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