United Way Empower ProgramEmpower Logo

Empower: Women United in Philanthropy is a group that focuses women’s leadership to prepare our children for kindergarten.

Empower Membership Form (download)

Empower’s goal and priorities include:

  • Advocating for basic needs of children ages 0-6
  • Supporting educational learning opportunities for children 0-6
  • Promoting community progress toward school readiness

Empower Projects & Accomplishments:

  • Growmobile: Mobile preschool providing access to early childhood and parent education for children and families and childcare across the community.
  • Early Learning Screening Packs filled with educational materials and learning activities for parents and kids  given out at  early learning  screenings across the community.
  • Funding Kindergarten Testing in area schools to help measure school readiness in our school districts.
  • $50,000 Otto Bremer Foundation three year matching grant.
  • $60,000 Otto Bremer Foundation two year grant supporting the Success by 6 Coordinator position.
  • 175 members networking and creating lasting community change for our community’s children.
  • More than $360,000 raised to help prepare children for school.
  • Community Project Grants established for early education advancements and needs. As of April 2011,  Empower has granted $49,900 to:
    - Sensory Learning Equipment for Spicer Preschool
    - Lullabye Quilters
    - Willmar Public Schools S.M.A.R.T. Program & Jump Start to  Kindergarten Program
    - New London Spicer ECFE  Large Motor Skills Equipment & Pre-school room equipment
    - Latino Child Care Outreach Program
    - Motor Skill Development for Spicer Preschool
    - Curriculum Needs for Willmar ECFE & Family Education
    - Somali Based Curriculum and Family Literacy Education
    - ACMC’s “Reach Out & Read” Program
    - Curriculum and Supplies for Area Child Care
    - Translation Needs for Curriculum and Caregiver Education 
    - YMCA Childcare Center Infant/Toddler Playground
    - ACGC Kindergarten Connection School Readiness Programs
  • Early Learning Shopping Trails in area retailers to help parents interact with their children while shopping.
  • Success by 6” column in the West Central Tribune that offers early learning advice and activities for parents and caregivers.
  • “Success by 6” community which nationally brands our area as a community promoting success by the age of 6.
  • Born Learning Community Campaign launched to educate our community on how to turn every day moments into learning opportunities.
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