Welcome to the Women's Philanthropic Investment Group (WPIG) Blog.

8.10.2011

Stock Market Got You Down?


Maybe listening to this informative podcast, Financial Advice, on personal investing will help. Jane Bryan Quinn is a guest on Seattle Public Radio KUOW's "The Conversation." Jane Bryant Quinn is a personal finance advocate and the author of "Making the Most of Your Money NOW!"

7.26.2011

Bruce Herbert: Getting McDonald's To The Table

Click on the link below to hear a fascinating interview with Bruce Herbert, founder of the Seattle-based investment firm Newground Social Investment. He works from the inside, leveraging the power that corporate shareholders have to advocate for socially responsible policies. Bruce spoke with KUOW's Megan Sukys about how he got McDonald's to the table to review the level of pesticides in their potatoes.

Bruce Herbert: Getting McDonald's To The Table

6.27.2011

Meet Kym Haley!

Since the Spring of 2009 Kym Haley has been an avid and dedicated member of WPIG.  Its investment concept was what intrigued Kym’s initial motivation to join WIPG, setting itself apart from the hundreds of philanthropic organizations in Seattle.  Kym wanted to learn more about investing not only on a personal level, but also on a philanthropic level, benefiting the charity of WPIG’s choosing.  Having the opportunity to get to know other women in WPIG was an added bonus as well.  Kym currently serves as the Chair of the social committee, and a member of the finance committee.

Born and raised in Dallas, TX, Kym is a Texan at heart.  After high school Kym moved to Colorado to study at the University of Colorado at Boulder.  She earned her Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and her Mater’s in construction engineering management.  Soon after, Kym moved to Seattle in 2007 to work for a private real estate development company.  Now Kym currently is working for a non-profit, which develops affordable housing for low-income families at the Low Income Housing Institute.


On her free time, Kym finds pleasure in working in her garden, travelling, cooking, camping, spending time with her family and friends, playing softball and volleyball, and enjoying the outdoors.

6.12.2011

And the Votes Are In.....

MARY'S PLACE RULES! 

WPIG volunteered Sunday afternoon at Mary's Place, which was an all-around success!  Here's what two WPIG members had to say about this experience: 

"It was a pretty powerful afternoon hearing from 3 women who LOVE Mary’s Place and all that it has to offer them in their life of transition." -Katie Patchin

"The facility is closed on Sundays, but they did have a few women that came in to help us… they shared their stories with us, which was really nice and for me, really reinforced why I am in WPIG and why we all were there.  It was a great day!" -Alisha Eastman

WPIG split into three groups for the afternoon: 
Group 1 sorted through and organized Bon Mary’s.  This is a shopping area where the women can buy things such as shampoo, conditioner, make-up, plates, etc.  When the women do chores at the facility, they earn points which they can use to buy items at Bon Mary's one day a week. Group 1 worked with a 26 year old who has used Mary’s Place since last August.  Even though she is now in subsidized housing through the YWCA she still finds Mary's Place a wonderful resource for meals and emotional support. 


Group 2 built lockers for the women who work in the kitchen to put their belongings while they prepare the food). I think they were accompanied by a woman who is 55 and homeless.  She told WPIG how she loves Mary’s place for the fellowship and sisterhood.  She usually hates Sundays because Mary’s Place is closed!



Group 3 sterilized toys in the family room, which provides a space for women and their children. It is meant to be a space where the women can call to make appointments for housing/jobs etc. and their kids can play.
In addition, WPIG donated hygiene products, socks, and coffee.  Special thanks to Starbucks, who helped us in the donation of coffee! 


So now, it's time to hear from YOU, our loyal readers! 
Question of the day:  What is the best volunteer experience you've had and what made it special?  Can't wait to hear from you!

5.16.2011

Mary's Place

It's amazing how many impressive non-profit organizations there are in the Seattle area that are making a positive impact on our community every single day.  Sometimes, we may not even know about these great organizations until we have a personal experience with them.  Today, we would like to personally introduce you to Mary's Place

Mary’s Place Day Center is a weekday program that provides a welcoming and accepting environment where homeless women and their children can build community, enrich their days and find resources to restore their lives.

Their programs include:
Two hot meals per day
AA/NA Meetings
Bastyr Naturopathic Clinic
Bon Mary’s Incentive Program
Clothing Distribution
Community Service Site
Field Trips
Housing and Employment Resources
Hygiene, Shower and Laundry Service
Lingerie Program
Mail and Phone Services
Medical Care
Move-In Assistance
Resource Referrals
Shelter Referrals
Support Groups: Domestic Violence, Seeking Safety, Treatment Options and Referral
Volunteer Services
YWCA Health Access Program

Mary's Place most certainly aligns with our mission of helping women and children move from a place of need to one of self-sufficiency.  We are so excited to partner with Mary's Place for our next volunteering opportunity.  Stay tuned for a report about this in early June!