The purpose of The Women’s Fund’s is to support medical re-

search which concentrates on the physical, mental and emotional well-being of women; to enhance health education

through the dissemination of the most current medical information available; and to encourage women to take individual

initiatives in establishing good personal health habits that prevent illness and promote enjoyment of an enriched life.

THE WOMEN’S FUND FOR HEALTH EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

ANNUAL REPORT 2009

It is important to evaluate the relevance of programming to ensure that donors, members and the community are getting what they want and need from an organization. In today’s world we are not only rele-vant but a needed resource in Houston. Our future lies in providing women and girls with the tools they need to be advocates for their health. The 2010 programming for The Women’s Fund can build a community filled with healthy and resilient women. Texas adolescents engage in the following risky health behaviors more than adolescents across the nation; being in a car with someone who has been drinking alcohol, smoking, using cocaine and methamphetamines, and risky sexual behavior. Young Texans also have a greater risk of being obese and/or have poor dietary behaviors than their peers (Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, 2007). Young Women’s Health Education Program With a focus on building resiliency and prevention, this health education program teaches young women the essential skills needed to establish good personal health habits and to develop into strong and healthy women.

In Texas 17% of women are considered to be in fair or poor health, and Texas ranks 43rd in the utilization of preventive screening. Texas women have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, the number one killer of women, and are more obese then women nationally. Women’s Health and Advocacy Program By providing seminars, health education and publications we reach both community service providers and members, giving them the tools to be advocates for their health. The women’s health and advocacy project teaches women to practice prevention and be proactive about their health care in order to reduce illness and promote health.

Twenty seven percent of the women in Texas do not have health care and 19% have not had a routine check-up in the past two years. This consistent lack of access creates barriers to good health. Women Connect Woman Connect is a coalition of local organizations that advance women’s health and well-being. Through collaboration and shared wisdom, members of the coalition partners support each other to build awareness of women’s health issues, preventive measures, and local services.

Changing what we think about our health and The Women’s Fund … what is our role

in today’s society?

Past and Present … For thirty years, we have served women in Houston by funding research, providing community seminars; and through our publications provided the community with medically sound health information. In 1980, The Women’s Fund began funding research grants for women’s health. Since that time, 158 projects totaling nearly $1.4 million, have received funding. The impact on women’s health research ranges from cancer, lupus, heart disease, obesity, osteoporosis, and emotional wellness. We have influenced women and therefore their loved ones, by offering health seminars in the workplace and in the community. In 2009, Dr. Carl Dahlberg educated the community on “Protecting Your Lungs in Uncertain Times” and Dr. Garrett Lynch discussed “How to be an Informed Consumer Regarding Breast Cancer.” In 2009, we have provided the community with 13,549 free publications. Of those publications, 31% were used by other community organizations as a teaching tool for their clientele. Our community partners include service providers for at-risk youth, faith-based organizations, family services and health clinics for low-income families.

Future

What About Me? Our Young Women’s Health Education Program ensures that young girls who are at a vulnerable age have the right information about their bodies and the tough choices they will have to make as teens. The Women’s Fund’s twelve-week curriculum targets multi-cultural populations in the Houston and Harris County area and is offered free of charge to the recipients. For some girls, their families can supply this information but for others it is their peers or the internet that provide the myths and facts about healthy behavior. We just want them to have the correct information and a safe place to learn.

We held six “What About Me – Young Women’s Health Education” classes teaching 57 young women about their health and prevention strategies. This fall semester we tested our new 12

week resiliency curriculum.

The Bauer Foundation Thanks to the Bauer Foundation our Resiliency Skills curriculum is currently being evaluated and is at the core of our program enhancement. Our new curriculum utilizes effective skills and applies them to the six top health concerns of teens. We are currently the only organization that is offering health education classes. Our approach respects individual diversity and increases young girls’ knowledge and their ability to make healthy decisions about their lives. Because of their generosity the What About Me? program will be able to develop and expand!

Changing women and girls future health outcomes … how can resiliency change our health?

Resiliency

Studies show that children with the following skills

or traits help us overcome difficulties and help us

have improved long-term health outcomes...

A sense of self-efficacy Goal-oriented behavior

A sense of personal responsibility A sense of optimism Internal expectations

Coping strategies for dealing with stress We teach these skills and relate them to the most

significant health concerns of adolescents...

Nutrition Physical Activity

Sexual Risk Behaviors Drugs

Alcohol& Tobacco Injury & Violence

We prepare young women for a healthier and happier future.

Education... Beyond creating tools that encourage communication, our educational programming for women creates the opportunity to have those needed discussions about their health. Our women’s health and advocacy project is committed to making health education for women easily accessible. Between work, family, and personal goals; many women do not have extra time to learn about their health. Using volunteers who are experts in their fields, educational sessions are arranged during lunch time at businesses and organizations. This provides an opportunity for women to come together, to learn and support each other in health initiatives. Our goal is to expand this model to homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters and drug and alcohol treatment centers. We hope to provide marginalized population with the tools they need to be advocates for their health even if they lack a primary care physician, economic stability and/or access to medical care. The resiliency and advocacy skills will provide them with the necessary tools to recognize their ability to take control of their health. We just want every woman to be healthy.

On average, 93% of the 528 program attendees say they will share what they learned, spread-ing the knowledge to others who might need it. Over 95% said they learned something they could use to better their health.

