Women’s Philanthropy Network Fall Lunch & Learn

In May, the Women’s Philanthropy Network (WPN) awarded $80,000 in grants to three local organizations. Please join us on Tuesday, November 10, for our fall Lunch & Learn to hear from two of them, Basic Necessities and Girls Empowered for More Society (GEMS), and see how WPN grant dollars are at work in our community.

Basic Necessities is the only nationally certified diaper bank in the ArkLaTex. It gives families in need free diapers, formula, period supplies and incontinence products. WPN’s $10,000 grant supports its Healthy Foundations for Learning program, which provides hygiene essentials to low-income families. The goal is to reduce school absences and help students take part in class with dignity and confidence.

GEMS, founded by educator Toccara Huckaby, helps girls in Northwest Louisiana become the best versions of themselves through programs in STEAM, leadership, entrepreneurship and academics. WPN’s $10,000 grant supports the GEMS Leadership & Opportunity Pathway, which includes STEAM tours, Self-Care Saturdays and Pajama Powers, all built to grow girls’ confidence and their interest in leadership and STEAM fields.

You will enjoy a tour of The Highland Center followed by a presentation from Basic Necessities and GEMS. Toccara Huckaby, Founder and Executive Director of GEMS, and Meagan Banai, Program Director of Basic Necessities, will talk about their programs, the families and students they serve, and the difference WPN’s investment has made so far.

Ticket cost is $16 and includes lunch. Please purchase a ticket here.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].