History | Women's Initiative

Who we are:
Women’s Initiative of United Way mobilizes the caring power of women in our community.  Every woman has time, talent and treasure to give.  Women’s Initiative greatest strength is to channel those resources and develop leader, philanthropists and advocates that will have a positive impact on issues that concern women.

Since its inception in 2001, Women’s Initiative has invested over $1 million donor designated dollars towards programs that impact women and children.


Download this timeline in PDF format.

A History of Innovative Programs

Social and Emotional Learning
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a program that began as a collaboration between Women’s Initiative, Toledo Public Schools, and Toledo Federation of Teachers. The program aims to promote a caring learning environment and build students’ social and emotional competencies, reduce risky behavior, and increase academic success. SEL began several years ago as part of Women’s Initiative, and continues today as part of United Way’s education work. It has grown to six schools, and 115 Toledo Public School Teachers have been trained through the program.

Promoting Self-Esteem
High self-esteem is important in making good choices.  That is why in 2009 and 2010 Women’s Initiative of United Way chose to invest in several education programs promoting self-esteem.  Some of those programs include Adelante’s L.I.L.A.C. program, Open Dorr Family Resource Center’s Girls Circle, Boys and Girls Clubs SMART Girls program, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of NW Ohio’s Polly Fox Mentoring Program.

Right from the Start
With an initial focus on early childhood development, Women’s Initiative of United Way’s first project was the creation of Right from the Start. This collaborative focused on the community’s youngest children, preparing them to enter school with the skills necessary to succeed.