Web of Benefit

Women's Support : Becoming Our Own Role Models

2012-01-18T14:59:00.001-05:00

There was a time where women stood together in a bond of sisterhood, women supporting women.

"As women embrace the fullness of who they are as individuals, they may find themselves supporting other women, helping others to reach the level of inner comfort and outer freedom that they themselves have found. Among those who are less sure of themselves and their place in the world, it may be more common to criticize other women than to seek their help. But there are things that a woman can only learn from another woman, as there are things about being a man that can only be learned from other men. We all recognize that we have much to learn from each other regardless of gender, but sometimes we could use a supportive role model that gives us a more precise example of what and who we can become.

There was a time where women stood together in a bond of sisterhood, women supporting women. It is only natural that the pendulum swings out of balance for a while so that we may have the experience of what we do not want. It is up to women to bring the pendulum back into balance and bring back the sacred sisterhood we yearn for at our core.

If we envision a world where women support each other and help each other find their place in an ever-changing world, then we can become the change we want to see. Jealousy, envy, criticism, and judgment are refuges for the insecure. As we help others to become self-assured, we create a world in which all people help each other, regardless of gender. Only women can make the change in how women are seen and understood, not just by other women but by the world at large. The way we speak about each other to other women and to the men in our lives informs everyone to treat us with the respect that all women, and all people, deserve."- Daily Om

You're Invited!

2012-01-17T22:37:00.002-05:00

Join us for a night of indulgence

Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Tastings,

Auction, Music, Awards

February 11, 2012 * 5:30-8:30 p.m.

1458 Great Plain Ave, Needham, MA

(The Presbyterian Church)

Tickets: $50

Tickets can be bought by emailing info@webofbenefit.org

All proceeds will empower survivors of domestic violence to become economically independent through grants for education, housing, laptops etc.

Summary of Activities 2011

2012-01-02T14:00:00.001-05:00

Summary of Activities 2011

Johanna Crawford helps survivors of domestic abuse – and urges them to do the same

2011-12-16T13:02:00.003-05:00

Johanna Crawford founded Web of Benefit to help women escape domestic violence and build new lives.

By Kendra Nordin, Staff writer / December 12, 2011

Needham, Mass.

Johanna Crawford says the night she witnessed her father almost kill her mother is only one of two things that motivates her each day to help survivors of domestic violence.

The second came four decades later when she handed a woman at an emergency shelter two $20 bills from her wallet – and gave the woman hope.

"As I was driving home [that day] … I thought, 'I can do this. I can change someone's life for $40.' And then I thought, 'I have to do this,' " Ms. Crawford says.

Within one year, she went from being a volunteer at a shelter for abused women to establishing her own nonprofit organization, Web of Benefit, designed to empower survivors of domestic violence with financial aid using a unique mentoring approach.

By awarding small grants for such things as housing, education, and transportation, Web of Benefit offers a crucial leg up to women trying to push past the fear of abuse. Perhaps more important, Crawford asks that those she helps "dream big."

Her grant applications include a "Dream Proposal" with three questions: What is your biggest dream? What are the steps and goals to reach your dream? What is the estimated cost of the first step of your dream?

It may sound simple, but for women trying to navigate the emotional and physical pain surrounding domestic violence, imagining a better life can seem impossible.

"Most of the women who are survivors have kind of a turned-off light; they don't dream or visualize what their life could be," says Jessica Estrada, who runs a financial literacy program for Family Rescue in Chicago and collaborates with Web of Benefit. "When they are in an abusive relationship, they are dominated by the abuser's lifestyle. They are not living the life they wanted to be living."

The amount of domestic violence taking place in the United States is hard to measure. A quarter to a third of American women will be touched by domestic violence in some way, according to some estimates.

It isn't just physical abuse. The US Department of Justice's definition includes physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological domination. All of it de-livers a burden of shame that can prevent a woman from reporting incidents or moving to a safe environment.

Crawford herself has lived through the pain of domestic violence. As a teenager she watched as a dispute between her parents escalated until her father's hands grabbed her mother's neck in a crushing grip. Crawford and her older brother intervened by pushing their father out of the house.