It is not just a booklet, it is a conversation starter...Women’s Health and Advocacy Project provides the information women need regarding their health and prevention. Our What Are The Facts? publication provides women with the information they need to be informed health consumers. In addition to the current publications, we are developing a Women’s Health and Advocacy curriculum with a focus on the resiliency skills needed to advocate for one’s health, to invest in lifelong health initiatives and to increase health literacy.

We hope to expand the information in the What Are The Facts? publication to include these health initiatives outlined in the curriculum as well as utilize our How’s My Health? publication to help women engage in their health choices. Together these tools will be used to educate the public with specific attention to populations that have higher rates of health disparity.

Our “Which Way” publication addresses the growing issue of obesity and provides families with sound nutritional information. Combined with BODY WORKS, a Health and Human Services publication, we can help change the way families eat and exercise, altering their long-term health outcomes.

Changing the tools we need to be advocates for our health… can we help every woman?

Publications

WomenConnect & Health Options…by gathering local women’s organizations, health providers and associations we want to CONNECT our clients, our loved ones and the community with their local services. Houston is a large city and we want to make sure finding a good resource is not a barrier to good health.

Financials HER Foundation The sole purpose of the foundation is to support the endeavors of the Women’s Fund and as designated by the donors. The income provided to the organization is a combination of restricted and unrestricted funds. Like most non-profit organizations we had to weather a very dangerous storm. Luckily past efforts to ensure the longevity of the Women’s Fund were very successful. Thanks to careful stewardship and years of building up the endowed funds we were able to use additional income this year when the weather was particularly difficult!

HER Foundation Current Market Value

$1,076,293.70

FOUNDATIONS Houston’s generosity never fails when the mission is worthy. The Women’s Fund is grateful for this opportunity to serve the Houston community. Harriet B. Foster Foundation $5,000

The Hoglund Foundation $5,000

The Simmons Foundation $5,000

The Ellwood Foundation $10,000

The John P. McGovern Foundation $20,000

Bauer Foundation $40,000

Transparency Integrity

Financial Strategy

Dec 31, 09

ASSETS

Current Assets

Checking/Savings

1001 · Northern Trust

1002 · Northern Trust Northern An-chor 13,956.44

1005 · Northern Trust Investment 84,092.97

Total 1001 · Northern Trust 98,049.41

Total Checking/Savings 98,049.41

Accounts Receivable

1400 · Accounts Receivable 110.00

Total Accounts Receivable 110.00

Other Current Assets

13000 · Prepaid Expenses 2,602.51

1440 · Deposits 7,195.00

Total Other Current Assets 9,797.51

Total Current Assets 107,956.92

Other Assets

1007 · Ruth Chalmers FBO TWF - WHummer 140,263.42

Total Other Assets 140,263.42

TOTAL ASSETS 248,220.34

LIABILITIES & EQUITY

Liabilities

Current Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities

2010 · Deferred Support 472.00

Total Other Current Liabilities 472.00

Total Current Liabilities 472.00

Total Liabilities 472.00

TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 248,220.34

Tina Murray President

Ann LeBlanc Cook Vice President

Tahirih Baker, MD Secretary

Stephanie Madan Treasurer

Philamena Baird

Denise Bates Beth Carter, MD

Debra Chernosky, MD Nan Duhon

Louana Frois

Mary Fusillo Leigh Harris

Terry Hausner Nancy Hernandez Merrill Lewen, MD

Daisy Morales Cathy Neben

Frances Pendergraft Kathi Rovere Helen Shaffer Ruth Sorelle

Phyllis Stringfellow Marilyn Sumner

Karyl Van Tassel

Mission fundraising… the Board of Trustees took the lead and made 2009 goals possible. They know how important it is to ensure funding is available to support the mission and they knew 2009 was going to be an especially difficult year, yet they handled the challenges with their usual intelligence and tenacity. HAPPY BIRTHDAY was the theme of the 3rd annual Spring Event. This year Mrs. MaryAnn McKeithan hosted a festive evening at Discovery Green. The gorgeous weather and the island-themed cocktail party was the perfect background to celebrate 30 years of past presidents. This new tradition raised more than $35,000.00 and introduced more Houstonians to the Women’s Fund mission. YOUR ARE IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT! Our Fall Luncheon co-chairs Philamena Baird , Michele Kooken and Aimee Marsh created a high-spirited environment that raised just over $100,000.00. Our guest speaker was local favorite Louise Parsley. The event allowed for a special opportunity to honor the Women’s Fund founder, Jacqueline Goettsche and celebrate her vision for improving women’s health. Annual Campaign With a matching grant from the McGovern Foundation the Annual Campaign raised 20, 000.00 to help us achieve our mission. Marilyn Sumner generously kicked off the campaign with a $3,000.00 donation and other Trustees and members helped raise the rest.

Organizational Strength Strategy

Governance

Members In a year when most people were cutting back, 2009 Membership co-chairs Kathi Rovere and

Helen Shaffer increased The Women’s Fund membership by 8% ending the year with 486 members.

Leslie Bennett Jane Braden Cathy Cagle

Barb Devetski Barbara Grace

Kathryn Hachigian Jeni Halliday, PhD Pat Hogan –Korge

Sally Hoglund Paula Letbetter

Lucy Lewis

Pam Lewis, PhD Mary Ann McKeithan

Cathy McNamara Katina Pontikes Roseann Rogers

Lori Sorcic Mary Lou Swift Katie Thompson

Karen Wildenstein Phyllis Williams

Trustees Advisory