationary exhibit and other renovations of the facility and grounds have been completed or are in progress.

Sylvia Martin, Executive Director of The Arts Center, has served in various roles there since 2010.  She noted that investing in the arts has enabled Greenwood to become a successful regional hub. The Arts Center stages 9-12 exhibitions a year and is predominately funded by grants. Exhibitions often include artists’ talks and an opening reception for the public and, along with art programs and summer camps, are the heart and soul of The Arts Center. Sylvia and her staff continually look for ways to extend The Arts Center’s reach to more corners of the community. The Arts Center is also a tremendous resource for Greenwood as a venue for weddings, seminars, and other community events.

Lisa Smith, Programs & Education Committee member, presented children’s books contributed by GWC to the Greenwood County Library Children’s Collection in honor of our three guest speakers: Amy Fennell, Karen Jennings, and Sylvia Martin. Deb Maschoff, Co-Chair of the Membership Committee, reminded our Members that committee involvement is optional, but very rewarding, and that home gatherings are a great way to introduce prospective members to GWC. The Membership Committee is ready to support any member who would like to host a home gathering. Laura Bachinski, Vice Chair of GWC and Co-Chair of our Social Committee, introduced a fun new feature, “Member Minute.” Three members volunteered to speak impromptu at the close of the meeting by briefly sharing three facts about themselves. We enjoyed getting to know Summer Booker, Caroline Dennis, and Cindy Leary a little bit better. Edris Louise Robinson, Chair of the Programs & Education Committee, closed our meeting by thanking our speakers and committees and inviting everyone to our August meeting at Cokesbury College where we will greet our 2020 grant recipients and celebrate the progress they have made on their respective grants.

GWC Awards 1st Women’s Health Grant to the GGUM Women’s Clinic, April 20, 2021

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We are pleased to announce the recipient of the first GWC Women’s Health Grant! Greater Greenwood United Ministry (GGUM) has received $3250 in support of their newly established Women’s Health Clinic.

The clinic opened in March 2021 to serve women who cannot afford health insurance and are not covered by Medicaid or Medicare. Dr. John Eichelberger and Dr. Julius (Jukie) Leary donate their time as medical providers. The clinic focuses on the prevention of cervical and breast cancer and addresses episodic health issues for women served to improve their overall quality of life.

The GWC Women’s Health Grant was first offered this year. The grant supports holistic care and health education to improve the physical, mental, or social health and well-being of women in our community. It is funded by a field of interest fund endowed by Jim and Denise Medford and held by the Greenwood County Community Foundation. The award to the new GGUM Women’s Health Clinic was finalized at the conclusion of an application process that required a letter of intent followed by a full application. The GWC Women’s Health Grant will be offered again in 2023.

Members of this year’s GWC Women’s Health committee are: Anne Craig (Chair), Kelly Addy, Anit Vettukattil, Alice Hodges, Priya Kumar, Marilyn Murphy, Sally Kauffman, Sharlene Greene, and Mary Woodiwiss.

Pictured here are: Sharlene Greene, Mary Woodiwiss, Anne Craig, GWC Women’s Health Grant committee; Brenda Milford, Medical Administrative Assistant; Donna Trapp, Medical Clinic and Pharmacy Coordinator; Rosemary Bell, GGUM Executive Director, Julius Leary, MD (OB-GYN); Edith Pineda, Patient Navigator; Gail Alison, LPN; (back row): Mary Lewis Hamrick, RN; Coleman Robinson, MD, GGUM Medical Director.

GWC Annual Meeting & Year in Review, March 29, 2021

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2020 GWC Year in Review

Despite the challenges of Covid-19 in the year 2020, GWC remained a strong, vibrant group of women committed to our mission as Caring Women Building Community as we learn, give, and grow.

After many months of meeting only virtually or in small, distanced, masked committee meetings, we experienced our first Annual Meeting by email, video, and survey.

All Members were encouraged to take a few minutes to view an inspiring recap of GWC’s past year, our Annual Report 2020 video which can be seen here. Special thanks to Lesley Lane for her talented, dedicated efforts! This is a beautiful, visual representation of our past year – truly a “must watch”!

They also received this link to our refined GWC Governing Document. The Governance & Finance Committee, expertly led by Rhonda McGinnis, reviewed and edited our former guidelines for discussion and approval by our Advisory Board.

Members voted to approve the following GWC Officers:

Chair – Mary Woodiwiss

Vice Chair – Laura Bachinski

Secretary – Laura Stowe and Catherine DiBenedetto (shared interim position)

Treasurer – Summer Booker

They also gave helpful survey responses about gathering in person and cultivating new Members in our community.

We have much to celebrate in weathering last year together, and much to look forward to in 2021!

GWC Quarterly Meeting, “Community in Crisis Response”, February 23, 2021

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GWC’s first Quarterly Meeting of 2021 convened with a warm welcome by Laura Bachinski, Co-Chair of the GWC Advisory Board. She stated that the focus of this Quarterly Meeting would be “Community in Crisis Response”. Also, she noted that GWC is 115 Members strong and growing and welcomed our guests by name.

