Full Circle News
investing...informing...inspiring
August 2023
Message from LeadershipRecharge!August is a great time to recharge in preparation for fall. August gives us a chance to try to do some of the things we may have missed out on so far this summer. It’s also providing AAWGT the opportunity to do some planning as we take stock of the year and get ready for our Grants Showcase on September 20. This is where we celebrate the amazing work of the 10 nonprofits who as 2022 AAWGT grantees have just finished their grant year. We will also introduce the 9 nonprofits who have received 2023 grant dollars. Please see the Save the Date and plan to join us for this very special and inspiring evening! Sincerely, Susan Cook, President Grantee Spotlight: Asbury Church Assistance Network
Food for In-Need FamiliesAsbury Church Assistance Network (ACAN) is assisted by AAWGT in being able to operate three days a week. ACAN offers clients a variety of canned goods, fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, beverages, sweets, and snacks. Other items often available upon request include diapers and wipes through our baby pantry, household cleaning products, and male and feminine hygiene bags. ACAN currently serves individuals from diverse backgrounds as well as refugees from war-torn countries. Family demographics include single mothers, single fathers, the elderly, and married couples from all ethnic and racial backgrounds. Its services include: (1) Baby Pantry; (2) Home Deliveries; (3) Homeless Communities; and (4) Senior Pantry. They also provide emergency food assistance when requested from the MD Food Bank hotline and support Anne Arundel County Police (AACP) community events. 2023 program statistics (July 2022-May 2023):
Read more/lessEach month ACAN serves more households and individuals than the previous month and they expect this trend to continue as food and gas prices remain high. Additionally, they are expecting new patrons to ACAN who are not necessarily low-income but whose income can’t keep pace with rising expenses. Many families they serve experience food insecurity and visit the pantry on a weekly basis.. ACAN also uses the AAWGT grant to support community events. For example, ACAN partners with AACPS to give back to the community. At their Back-To-School Event, ACAN provides backpacks, school supplies, hand sanitizer and other commodities needed for school in underserved communities. AAWGT Member Highlight:Meet Darcy ScottDarcy Scott has an established business providing expertise in government affairs and event management to large organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Big Brothers Big Sisters, etc., and their constituents coming to Capitol Hill for meetings or Lobby Day. She also performs the role of government affairs staff person for many other small groups. After living in the DC area for almost 30 years, Darcy and her husband retreated to their weekend home on Broadwater Creek during Covid where they continued to run their businesses from home. After the pandemic subsided, Darcy wanted to make connections in what was now to be her permanent home and met a previous AAWGT president at a social event. She knew about the giving circle and was “happy to hear about one thriving so close to my home in Churchton.” She joined shortly thereafter in spring, 2023. She is impressed with the wide range of women in AAWGT as well as the variety of programming and volunteer opportunities offered. Read more/lessDarcy has taken advantage of the new member receptions and enjoyed meeting other AAWGT members with common work and life experiences. She’s also enjoyed learning about and voting for the grants awarded this spring. Growing membership to the level that giving can expand to more entities impacting children and families is her hope for AAWGT’s future. Darcy and her husband, Mark Smith, live on the water in Cape Anne, a charming community in Churchton. Not long after relocating here permanently, Darcy convinced her parents to move to a home across the street and quickly got them into community activities. She and her father volunteer weekly to pick up unsold produce from a local farmer’s market and deliver to a nearby food pantry. Her two adult children live and work in DC and are frequent visitors. |
► Save the Date: AAWGT Grants Showcase
All those inspired by collective philanthropy are encouraged to attend this year’s Philanos conference in downtown Baltimore from November 5-7. Philanos is the national association of 90+ giving circles. AAWGT is a member and a co-host of this year’s conference. Two AAWGT members, Sue Pitchford and Bronwyn Belling, will be among the exciting presenters at the conference. The two days will feature stimulating sessions on collective power + leadership, communications + technology, governance + finance, and membership + grantmaking. Conference information can be found here. We look forward to seeing you in Baltimore! Join AAWGT in making a big difference in Anne Arundel County!
Learn how to join AAWGT here. A Warm Welcome to Our Newest Members:Patricia Barland (returning member), Jennifer Lagrotteria |
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Anne Arundel Women Giving Together | giving@givingtogether.org
AAWGT is a component fund of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel CountyAAWGT is a member of Philanos: Accelerating Philanthropy through Women’s Collective Giving
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