Women’s History Month
March 18th, 2009by Jen
In case you didn’t know, March is National Women’s History Month.
“Women are capable of forging lasting change, starting with their families, then transforming entire communities and beyond,” states an op-ed piece co-authored by President/CEOs of three leading women’s funds, ”We know that when women are economically secure, families are economically secure and, ultimately, so are communities and nations.”
A few facts for thought:
Since 1956 St. Anthony Foundation’s Madonna Residence has provided low-income and homeless senior women the stability and support to restore their health and build community.
In California, women make up 68 percent of minimum- wage workers, making them especially vulnerable.
Annually 1,400 uninsured women rely on St. Anthony Free Medical Clinic for their health needs.
St. Anthony Dining Room has seen a 10% increase in families coming for lunch service.
In the United States, the subprime mortgage crisis is taking a higher toll on women: 32 percent of women borrowers hold sub-prime mortgages, compared with 24 percent of men.
5,500 women and 16,000 families recieved free like-new clothing from St. Anthony’s Clothing and Housewares Program.
As we observe this month learning about the amazing women who have helped build our rich city, state and national history, let’s also remember the many women who everyday are struggling to create a new legacy and history for themselves and their families.
Tags: dining room, families, free clothing program, madonna residence, medical clinic, women