His violent physical attack was never mentioned in the family again.

"The words 'domestic violence' were not used when I was growing up" in the 1950s, Crawford says. "And there were certainly no laws against it."

After her two daughters had grown, Crawford realized she wanted to do something to help women who had suffered from domestic violence. She signed up to work as a volunteer answering the hot line at Transition House in Cambridge, Mass., an emergency women's shelter.

On a fall day in 2003 a call came in from a woman fleeing an abusive relationship. She had just arrived in Boston on a bus from Chicago.

"I went to meet her. It was a mother and two young children and two black trash bags with all of their possessions," Crawford recalls. "She had just gotten on the first bus out of town" and ended up on the East Coast.

Back at the shelter the woman pulled Crawford aside to say she had left town so fast she didn't have anyone's birth certificates and needed $40 to send to City Hall in Chicago to get the documents. Could Crawford help?

"She said to me, 'I don't even have 40 cents,' " Crawford recalls.

Even though Transition House forbids volunteers from giving money to clients, Crawford found herself slipping the woman all that she had in her purse – $40 for the document fees and then another $20 for shipping expenses – anything left over could be used to treat the children to a meal at McDonald's.

It was just the boost the woman needed to start taking steps toward self-sufficiency. And it was just the inspiration Crawford needed to get organized.

Crawford, whose warm smile softens an otherwise no-nonsense appearance, is the kind of woman who follows through once something seizes her imagination.

By September 2004, using her own funds, Web of Benefit was legally recognized as a nonprofit group. By February 2005 it had given out its first grant.

In 2009, Web of Benefit expanded to include organizations in Chicago. Today, Web of Benefit has awarded 945 self-sufficiency grants by working with 58 collaborating organizations in Boston and 22 in Chicago.

By focusing on small grants Web of Benefit is able to respond to requests for help within 24 hours, avoiding the red tape that can slow the process in government-run or -aided organizations.

Crawford interviews each applicant herself.

"Jo's best contribution is her ability to speak to these women from her heart to their hearts and create an immediate one-on-one connection," says Liz Caton, who serves on the board of Web of Benefit and has been a friend of Crawford's for about 25 years. "She has a very good ability to open up and let these women trust and let them know that things are going to be all right."

Crawford says each woman she meets needs to be reminded that she deserves the best. "The grant is only the vehicle in which I get to talk to and mentor these women," says Crawford, who does not ask them for any specifics surrounding their cases of abuse.

Instead, she gauges if an applicant is ready to see herself as a "survivor" – not a victim – of domestic violence. In addition to being free from an abuser, all applicants must be free from substance abuse for at least six months. If a woman doesn't seem ready to leave a relationship, or able to take steps toward self-sufficiency, Crawford will postpone awarding her a grant.

Beyond offering temporary financial assistance, Web of Benefit also seeks to create a community of women who help one another.

"I believe the most powerful thing in the world is being able to help someone else," Crawford says.

In an act of "paying it forward," each recipient of help must in turn help three other women who have been abused. By assisting other women – e.g., baby-sitting, driving another woman to an appointment, donating old clothes – the abused women realize that they, too, can make a difference.

Rose (not her real name) was living at Transition House when Crawford handed her a Dream Proposal card to fill out. It was the last thing Rose wanted to do. She barely spoke English. All she wanted was a little financial help so that she could take an English language class.

Back home in Algeria, Rose had completed a bachelor's degree in business management. Rose moved to the US to join her husband, a banker.

But not long after she became pregnant with her son, her husband became abusive, and she had no choice but to flee from him. Finding refuge at Transition House seemed the best thing she could do. The next step would be to learn English.

An independent life seemed out of her reach. Her husband had confiscated her green card, and she had no funds of her own. Fulfilling her dream of becoming a graphic designer seemed nothing short of impossible.

"Everything that I have achieved so far is possible because of what Jo gave," says Rose in now near-perfect English, adding that she was lost and confused before she met Crawford. "[Web of Benefit] has given me the opportunity to study English and the financial help opened the path."

An initial grant of $375 paid for her replacement green card. Another grant paid for a monthly subway pass so she could attend English classes across town. And finally another $100 was used toward the purchase of a desktop computer.

