The Mission of WiLL
To improve women and children’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of women.
WiLL’s 10 Year Vision — Standing Strong
2015-2025
WiLL has set a big, bold, bodacious vision for the next 10 years. The goal is Standing Strong for women and girls in our community. The vision is set around education, income, health and transportation – United Way’s building blocks for a good life.
Education: high school diploma or equivalency and access to job skills training
Income: financially stable and have money left over at the end of the month
Health: Possess skills and know resources to support positive health outcomes for themselves and their families
Transportation: access to reliable, affordable transportation
Access to Services: have identification, record expungement, access to housing, and the ability to remove other barriers
Join us in helping women and girls reach their own next level of self sufficiency!
Values
Create. We have the entrepreneurial desire to create something new and concrete that responds to the needs of women and children in transition.
Change. We make a difference and bring about change. Connect. We feel connected with the impact of our giving. Commit. We are committed to giving wit, wisdom and wealth.
Collaborate. We inspire organizations to build partnerships and collaborations.
Celebrate. We celebrate and recognize each others efforts and successes.
History
WiLL arrived at United Way of Jackson County thanks to a dedicated, committed and engaged volunteer. Debbie Williams, Avista Utilities and United Way board president in 2005, travelled to Dallas, TX as part of the United Way of America’s Community Leaders Conference. While at the conference, Debbie learned of the Women’s Leadership Council initiative of United Way of America. These councils were forming in small number around the country capitalizing on the unique strengths of women to give back to community. Debbie’s return resulted in deep clarity of her goals while serving as United Way of Jackson County board president. She wanted to start a Women’s Leadership Council here and thus WiLL, Women Living Leadership, was born.
Women Living Leadership: Give. Advocate. Volunteer. The mission of WiLL is to improve women and children’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of women.
WiLL capitalizes on the strength of women as philanthropists, advocates and volunteers. It offers the opportunity to step forward and use heart, head and hands engendering change and making investments at critical transition points where systems fail and life keeps moving.
2020-21 WiLL Council Members
Chair Person:
Seanne McVarish
McVarish Interiors
Julie Barry
Ruch Outdoor Community School
Kathy Bauer
John L. Scott Real Estate
Amy Belkin
Teresa McCormick Center
Anita Burke
LaClinica
Joann Cleckner
Community Volunteer
Brande Cowden
People’s Bank of Commerce
Susan Fischer Maki
AllCare Health Plan
Robin Fusmer
Rogue Community Health
Julie Gillis
Southern Oregon Public Television
Patricia Hebb
Community Volunteer
Ashley Hughes
Teresa McCormick Center
Michele Jones
Community Volunteer
Kristin Milligan
Community Volunteer Network
Cathy Noah
Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center
Joan Rycraft
Community Volunteer
Sue Slack
Community Volunteer
Tanya Stafford
Lithia
Lisa Stauffer
Metal Masters
Valerie Stein-Retiz
Ashland Tennis & Fitness Club
Valerie Taylor-Crow
CRB
Lanita Witt
Community Volunteer
Erin Young
Southern Oregon Goodwill
Suzanne Zapf
Real Estate Management