Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM) representatives were on hand to receive a grant from Hestia Women’s Giving Circle.  Pictured with other funded organizations are Gail Kloss, WRCNM Executive Director (back, third from right) and Kari VandenBrink WRCNM Development Director (front, eighth from left).

Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan received a $14,900 Hestia Women’s Giving Circle grant for scholarships provided through the nonprofit organization’s Educational and Employment Services, with 100% of the funds directly helping women attending school.

“This grant means that a single mom without the means to return to college will have that opportunity,” said Kari VandenBrink, Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan Development Director. “It will offer women seeking further training and education in non-traditional careers the chance to secure a better paying job that will help put food on the table, pay the rent or mortgage and provide for their children.”

Hestia Women’s Giving Circle presented the grant during an annual reception attended by members and grant recipients. Ten local organizations received funding totaling $50,000, including: Planned Parenthood of Michigan and Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan as the major grantees; and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, First Tee, Harbor Soles, Lakeview Academy, Petoskey High School HOSA program, Northmen Den, Petoskey Public Schools Robotics Programs and YMCA of Northern Michigan.

Hestia Women’s Giving Circle supports local organizations that empower women and girls through opportunities they would not otherwise have.

Hestia Women’s Giving Circle is a donor-advised fund of the Charlevoix County Community Foundation.

To learn more about local educational scholarships provided through the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan’s Educational and Employment Services program, call (231) 348-6699.