Rose is now a graphic designer and a math tutor and is completing her studies at a local community college. Her next goal is to earn an MBA.

"I cannot wait to finish my education and give back to my community," says Rose, who has full custody of her 4-year-old son. "Any community that needs my help, I will help them."

Crawford continues to expand her own dreams. "When I started I thought, 'Wow, if I could help 100 women, that would be amazing," she says. Today she's given out nearly 1,000 grants – and counting.

"Now I want it to be a national organization," she says. "Every city needs us."

Free Ebook on Domestic Violence until Dec. 13

2011-12-12T19:51:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share a resource we stumbled across today. She Wasn't Allowed to Giggle was published to raise awareness for domestic violence and child abuse. Until December 13, you can download it for free as an ebook. We haven't read it but the review suggest its a great compilation of stories and poem. To download it, click here.

WOTW Presents "Economic Empowerment Through Collaboration"

2011-12-07T15:51:00.003-05:00

WOTW Presents "Economic Empowerment Through Collaboration"

featuring:

Jo Crawford, Founder, Web of Benefit

Yesenia Romo, Director of Sexual

Violence & Support Services, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago

Kelly Goodall, Director of Economic Empowerment, Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Working side by side, these empowered women are representatives of organizations that advocate for eradicating violence against women and children, ensuring their safety and access to services, and create avenues to pay it forward. They are the role models for "One Mission, One Voice.

Wednesday, January 18, 2011

Time: 8:00-9:30am

Mid-America Club

200 E. Randolph, 80th FL

Chicago

Members click here to pay

Non-Members click here to pay

For further information call 312.467.0607 or email info@womenwotw.org

Join Women of the World Today

Community Work Services

2011-12-01T22:48:00.013-05:00

We wanted to share with you a great opportunity to bid on hotel and support a great cause. Community Work Service (CWS) is a leading and innovative organization helping adults to transform their lives through employment. CWS provides effective job training, placement and support services that lead to greater economic self-sufficiency and advancement for our graduates. Proceeds from Hotels and Holidays will be used to support CWS’ Hospitality Training Programs.

Hotel and Holidays Auction Is Officially Open!

Make your bids now to support people on the
path to greater self-sufficiency. Community Work Services is excited
to announce that our online auction - Hotels and Holidays is NOW OPEN.
You, your friends, and colleagues now have the opportunity to bid on hotel stays generously donated by some of the top Hotel companies from December 1-
December 14, 2011. Pick your favorite hotel and bid on a stay for a good cause.
These hotel stays, many including breakfast packages, can be utilized at a time
that’s convenient for you in 2012. A luxury hotel stay will be the perfect gift for
you or loved ones as the holidays are right around the corner.Proceeds from
Hotels and Holidays will be used to support CWS’ Hospitality Training
Programs. Place Your Bid. Tell Your Friends.
Enjoy a Relaxing Vacation. View All Auction Items

Auction Highlights: Be Sure to Check Out All the Items!

View All 11 Items

Boston Harbor Hotel
Enjoy a one night deluxe accommodations for two at The Boston Harbor Hotel located in Boston¿s picturesque Rowes Wharf. Situated on one of the oldest wharfs in the nation, the clean lines and classical shape of the Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wh...

Value

$500.00

Current Bid

Bid Now!

Fairmont Hamilton, Bermuda
Enjoy a two night deluxe accommodations for two at The Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Bermuda. Overlooking the stunning blue waters of the breathtaking harbor, The Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel, Bermuda's Hotel, offers everything you could possib...

Value

$600.00

Current Bid

Bid Now!

Lenox Hotel
Enjoy a one night deluxe accommodations including breakfast for two at The Lenox Hotel, located in Boston's historic Back Bay. Discerning travelers seeking a luxury hotel in Boston come to The Lenox Hotel in the historic Back Bay, at the corner o...

Value

$280.00

Current Bid

Bid Now!

Thompson LES New York
Enjoy a two night deluxe accommodations for two at The Thompson LES Hotel located in New York City¿s Lower East Side. In a collaboration of some of the flashiest names in contemporary art and design. Thompson¿s Lower East Side property is for the...

