Help us keep GIRL POWER going strong in 2022!

A year ago, we set out to honor Monica by creating the Monica Terez Girl Power Fund. Thanks to the love and support of so many, the fund grew to $32,700 – and we directed all of it to four standout programs that fortify pre-teen and early-teen girls.

 

Now we’re seeing the impact, and it’s incredible. (See all the testimonials below!) The results are so positive that we’re setting out to replenish the fund. We want to continue this mission of honoring Monica and supporting girls and building their confidence and can-do strength. Will you join us and help make it happen?

 

Doubling our impact

Just like last year, every donated dollar will go to proven programs that build girl power. But THIS year, every donation will be doubled – thanks to the love and generosity of an Ohio family. They are providing a dollar-for-dollar match up to $25,000. Whatever amount you donate, the family will match it with an equal amount. If we end up raising $25,000, the match will bring this year’s total fund to $50,000. The family wishes to remain anonymous, but we speak for many in saying to them: Thank you for inspiring us and powering this mission in such a special way!

 

Directing the funds with care

We will again be thorough in deciding where to direct the funds, reviewing grant applications beginning in late December. Our girl power selection team includes Monica’s daughter, brother, nieces, and sister-in-law – with guidance from the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio. In February, we’ll announce (and celebrate!) the selected programs receiving support from the Monica Terez Girl Power Fund in 2022.

 

We hope you will join us

Monica  was the ultimate champion for lifting others up and paving the way for their success – whether it was a colleague, her family, or a stranger in need. She lived a life of service, devoting her last years to providing critical care for infants and women in the developing world. We are honored to be creating and sustaining the Girl Power Fund in her name – and we are so grateful for any and all support. Thank you!

More about Monica and girl power:

 

Monica’s career was truly purpose-driven. She trained countless nurses. She cared for newborns, moms, and families. She saved lives and brought prayerful comfort to the dying. And when an earthquake devastated Haiti in 2010, she took her nursing skills to Port-au-Prince, working in a tent hospital. These first trips turned into six years of intense service as she provided care in Haiti and Africa.

 

On the home front with family, Monica brought “girl power” to life. With her daughter and six nieces, she made “girl power” an empowering call to action. She was always embracing them with love and strengthening their self-belief and confidence.

 

In central Haiti, Monica led the creation of a specialized newborn care unit. The space had been a boarded-up restroom – but Monica saw possibility. She built a team, coordinated construction, got equipment, trained nurses, and made it happen. Since then, thousands of fragile newborns have been lovingly cared for in this special place.

 

Thank you so much

Monica’s life ended too soon – and we're determined to keep her legacy alive through the Monica Terez Girl Power Fund. Thank you for joining forces with us to build the next generation of women leaders.

 

About the impact of last year’s fund:

 

By the numbers: Following last year's fundraising campaign, we selected four programs to receive the funds – and we’re thrilled to report that at last count, 241 girls are strengthening their girl power as a result.

 

• 45 girls from three grade schools are on three new teams set up by Girls on the Run, through support from the Monica Terez Girl Power Fund. The girls have great running shoes and great coaches, but the program is so much more. Each team even does a community service project. Scroll down for testimonials…

 

• 90 girls are in the She’s Gold leadership program for grades 6 to 9. They’re learning how to navigate challenges and blaze their own leadership trail. Below are testimonials from the program director, a parent, and a participant…

 

• 100+ girls are involved in Proyecto Mariposas and its "Valiente Fuerte Latina" program to nurture brave and strong girls and women. “Thanks to this beautiful project, my daughter is having more hope for the future.” See more below…

 

• 6 girls from 3 high schools are in the year-long TGIF leadership development cohort: Thank Goodness I’m Female. They’re learning and building skills in areas that put the power in girl power – including assertive communication, allyship, and mutual support.

 

In words and pictures: We hope you’ll be inspired by the following testimonials from girls, moms, and program leaders.