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The Women’s Initiative (WI) of United Way of Calvert County and Chesapeake Cares Food Pantry joined together for two Women Caring for Women mentoring events in March.Members of the WI worked shoulder to shoulder with pantry clients to create meals utilizing pantry food.While preparing a meal to share with each other and one to take home, the ladies engaged in a great exchange of ideas, laughter and domestic prowess.

Women Caring For Women is a hands-on endeavor developed to reach out and help Calvert County women and children.The program is built on the simple conviction that successful women working with and caring about other women is the most important opportunity that we can offer families in our community. “You never know what you will personally gain from giving back to your community in such as way as the Women’s Initiative offers,” said Linda Fadely, Director of Development for United Way of Calvert County and WI member.

The WI is an organization within United Way of Calvert County that was modeled after a number of successful Women's Initiatives in other major cities across the nation.It was founded by a group of corporate, civic, and community leaders with a mission “to engage caring women leaders to measurably improve the quality of life for Calvert County women, children and families through the investment of their time, talent and treasure.” The WI expands women's ability to be a strong voice and achieve results in the non-profit arena through philanthropy, leadership, mentoring, and volunteerism.

During the year, the WI plans several activities that offer women opportunities to meet other women leaders and learn about the community's needs and how they are being addressed.The food pantry partnership is just one of the concepts created by WI leaders who have plans for other activities, such as computer and financial literacy, and workplace readiness. “The Women’s Initiative recognizes and applauds the talents of women. Our members embody the delicate balance of strength and compassion and are strong collaborators who know how to get things done,” said Terri Sisk, WI Chair.

In addition to Women Caring For Women, fundraisers are held throughout the year enabling the WI to award Mini-Grants to organizations helping to improve the lives of Calvert Women and Children in the areas of Healthy Lifestyles, Financial Literacy and Empowerment.The next WI event, Dinner and Seminar Series, “Juggling in High Heels”, with guest speaker, Congresswoman, Connie Morella is planned for April 7 at the SpringHill Suites in Prince Frederick.

To learn more or to become involved, contact Linda Fadely at The United Way of Calvert County at 410-286-0101.Or visit our website at www.unitedwaycalvert.org and look under the Initiatives Tab for the Women’s Initiative.