Value

$740.00

Current Bid

Bid Now!

View All 11 Items

Community Work Services

174 Portland Street Boston, MA 02114

Ph: 617-720-2233

Women Power

2011-11-11T19:57:00.002-05:00

We found another great post from Daily Om about the power of women. Makes us think of Web of Benefit's Sponsorship Circles. Have you heard of them? The mission of a Sponsorship Circle is to fund one or more our of Self-Sufficiency Grants of $500 each. These circles may include a group of friends or co-workers or a family. The grants will aid in the reclamation of the power of the feminine spirit by assisting women in reaching their highest potential, free from the threat of violence. Individually designed grants will be awarded for housing stabilization, education, technology, transportation costs, micro-financing and more. Learn more>

"The Whole Is Greater
Women’s Circles

Women’s circles perfectly illustrate the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Women's circles are formal or informal gatherings in the interest of bonding, sharing energy, and creating ritual. The origins of women's circles are ancient, but their applications are as modern as the women who participate in them. There are no hard and fast rules as to how to form a women's circle or how to run one. Some circles invent their own agendas, rituals, goals, and ceremonies, while others borrow ideas from sources as far-ranging as Buddhist or Native American cultures. Some circles are open to new members at all times, while others prefer to practice with a set number of members, closing the circle once that number is reached.

In a typical gathering, the women who are present sit in a circle. Generally, for the sake of cohesiveness, one woman is chosen to lead the circle each time. Allowing a different woman to lead each meeting allows for a multi-perspective approach to the process. One circle leader may choose to create and teach a ritual involving using the voice to release negative energy, while at the next meeting another leader may feel inspired to lead a silent meditation. On the other hand, a circle may choose to be more focused over the long term and gather around a particular intention, such as working together to determine a course for healing Mother Earth. When the healing feels complete, the women may choose to stay together with a new focus for their work, or the circle may disband.

At their best, women's circles perfectly illustrate the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The work that can be accomplished within the loving embrace of our sisters is far more powerful than what we could achieve on our own. If you are not already part of a circle, you may want to start one. Follow your intuition as to the women with whom you'd like to work, reach out to them, and set a date to begin. After that, you can simply allow the circle to create itself. Men need not be forgotten when it comes to circles and they, too, can come together to form their own circles and create strong bonds and healing in a way that is specific to all men" (C) Daily Om

Web of Benefit Fundraiser for Survivors of Domestic Violence

2011-11-01T21:28:00.000-04:00

With jewelry or not, please join us for a night of friends, food, wine, and raffle!

For What Its Worth...

November 9th, 6-9 p.m.
22 Howe Road, Needham, MA 02492

Aimee Berrent, owner of A Matter of Brilliance, will join us to provide updated verbal appraisals of your special jewelry. $25 per appraisal (3 for $50)
100% of proceeds will go to survivors of domestic violence!

The Harwoods will also be showing their custom designed silver for the holidays. 15% of sales will be donated to Web of Benefit.

RSVP by 11/2: jsc@webofbenefit.org or 617-285-1900

Jess' Story

2011-11-01T13:17:00.000-04:00

My name is Jessica. I am a 29 year old, who lives to tell the story of a child who found a way out! I am going to travel through my childhood briefly so you can understand a bit of my struggles. Although my story has a large dark undertone to it, what I want you to focus on is the light that I found to carry me out.

As a young girl, I was very frightened of most things, but a very courageous girl in other ways. In 4th grade I remember beating my head against the wall until it bleed, but all I wanted to do is cry all the time. I then started cutting myself with sharp objects, until I found that a razor did so much more. I cut myself almost every day. On the outside I was a very happy girl, but on the inside I want my life to be over. What people didn't know was what I was dealing with; I was being abused by my dad, as well as being abused sexually, emotionally and physically by my brother until I was 16 years old. My brother’s made it very clear to me that he wanted to kill me.

