2021 was certainly a year to remember for the WCA Philanthropy team! Even though it was challenging to host in-person events during this global health crisis, we were still able to achieve so much with your support.
Our Volunteer program thrived during 2021. We held regular virtual volunteer information sessions to give potential volunteers the opportunity to learn about our organization. We welcomed back trained volunteers in a number of specialist areas including court advocacy, childcare, and front desk support. We also welcomed back volunteer groups and with their help, we were able to accomplish a number of larger-based maintenance projects at both our downtown and secure shelter locations. Individual volunteers also contributed significantly to our ability to deliver a number of client-facing support programs including our back-to-school program and our Holiday Sponsorship program which supported a record-breaking 105 families in our community.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer or volunteer opportunities for groups, contact Lupe through [email protected] to start the process today!
Our Ambassador Program went from strength to strength in 2022! Bre, our Philanthropy specialist, was able to connect with long-term WCA Ambassadors and meet with new WCA supporters who were looking to deepen their connection with our organization. Ambassadors are members of our community who believe passionately in our mission and vision. Ambassadors created party packs for shelter clients, participated in volunteer projects, and connected us with their friends and family to spread information about the WCA’s vital work.
During the summer, Ambassadors gathered monthly for Ambassador socials to stay afloat of WCA’s ongoing work and projects. Ambassadors also played a crucial part in the success of our Healing Begins with Hope fundraising event. They shared personal stories on social media and invited friends and family to participate in our event. If you’re interested in joining our Ambassador program in 2022, reach out to Bre at [email protected].
Our Hope Society continued to grow in 2021. We welcomed 12 new members bringing the total number of Hope Society members to 214. The Hope Society is a group of donors who believe strongly in the power of sustainable giving. They committed to a 5-year pledge of at least $1000. Hope Society donations support general operating costs that help preserve and grow our services sustainably.
In 2021, we continued to see a significant increase in the need for all of our services. In the month of June alone, we had 288 calls to our domestic abuse hotline—the highest number of calls in a single month since we began keeping records. Hope society donors continued their support during 2021 which gave us the ability to not only maintain but grow in vital areas like clinical services. As expected, the demand for our mental health services grew significantly during the pandemic. The WCA increased our number of trained clinicians from three to six to accommodate the increase in need for mental health services. If you would like to learn more about joining the Hope Society, contact Laura at [email protected].
The Idaho Gives and Avenues for Hope campaigns were a success in 2021. Both these campaigns highlight the intersection between homelessness and domestic abuse as well as the amazing nonprofit partners that exist within our community.
Our Amazon Wish List gets updated regularly with requests from our client advocates, case managers, and other direct service staff. It is just one way to support us through an in-kind donation. We also have the yearly Giving Tree, in partnership with the Downtown Boise Association. 3000 tags were placed on the downtown tree, giving members of our community the opportunity to select a gift tag and purchase an item that will be used in the months to come by our clients. Thank you if you gave to us during this meaningful drive!
If you’re interested in hosting a drive or you are an individual and have items that you would like to donate, please contact us via [email protected] to discuss your potential donation or drive! We are only able to accept new items and we often have different needs depending on the time of the year so it’s always a great idea to check in with us! Gas and grocery gift cards are always welcome and always needed by our clients to help them on their journey towards freedom.
We are hopeful that we will be able to host our 29th annual TWIN awards in person on March 31. TWIN (Tribute to Women in Industry) celebrates the achievements of women in our community and provides a wonderful opportunity for our dedicated Corporate Pillars to come together in support of our mission.
Idaho Gives will take place from May 2 to May 5 this year. Were also hopeful that additional in-person philanthropy events will be possible this year, offering the opportunity for our community to learn more about sustainable giving and the impact your support can have on our ability to maintain and grow our services for all who need us. One way to deepen your understanding of the WCA is by attending one of our virtual Mission Tours. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508094ca5ac28a0f49-ifthese2 or reach out at [email protected] to learn more.
We are grateful for all of the dedicated WCA supporters that we have had the pleasure of reconnecting with and meeting for the first time during 2021! We look forward to seeing you all, in whatever way works for you in 2022!
Happy New Year from the WCA Philanthropy team,
Laura, Ellie, Lupe, Bre, Kaelie, and Kelsey
