WCA Summer 2025 Newsletter

SUMMER 2025

TAKING

Flight

24-HOUR DOMESTIC ABUSE & SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE

208.343.7025 720 W. WASHINGTON ST. BOISE, IDAHO 83702 208.343.3688 WCABOISE.ORG

THE BEA LINE New beginnings can be challenging!

Just as new school years can be challenging for our kids, deciding to make changes in our lives can also be very challenging. Even if we know the change is necessary in order to lead to something we want! That is how I feel as I start my final year with the WCA, I am filled with conflicting emotions.

Excitement as I think about spending more time with my family and taking leisurely trips I have only dreamed of during my working career and sadness when I think of leaving behind the day to day work of supporting the WCA team and the clients they serve. My passion for this work has not diminished, however I know it is time for someone else to take the lead. Having the time to make this a thoughtful transition is what I owe my Board, my team and most importantly our clients. This will be a busy year for many reasons, however my focus remains on ensuring we continue to advocate for and support our core services of safety, healing and freedom. During uncertain times, the consistency we can provide to those that need our help is a goal all of us here at the WCA strive for.

WCA CEO Bea Black Announces Her Plan to Retire

The Non-Profit Leader will Remain at the Helm Until Summer 2026 Bea Black, who has led the Women’s and Children’s Alliance (WCA) for the past 17 years, has announced to the WCA Board of Directors that she plans to retire in summer 2026.

Bea is leaving a legacy of leadership on domestic violence issues and will remain committed to helping the community in other ways. She is excited to join her husband in retirement and to spend more time with her growing number of grandchildren.

As Bea puts it, “I’ve been honored and humbled to do this important work for almost two decades. I am so proud of the impact the team at the WCA has had on the lives of so many. Letting survivors know they are not alone has inspired me every day. This community has come together to build a network of support, resources and understanding to help survivors regain their freedom and heal.”

The WCA Board of Directors is grateful that Bea will continue as CEO through the organization’s next fiscal year to ensure a seamless transition to its next leader.

Bea will remain focused on fostering strong community ties and growing the WCA’s support in order to ensure the sustainability of services that are critical for so many.

The board will coordinate the search for the next CEO beginning in midSeptember and will be looking for an inspiring leader who has a deep passion for the WCA’s mission and an understanding of the importance of community connections.

Under Bea’s guidance, the WCA has grown its impact in several ways, expanding the services provided to those dealing with domestic violence in the Treasure Valley. Some of her proudest accomplishments include working with the WCA board to build a transitional shelter – Laura’s Home – in 2017, growing the WCA’s endowment fund to more than $3.4 million, and providing services for expanded needs during the COVID-19 crisis.

Debra Leithauser, president of the WCA Board, said, “Bea is an excellent leader and community connector. Through her leadership, countless domestic violence survivors start new lives filled with dignity and hope. It’s impossible to quantify her impact. I wish her the very best in her much-deserved retirement, and know the Treasure Valley community will support her in her transition, and continue its critical support of the WCA mission.”

UPDATE: WCA PREVENTION PROGRAM TRANSITION We want to share an important update about the future of WCA’s Prevention Program.

To ensure continued impact and growth—especially following recent staffing changes—WCA’s Prevention Program, including our work within resettled youth and our Youth REPs, will be transitioning to TANTA Inc., a local nonprofit focused on youth empowerment and supporting resettled communities.

We’re thrilled that Shannon, our Prevention Program Specialist, will be continuing this important work with TANTA, allowing for consistency and deeper engagement with the community she’s so passionate about.

While WCA’s prevention work will take new forms, our commitment to education and youth outreach remains strong.

We're currently exploring new strategies to expand access to resources on safety, mental health, and healthy relationships.

Learn more about TANTA, Inc.

Questions?

Reach out to info@wcaboise.org for more information.

CORPORATE PILLAR SPOTLIGHT Hello Everyone!

I’m Lindsay Greene, the WCA’s new Corporate Partnership Coordinator. I have worked at the WCA since June of 2024, but started in the Philanthropy department in July. I’m currently working on connecting with all our current Corporate Pillars, obtaining Sponsorships for SueB, and cultivating new partnerships! In my down time I enjoy spending time with my family, climbing with my friends, and curling up with a good book.

Our Corporate pillars have been very active this summer. In June our partner Adrienne Esposito from WaFd received the 2025 Women of the Year Honoree from the Idaho Business Review and Red Sky received the Small Business of the Year: 1-10 Full-time Employees! Congratulations, these awards are well-deserved. ICCU participated in our Back to School program helping to sponsor 10 adult backpacks this year. Each of these partners have stepped up and filled in needs for us and our clients! Thank you to all our sponsors and partners in the community.

Thank you to all our sponsors and partners in the community. We could not do what we do without your continued support!

- Lindsay Greene, Corporate Partnership Coordinator

VOLUNTEER CORNER

We would like to extend our gratitude to all of our Sponsors and donors who participated in our Back to School program this year.

Thanks to their kindness and generosity, dozens of children in our programs are starting the school year with the tools they need to learn, grow and thrive. Their compassion helps us show each child that they are seen, supported and worthy of a bright future.

This year our sponsors and donors contributed over 50 backpacks and many school supplies. These items added up to over $13,200 in fair market value. Not to mention the many hours donors spent shopping and running drives.

We would also like to thank the volunteers who we could not run the Back to School program without!

This year was very special because we were able to have a Back to School Fair at shelter where clients could receive their sponsored backpacks as well as grab some extra supplies. A special thank you to R&R BBQ who provided a delicious dinner for our residents!

Thank you all for investing in a better future for the children and families in our care. Here’s to a bright and successful school year!

