What happens when over 200 women decide that giving back matters?

Big things.

At the second quarterly meeting of Women Who Care – Hall County, members came together to learn, connect, and make a difference for a local organization doing important work for children and families.

This quarter, members heard presentations about EPIC Discovery Center, GRACE Cancer Foundation, and Stick Creek Kids. Women learned how the EPIC Discovery Center is faring after opening its doors, heard more about the GRACE Cancer Foundation's work aiding children and families affected by cancer, and learned about Stick Creek Kids and its work providing quality childcare to families in Wood River.

Ultimately, members selected Stick Creek Kids in Wood River as the recipient of a preliminary $17,500 grant.

The organization was presented by Blaire Dreessen, Board Chair of Stick Creek Kids, who shared the story of the child development center and its commitment to creating a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

“Sharing Stick Creek Kids’ story with Women Who Care – Hall County was such a rewarding and humbling experience. To talk about why our work matters and to share the heart and soul behind our mission was an opportunity I will cherish for a long time,” Dreessen said. “Seeing the women rally around Stick Creek Kids and believe in all we are working to accomplish was encouraging. The women’s generosity and enthusiasm reminded me that we are not doing this important work alone, and that our Hall County community cares about the future of its children.”

Stick Creek Kids opened its doors in 2021 with a goal of providing high-quality care to families throughout the region. The organization continues to work to expand access to quality early childhood care while creating safe, nurturing environments where children can learn and grow.

Now, the Women Who Care grant will give Stick Creek Kids an opportunity to invest in the people and experiences that make that mission possible.

“Being awarded this grant will be transformative for our facility,” said Bailey Roeder, Director of Stick Creek Kids. “We will be able to invest in our staff through additional training and supplies, while also creating more opportunities and enriching experiences for our current and future families. This funding will allow us to continue investing in the quality of care and education we provide to the children and families we serve.”

For Roeder, the significance of the grant goes beyond what the funding itself will provide. It is also a reflection of the community choosing to invest in the people doing the work.

“Having local women support Hall County businesses is such a meaningful opportunity. It reflects the heart and soul of our community and demonstrates their passion for investing back into the community and supporting the people who dedicate themselves to serving others,” Roeder said. “Their investment in Stick Creek Kids means so much because it allows us to continue growing while remaining focused on the families, children, and staff who make our program what it is.”

Dreessen also emphasized the broader importance of investing in quality child care—not only for children, but for families and the community as a whole.

“Investing in quality childcare and foundation is an often-overlooked investment in our community’s future,” Dreessen shared, “Accessible, high-quality childcare allows parents to work and build stability in their households. When you invest in young children, you are investing in stronger families, a stronger workforce, and a stronger community for generations to come. It creates a ripple effect of lasting impact that strengthens an entire community.”

The impact of this quarter’s giving isn’t finished just yet.

The $17,500 grant is a preliminary total, meaning members who have not yet submitted their quarterly contribution have until August 21 for their commitment to be included. The final grant total will be determined after the payment deadline.

Make Your Quarterly Contribution

More than 200 women came together, listened to the stories of local organizations, and chose to invest in one that is helping children and families build a stronger foundation for that future.

This is what collective giving looks like.