3 minute read
Foundation for Women Warriors
LocaL Foundation SupportS FemaLe VeteranS
By Julie Smith Taylor
or some women veterans the transition to civilian life can be a real struggle. It can be challenging to find a new job in the private sector, access affordable daycare, or even find a place to live with the shortage of housing and the cost-of-living skyrocketing. To provide that support and ensure they have opportunities to succeed, the Foundation for Women Warriors (FFWW) is here to assist. Established in Los Angeles in June of 1920, the Foundation originally called the California Soldiers’ Widows Home Association, helped house widows, war nurses, and mothers of fallen service members. As the roles of women began to shift, the organization began serving women veterans in increasing numbers and eventually changed its name to Military Women in Need.
In 2016, now CEO Jodie Grenier came on board and spearheaded a rebranding of the organization. “We believed the previous name didn’t fully honor the service of our women veteran community,” says Grenier. “We wanted to ensure our name was empowering and reflected the true spirit of the veterans we serve. It is important that our country recognizes their contributions and sacrifices.” In that same year, the new name Foundation for Women Warriors was established. Shortly after, the headquarters relocated to San Diego County to reach to a larger population of veterans as they exit the military. During COVID, the Foundation moved its operations and opened a warehouse in Vista. Today, Foundation for Women Warriors is a 102-year-old institution dedicated to honoring and empowering women veterans. FFWW’s mission is to serve women veterans and their children so that their next mission is clear and continues to impact the world. FFWW programs prevent homelessness, enhance the personal and economic well-being of women veterans and their children. “Despite the historical achievements of our service women, there are still many challenges they must overcome during transition into the civilian sector,” she explains. “We ensure women veterans who may be facing financial and transition challenges can access programs specifically designed to prevent homelessness, enhance economic stability and have a community of support.” According to Grenier, she and her team of eight work hard to keep pace with the needs of their constituents. Here’s a few stats: Last year, 1018 women and children were assisted by the Foundation. Already this year, 1,397 have been assisted. Approximately 60 percent of those served live in San Diego County and more than 75 percent of those who receive financial and childcare assistance through the foundation are single parents. FFWW’s Women Veteran Transition and Emergency Services programs provide financial and critical goods, assistance, childcare, and professional development. Veterans can apply to receive financial assistance via stipends for rent, utilities, and other basic needs. The stipends, paid directly to thirdparties, help cover monthly expenses and give veterans an opportunity to build emergency savings, pay off debts, and maintain housing. Veterans receive financial management education as a prerequisite to receiving financial assistance. FFWW partners with Prudential Financial Services to offer monthly financial education webinars. Veterans build budgets and are assessed quarterly to ensure they stay on track. In addition, the Foundation regularly partners with the San Diego VA to host baby showers for expecting mothers. Women receive everything from maternity clothes to diapers, cribs, car seats and all the essentials in between. “The veterans we serve feel very supported,” says Grenier. “We’ve helped close to 100 veteran moms welcome their new additions this year.” Funding for the Foundation comes from private and community foundations, corporate sponsors, local counties, and individual donors, Grenier says, “At a time when all costs are rising, every little bit helps. If you can, donate, volunteer, or share our mission with a friend. It all helps and there is no better way to say ‘thank you’ to our veterans than by helping them to succeed.” If you would like to support this worthy organization, please contact the Foundation at www.foundationforwomenwarriors.org. “The easiest thing anyone can do is, when you think about our military and those who have served, remember that women served, too,” recommends Grenier.
