Give2dMax-The OLWMN

How We Started-The OLWMN

In April 2013, a group of Liberian women founded the Organization of Liberian Women in Minnesota (OLWMN). Early that year, the Liberian community in the Twin Cities area mourned the loss of one of its prominent sons. During his homegoing, the women of the community were deeply moved by the massive outpouring of support and collective coordination from the Liberian men. Inspired by this unity, the women decided to come together to support and empower Liberian women within the community.

By June 2013, this inspiration led to action. The women established themselves as a group with the goal of addressing the needs and aspirations of Liberian women in the Twin Cities. After several meetings to determine their objectives and organizational structure, the group formally registered as a women's organization on August 23, 2013.

Executive Summary: 

The Organization of Liberian Women in Minnesota is seeking funding to establish a Women and Girls Empowerment Center dedicated to providing vital services for women and girls affected by domestic violence, social and mental abuse, financial abuse, and other forms of oppression. This center will serve as a safe space for healing, personal development, and empowerment. It will offer a range of services including counseling, legal advocacy, financial literacy training, and a resource center aimed at supporting daily living needs. With your support, we can help transform the lives of women and girls, fostering independence, resilience, and empowerment.

Background and Need:

In today’s world, many women and girls face barriers that prevent them from realizing their full potential due to abuse, inequality, and lack of access to essential resources. Domestic violence, social and mental abuse, financial abuse, and systemic inequalities disproportionately impact women, leaving them vulnerable and isolated. For those seeking refuge or empowerment, it is often difficult to find the necessary resources, guidance, and support in one location.

The proposed Women and Girls Empowerment Center will address these challenges by creating a centralized location where women and girls can access the support they need to rebuild their lives. The center will cater to those in crisis, as well as those looking to develop their skills and independence. The ultimate goal is to provide a holistic approach to healing and empowerment, building stronger individuals and, by extension, stronger communities.

Goals and Objectives:

The Women and Girls Empowerment Center will focus on the following objectives:

1. Provide a Safe Haven: Offer a welcoming and secure environment where women and girls can access immediate assistance, support, and counseling services to address domestic, social, mental, and financial abuse.

2. Offer Comprehensive Support Services: Provide counseling, legal advocacy, financial literacy, and life skills training to equip women with the tools to regain control of their lives.

3. Establish a Resource Center: Create a resource center that offers support for daily living, including access to information on housing, healthcare, childcare, and employment opportunities.

4. Build a Community of Empowerment: Create a network of support that connects survivors with mentors, advocates, and role models, fostering personal growth and leadership.

5. Raise Awareness: Conduct workshops and community outreach to raise awareness on domestic violence, abuse, and the importance of women’s empowerment.

Budget and Funding Request: We are seeking funding of $10,000-25,000 to cover the following costs for the first year of operation:

1. Facility Costs: Rental of facility and utilities

2. Staffing: Counselors, legal advocates, program coordinators, and administrative staff

3. Program Resources: Materials for workshops, financial literacy programs, and legal clinics

4. Technology and Equipment: Computers, software, and office supplies for the resource center

5. Outreach and Marketing: Costs associated with raising awareness, hosting community events, and promoting the center’s services

Conclusion: The Women and Girls Empowerment Center represents a transformative initiative aimed at addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by women and girls in our community. With your financial support, we can build a safe space for healing and growth, empower women with the tools they need to thrive, and create lasting change that strengthens individuals, families, and communities. Together, we can help break the cycle of abuse and build a brighter future for all.

We invite you to be a part of this vital project and help us make a meaningful impact on the lives of women and girls in need.