Shut in. Shut out. Shut off.
The isolation felt during a pandemic can be overwhelming. But the good news is that there are so many ways to help each other during these challenging times.
Now, more than ever, NB Women GO, a women’s giving organization with New Braunfels Community Foundation, is using the power of collective giving to make the biggest impact in our community. The group has awarded more than $170,000 in grants to 20 local nonprofits in the past three years helping 501(c)(3) organizations provide food, clothing, shelter, education, medical services and more in our community.
On Oct. 13 at McAdoo’s Seafood Company, NB Women GO will host its Fall Membership Mixer, giving the community the opportunity to learn more about how this group of women is making a difference and the chance to join them for their upcoming grant season in 2021.
This past year, NB Women GO awarded eight, $9,000 grants to the following causes:
Christian Youth Theatre – Arts/ Culture Category
Funding for operational expenses for staff and training for providing theater arts training that brings families and communities together while reflecting the Creator
Kids Club – Education Category
Funding supporting Kids Club summer student interactions, summer family gatherings and fall programming serving students at five program sites
Crisis Center of Comal County – Family Services Adult Category
Funding supporting additional parenting support in the form of classes, support groups, and educational services that focus on prevention for children, strengthening skill sets and increasing confidence in positive parenting practices
Family Promise of Greater New Braunfels – Family Services Children Category
Funding used to ensure that shelter graduates and diversion program participants are able to remain in secure, stable housing through emergency funds for rent assistance, utility bills and other housing-related expenses
Comal County Habitat for Humanity – Family Services Senior Category
Funding toward the Aging in Place program which allows Comal County Habitat for Humanity to complete repairs for elderly homeowners with zero repayment required
Volunteers in Medicine – Health and Wellness Category
Funding toward underwriting three months of laboratory testing for clinic patients, many of which have gone without healthcare for extended periods of time
Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre – Historic Preservation/Environment Category
Funding toward repair of the marquee and blade features that are the face of the theatre and the most visible and important element of the theatre’s façade
NB Community Cat Coalition – Animal Welfare Category
Funding providing free services for residents at the spay/neuter clinic (to be eligible, cats must be feral), the Goodwin Center for Community Cats, located on the property of Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area
“NB Women GO’s grant truly is a blessing to families struggling with the challenges of homelessness,” said Sarah Dixon, executive director of Family Promise of Greater New Braunfels. “With the support of community partners like NB Women GO, 52 families with children in our community have had the opportunity to move from homelessness into a secure, stable home.”
Tracy Tucker, board chair of Christian Youth Theatre New Braunfels, said CYT was grateful for the support of the women’s group during these trying times.
“Because of their generous donation, CYT has continued to thrive and offer programs to kids in our community,” Tucker said.
NB Women GO formed in late 2017. Members are united by a common purpose – to make a difference in the lives of others by giving back in the community. Members pool their donations and award grants to New Braunfels area nonprofits on an annual basis.
Part of the uniqueness of the group is its creative grant voting process. Members have a direct say in how grants are awarded by voting on their favorite nonprofits at the annual grant voting event each spring.
Members can sign up at different levels, each carrying a specific grant voting weight. Grant levels include:
$1,000 – Grant voting weight 4
$750 – Grant voting weight 3
$500 – Grant voting weight 2
$250 – Grant voting weight 1
To join NB Women GO or show your support with a donation, visit nbcommunityfoundation.org or Facebook.com/NBWomenGO/.
The NB Women GO Membership Mixer is open to all who are interested in NB Women GO as well as current members. The event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 13, on the patio at McAdoo’s Seafood Company, 196 N. Castell Ave. Wine and appetizers will be served.
RSVP by Oct. 8 at Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/2ZGNR8I.
(City of New Braunfels protocols will be followed.)
Questions? Contact New Braunfels Community Foundation at (830) 660-9536 or via email at brit@nbcommunityfoundation.org.