Edris Louise Robinson, Chair of the Programs & Education Committee, said that during our meeting we would have presentations from three spokespersons:  Rosemary Bell of Greater Greenwood United Ministry, and Vicki Jackson and Kim McIntyre of Lighthouse for Life. She gave a definition of crisis and expressed how any one of us may experience a crisis at one time of another.

Mamie Nicholson introduced Rosemary Bell, Executive Director of Greater Greenwood United Ministry (GGUM), noting that Rosemary has been involved with health care for a number of years and the Executive Director of GGUM for the last seven. Rosemary Bell discussed the origin of GGUM and how it has evolved. Since 1996, it has operated a free clinic serving uninsured community residents as their medical home. Currently, GGUM also has a pharmacy, provides financial assistance for utilities and rental eviction and financial counseling, offers dental screenings, and assists clients with some other dental treatments. And, with the assistance of the Greenwood and Mathews Lions Clubs, GGUM provides free eyeglasses.

GGUM was begun by the collaborative effort of many area churches and continues to receive support from multiple congregations.  Self Regional Healthcare is also a primary partner. GGUM has recently begun a monthly women’s clinic with the services of retired OB-GYN physicians. The GGUM Crisis Ministry’s activities for 2020 and 2021 included not only financial assistance for utilities and rental eviction, but also distribution of food and help with job searches. Rosemary ended with an uplifting anecdote about a resident who received life-changing services through the free clinic.

Carol Scales introduced the next two speakers: Vicki Jackson and Kim McIntyre (a minister), of Lighthouse for Life. Vicki Jackson gave a thorough explanation of Lighthouse for Life’s work in helping victims of human trafficking become survivors. She enlightened us about various aspects of trafficking, e.g.., domestic servitude, forced begging, and meeting coercive sales quotas. She discussed how there are at least 40 million victims of human trafficking worldwide and how to be alert to the signs and red flags of trafficking in our own interactions. She also spoke of the objectification of women, citing examples from literature and last year’s Super Bowl halftime show. She reminded us that boys could be victims, too. She noted how important it is to pay attention to the activities of young children you know and to believe them if they are brave enough to tell you of abuse. She gave a phone number for reporting, 1-888-373-7888, shared this link for a video entitled “Can You Spot Human Trafficking in Your Neighborhood?”, and said that volunteers for Lighthouse for Life are always welcome.

After the presentations, Lisa Smith thanked our program contributors stating how enlightening the information was and announced that Greenwood Women Care would be donating two books, Song of Creation and The Fabled Life of Aesop, to the Greenwood County Library children’s collection in their honor.

Edris Louise Robinson recognized Catherine DiBenedetto, Communications Committee Co-Chair, who reminded everyone to RSVP within their evite invitations to our gathering.

Mary Woodiwiss, Co-Chair of the Advisory Board, thanked all the Zoom attendees, presenters, and guests, then gave several GWC announcements. She requested that Members look for an email next month containing links to a ballot for GWC officers, a few survey questions, and a 2020 GWC year in review video, and wished everyone a good evening.

A video of our meeting may be found here.

“Greenwood Women Care…About You!”, February 18, 2021

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Early in each new membership year, the GWC Membership Committee hosts a special event to welcome our new Members. This year, our customary gathering in a home for lively fellowship and refreshing fare had to be replaced with a virtual plan.

“Greenwood Women Care…about you!” took place on the evening of Thursday, February 18. Our 11 new Members (as of mid-February) were celebrated with a festive box left on their doorsteps earlier in the day. Special thanks to Summer Booker, Nina Trent, Deb Maschoff, Rosemerry Franks, and Betty Adams for preparing and delivering these treat boxes!

Despite the distancing of everyone being in their own place, it was a warm, vibrant time together. Mary Woodiwiss and Laura Bachinski, GWC Co-Chairs, shared information about core values, structure, and other aspects of GWC. Attendees spent some time getting acquainted in online breakout rooms. Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs introduced the activities of each of the 6 standing committees and encouraged new members to participate. Those who presented on behalf of their Committees were: Catherine DiBenedetto, Rhonda McGinnis, Trentsie Williams, Summer Booker, Edris Louise Robinson, and Laura Bachinski.

We were all happy to see new and familiar faces and look forward to a great year together in GWC!

We welcome our 2021 new Members:

Debbie Coesens
Thelma Christopher
Katie Davenport
Martha Ann Davis
Joy Draper
Sharlene Greene
Sylvia Martin
Nancy Scott
Karen Smith
Shana Southard-Dobbs
Andrea White

Greenwood Women Care logo

GWC Women’s Health Grant Process Announced, January 2021

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GWC Announces New Women’s Health Grant for 2021

Greenwood Women Care (GWC) is pleased to announce a new grant initiative for our community.

The GWC Women’s Health Grant will support holistic care and health education to improve physical, mental, or social health and well-being. This grant is funded by a Field of Interest Fund endowed by Jim and Denise Medford and held by the Greenwood County Community Foundation.

An award of approximately $2500 – $3000 will be made to an organization working to improve women’s health. Funded projects should occur from April 1 of the current year through March 31 of the following year. The GWC Women’s Health Grant will be offered every other year, beginning in 2021.

Initially an interested organization should submit a brief letter of intent describing the project or need by February 8. Several organizations will be selected to submit a full application, due March 15. The GWC Women’s Health review committee will announce the grant recipient on March 31.

More information for applicants may be found here.