Behind the demographic, social and economic data we collect are the women and families who struggle with life's basic needs. This data helps us identify targeted programs and track their effect. We are a resource to our agencies, other nonprofits and elected officials as we work together.
We believe that every woman and girl has the right to a life that is safe, financially secure with an opportunity for a brighter future. Our focus is on Essex County because sustainable social change begins on the local level. Stronger women and girls build stronger families; stronger families build stronger communities.
Investing in women and girls is the most effective strategy to strengthen families, communities and the local economy. Partnering with agencies, we address issues of financial insecurity, unhealthy living environments and lack of opportunities that prevent women from thriving.
Building community through education is what Pathways is all about!
They make a difference for local families by providing skills to create a career and that pays a living wage… and prepares them for success in the workplace.
More importantly, Pathways creates the community that inspires and connects women with a shared goal of future success.
Integrating into a new community can be extremely difficult for immigrant women. Some of them come from places where they’ve experienced trauma or abuse—places that are hard to forget.
Along with the tremendous emotional impact, such past experiences aggravate the path to education, admittance in the workplace, and conflicts in the home.
See how The Women’s Fund helped to convert their fear to hope.
The Bellesini Academy believes that education is the key to escaping poverty. With 100% of their students graduating high school and 88% attending college, their goals are being realized.
More importantly, they know what it takes!
Students at Bellesini spend almost double the amount of time at school than their peers and their parents contribute more than 2000 volunteer hours to the school annually. Building community, one family at a time.
One of their keys to success is the robust after-school program for girls.
See how The Women’s Fund helped level the playing field.
Low-income women struggle with a lot of things—childcare, bills, debt, employment…and they often battle them alone. Is there an effective way to help them make sound financial decisions? Our research shows, if these women can escape poverty, their families and communities will be stronger and happier.
See how The Women’s Fund found a way…
The Women's Fund of Essex County was awarded a $210,000, three-year grant by Cummings Foundation to support adolescent girls' mental health. Cummings Foundation is one of the largest foundations in Massachusetts, awarding $30 million to local nonprofits including community-based grant makers like The Women's Fund.