- Courtney Otto, Volunteer Development Coordinator

EVENTS RECAP JOURNEYS IN MOTHERHOOD CONFERENCE Our first annual Journeys in Motherhood Conference was an amazing day spent connecting mothers and community nurtures alike. Our speakers discussed topics of motherhood connections, navigating holding positions of leadership as a mother, and connecting with your joyful purpose.

Through an impactful presentation by Shannon McGuire, the inspiring exchanges from our panelists Shari Baber, Laurie Lickley, Dr. Lisa Phillips, Laura Honn and Suzi Boyle, and the empowering workshop facilitated by Angela Taylor, our attendees were given the space to engage in meaningful conversations and connections.

"I loved it so much! I felt so much more clear in how I can frame my thoughts to help me be more aligned in life. I thank you all so much for making this event happen"

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL JOURNEYS IN MOTHERHOOD CONFERENCE:

FEBRUARY 12, 2026

Fill out our interest form at wcaboise.org/presentations

The WCA Board of Directors invites you to join them in celebrating 2025 Joyce Stein Award recipient

Dee Mooney Director of Strategy & Operations, Workforce Development Council Administrator, Idaho STEM Action Center Former Executive Director, Micron Foundation

Thursday, September 18 2025 4:00 - 6:00PM Program begins at 4:30 The JUMP Room, 5th Level 1000 W. Myrtle St., Boise More information about the Joyce Stein Award at wcaboise.org/events Questions about the event? Reach out to mnichole@wcaboise.org

PAST JOYCE STEIN AWARD RECIPIENTS

Help us celebrate the 45th year of the Joyce Stein Awards with a special recognition of past recipients during this year’s program

1980 Judy Ripke, Beckie Hedrick, Doris Kaufman 1981 Phoebe Lundy 1982 Ruth Pauley 1983 Edith Miller Klein 1984 Jane Daly 1985 Jane Buser 1986 Julie Kilgrow 1987 Carol A. Martin 1988 Barbara Eisenbarth 1989 Robert E. Krueger 1990 Lorry Roberts 1991 Cathy Silak 1992 Betsy Dunklin 1993 Susan Hazelton, Sheila Robertson 1994 Janine Smith 1995 Eve Williamson 1996 Sherry Iverson 1997-98 Sharon Bixby 1998-99 Pam Parker 2000 Tony Chung 2001 Linda Anthony, Tina Balsley, Cynthia Cook, Cathy Mockli, Jana Perry, Debbie Servatius, Kris Wheeler 2002 Marian L. Pritchett, Susan P. Sherlock 2003 Judy E. Cross 2004 Carolyn Terteling-Payne 2005 Merrianne Cook Hunter 2006 Vera Fink 2007 Sandra Bruce 2008 Janice Johnson 2009 Doug & Serena McAlvain 2010 Karen & Mike Mooney 2011 Kaye Knight 2012 Marilyn Shuler 2013 Cherie Buckner-Webb 2014 Teri Stein 2015 Greg Bower 2016 The Ahlquist Family 2017 Luci McDonald 2018 Dee Gore 2019 Harry Bettis, Laura Bettis Rydalch, Janelle Bettis Wise 2020 Jan Bennetts 2021 Nancy & Charley Jones 2022 Melissa Wintrow 2023 Yasmin Aguilar 2024 Susan Smith

WHAT IS DAF DAY? Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 9 2025!

A DAF (Donor Advised Fund) is a tax-advantaged savings account for charity, like a 401K for your generosity goals. DAFs can help you become more impactful, efficient, and strategic with your donations.

At the WCA, we have several generous community members who support us with distributions from their DAFs on a monthly or yearly basis.

Best of all, our secure donation page provides you with the opportunity to donate directly from your DAF using DAFpay!

Questions about donating using your Donor Advised Fund?

Reach out to philanthropy@wcaboise.org

August is National-Make-A-Will Month: a great reminder to create or update your will and consider including a gift to causes close to your heart.

At the WCA, we’re honored to have community members who’ve pledged over $6 million in planned gifts. These contributions support our Endowment Campaign, which this year provided over $113,000 to sustain our vital Shelter services.

Want to learn more? Visit our endowment page on our website or contact our Philanthropy Director at philanthropy@wcaboise.org. Or RSVP to attend our Endowment Celebration & Info Evening on November 20, 2025 from 4:30-6:30pm at Crane Creek Country Club.

See details below.

Thank you for helping build a lasting legacy of safety, healing and freedom.

YOU’RE INVITED!

LEARN MORE AT WCABOISE.ORG/EVENTS

SIGN UP

www.boiserunning.com/sueb-5K

OUTREACH CORNER Greetings!

I’m Annie Ponce, and I’m excited to introduce myself as the new Outreach Coordinator at the WCA. Since my teenage years, I’ve been actively involved with national and international nonprofit organizations. For the past six years, my work has focused on higher education, partnership building, and community engagement in the public sector.

I’m looking forward to learning from all of you and contributing my experience to strengthen our outreach efforts, especially around increasing education and awareness of WCA's mission.

Some of my favorite hobbies include traveling, reading, karaoke, and spending time with my community!

Right now, I’m focusing on a few key projects: creating and updating processes for monitoring and tracking outreach materials, restarting tabling at community events, and relaunching the outreach volunteer program. I’m also helping with logistical support for the upcoming SueB Memorial 5K and the Clothesline Project in October.

If you see me out tabling in the community, please stop by and say hi, and don’t forget to restock your outreach materials!

LEARN MORE & REQUEST A DISPLAY KIT FOR YOUR OFFICE OR BUSINESS!

ARE YOU STOCKED UP ON

OUTREACH MATERIALS?

PLACE AN ORDER HERE INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN OUTREACH VOLUNTEER? EMAIL OUTREACH@WCABOISE.ORG FOR INFO