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Dear Friends:
We at AWEE are busier than ever. The economic climate has created both
challenges and opportunities for our organization and the individuals
we serve.
In this issue of our quarterly newsletter, you'll find plenty of
updates on our recent activities. From celebrating incredible
volunteers who move mountains while also leading in business, to an
invite for the always fun "Friends of AWEE" Cocktails &
Clothes,
and the opportunity for you to rally for women and families next week
at the state capitol. We're also thrilled to share news about our new
and renewed grant awards.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement with our efforts
to change lives through the dignity of work.
Sincerely,
Marie Sullivan, President & CEO |
Their Time Is Our Treasure
“When
you give to others by volunteering at AWEE, you are helping to create a
more cohesive and caring community; one with strong values that improve
the quality of life for everyone. We also appreciate the opportunity to
magnify our efforts by inspiring others to join with us and do their
part.” Click here for more.
Phyllis
Dumond, 2009 Faces of Success Luncheon Committee Co-Chair,
“Friendsof AWEE” Co-Chair and Senior Commercial Account
Executive at Empire West Title Company.
Pictured (from left) are Phyllis Dumond, Ginger Clayton, Judi Butterworth and Virginia Nelson.
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Remaining Optimistic Despite Economic Challenges
“Although
the economy is tough, participants are hopeful and are obtaining
employment even during hard times,” says an AWEE Career
Development Specialist.
By all accounts the number of visits to AWEE locations and those
registered in our workshops and programs is up from the same time last
year. Many participants and those inquiring about services are looking
for support with mortgage payments, transportation assistance and
general work readiness skills. Click here for more.
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 Clean Out Your Closet and Join Us for Cocktails & Clothes The
annual "Cocktails & Clothes" event, presented by the “Friends
of AWEE,” takes place March 31, 4:30pm-7pm, at the Adobe
Restaurant at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club. This reception attracts a
couple hundred businesswomen interested in spending time with
colleagues and supporting the critical programs of AWEE - including
having ready-to-wear career clothing – for interviews and
everyday work.
The event, founded by commercial real estate guru Judi Butterworth
years ago, is focused on helping women struggling to re-enter the
workforce after challenging times, or climb the ladder to build a
career that could take them beyond a paycheck to a well-rounded life
supporting their families. The popularity and volunteer spirit of those
involved has grown over the years. Co-Chair Phyllis Dumond, a
Commercial Title expert, has worked with the volunteer committee to
provide great raffle prizes and recruit a variety of sponsors to
support the event.
The event is presented by Westcor, and supported by Snell &
Wilmer,
Sonoran Property Maintenance, Dunlap & Magee, Michael Pollack
Real
Estate Investments, AtoZ Restoration & Construction, Safeguard
Security, Camelback Community Bank, DMB Associates, Gerry Waltz,
Arrington Watkins Architects, MidFirst Bank, Troon Construction,
Colleen McPherson, Gerry Ring Waltz, CSEO and Jim Bentz.
Guests can pull up to a large truck, donated courtesy of Elontec, a
computer network services and relocation company, to drop off their
clothing gathered from spring cleaning efforts to support the AWEE
boutique. Men’s items are also welcome since AWEE
serves
men and young adults as well. Then guests are directed to the
patio and restaurant to enjoy refreshments, great company and a
raffle. Prizes include packages from a variety of companies
and
generous individuals including: Sharp Incentives, Enchantment Resort,
Sedona, Wine to Barefoot, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Sprinkles, Audio
Express Portable, Phoenix Suns, Nancy Hempy, Harrah's Laughlin Resort
& Casino, Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort, Granny's
Chocolate
Creations, and US Airways.
Place your reservations by calling 602.223.4345 or email
louannphillips@AWEE.org. Onsite registration is also welcome.
Those just dropping off clothing are invited to simply stop by the
truck and make their donations.
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Special Thanks to Swank!
 AWEE
extends our special thanks to Swank for hosting an AWEE “Shop
for
a Cause” event at the beautiful Silverleaf Club at DC Ranch
on
February 12. With support from U.S. Trust Bank of America Private
Wealth Management, the event raised nearly $2,000 for AWEE’s
programs and services.
Pictured at right,
Crystal Perlmutter shows off one of the glamorous designer
dresses on sale at the event.
Pictured above
(from left) is Marie Sullivan, AWEE President & CEO; Michelle
Schechner, U.S Trust Bank of America Private Wealth
Management;
Jay Parry, President & COO of the Phoenix Mercury and
AWEE
Board of Directors; and Donna Salcito.
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It’s time that S.H.E. COUNTS!
AWEE
invites you to join us for the 2009
Women’s Day at the Legislature
on Thursday, March 19 from 9:30am-2:00pm. The Arizona
Legislature
recently passed some of the largest budget cuts in state history and
the impact on women is devastating. The safety,
health, and economic stability of Arizona women and their families are
at tremendous risk! More devastating cuts are planned for the
2010 budget. Click here for more.
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New
Funding Underscores Essential Role of Prisoner Reentry Programs in
Helping Ex-Offenders Survive the Economic Crisis and Rebuild Their
Lives
AWEE
is pleased to announce that it has been recognized for the
effectiveness of its prisoner reentry program with grants from the U.S.
Department of Labor and Maricopa County totaling $304,117 and up to
$500,000 respectively. The funds will be used to launch two new reentry
programs, PASSAGES (Pathways to Success, Security and Gainful
Employment Solutions) and CAREER (Career Access for Successful Reentry,
Employment and Reintegration) Paths.
Both of these innovative programs are designed to reduce recidivism by
helping adult ex-offenders find new jobs and renewed hope after they
are released from prison and return to their communities. The
recidivism problem is particularly acute in Maricopa County, which
maintains the fifth largest jail jurisdiction in the nation and houses
about 65 percent of the 38,905 Arizonans currently incarcerated in
state prison facilities. Click here for more.
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Get Happy. Give Hope.
AWEE's
"Special Projects Committee," a dynamic group of young professionals,
is hosting its annual "Get
Happy. Give Hope" networking reception at the W Hotel on April 22.
Mix, mingle and celebrate the spirit of giving.
You can register online here or call 602.223.4345 for more details.
Admission is $40.
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