As an adult I was still stuck in this cult (that is what I see it as). The church I was involved in tried to brain wash me into believing that the devil made all this up and these memories were not real. One time at camp when the preacher was preaching that no matter what your parents do they are your parents and you have to love them regardless; listening to adults preach this acceptance of parents regardless of their actions hit me too hard. After high school, I ended up moving away from home for two years to remove myself from the life that was tearing me up inside. However, I returned home because someone close to me was fighting lung cancer and because I saw how my moving away affected mother. Placed back in the toxic environment, I started cutting as well as overdosing on prescription pills. I was placed in the hospital numerous times but my only goal was to get out in order to leave this world. I ended up overdosing on Xanex again in November of 2009, this time I had cardiac arrest and woke up on a vent. A stranger found and helped me. This rather small act of a stranger helping me was life-changing. It wasn't until that stranger reached out her hand to me that I realized that there are people out there who care. I asked God from that day forward to give me the strength to go on and for the strength to forgive all the wrong that was done to me. So that I may help someone who is reaching out there hand waiting for someone to grab it. Because for all the times when I needed someone’s compassion and care the most, there was no one there reaching for my hand. It doesn't matter what kind of trauma you have endured in your life. Pain is relative- just because you haven’t suffered the worst there is to suffer doesn’t make your pain any less. If it is enough to make you hurt yourself or want to die, it is enough, and nothing is too little. People get too focused on what others have been through and start comparing. Don’t compare, simply have compassion for yourself and other’s struggles.

It has been over a year, since I have hurt myself in anyway. I have definitely had times of struggle but the difference is now I am able to reach out and grab someone’s hand. I have learned to ask for help and to know I DESERVE help. I know that I am not alone. . I find after I get through the thoughts or struggles at the time- that it passes. My favorite phrase has become "this too shall pass". It’s so very true even though at the time it doesn't feel like it will but it always does.

Jess has said that if anyone is looking for an ear to listen or someone to talk to, she is available by email- jjess2630@aol.com. She is also on facebook.

Elizabeth's Dream

2011-10-25T14:00:00.001-04:00

A Dream
By Elizabeth P.

I have a dream that someday all women will be free from the slavery that still oppresses so many women all over the world. Women are slaves in the home, in the church and in society. I will tell you many examples of this slavery. But my dream keeps me going. Women are strong and we will keep using our voices and our minds and our spirits to make change happen. Someday we will be free from this slavery and our little girls will not have to go through what so many of us have gone through in our lives. My dream will come true.

At Home
At home, women are still terribly oppressed as mothers and homemakers. In some countries, even if both the husband and wife work outside of the home, when they get home at the end of the day, only the woman has domestic obligations. While the man sits down and relaxes, the woman must start her "second" work day. She must cook for the family. She must clean. She must do laundry. She must care for the children. All the while, the man is grumbling, "Where is my dinner?!"

As terrible as this story above sounds, for many women this situation is normal and at least it is somewhat safe. Sometimes when the woman doesn't do what she is told to do, the man beats her. Domestic violence is everywhere. Many women live every day in fear. This is slavery.

Fortunately, in this country, this situation is slowly changing. The expected roles of women and men are changing. The new generation of women is getting to use their minds to help society and men are using their hearts to support family life. This is one of the reasons that I love America and this is part of my dream, that women will eventually be free from slavery.

In Religion
In many religions, women also face oppression. Many men base their ideas and laws of today on the Bible, Torah, and the Koran etc, not realizing that at the time when these books were written, women were really slaves. These old laws do not make sense in our society today. For example, in almost every religion, only men have the right to minister. Old laws said that women could not speak in public. This is no the law of God. It is the law of men.

Religion also oppresses women by controlling what they wear and how they look. Some religions still even today require that women only wear dresses. Some religions require that a woman's body be completely covered except for her eyes. Is this fair? Is this equal? Is this freedom? I have a dream that women will be free from this kind of slavery.

In Society
Women are also oppressed out in society. There are many examples of how our societies treat girls and women like slaves. It is so bad that I call it torture. I will give you a few examples.

There are countries where it is a common practice to cut off the clitoris of girls because they believe that women have no right to have pleasure. Isn't it crazy? Some people want to make it sound like it is not so bad, as if it like when a boy is circumcised. But really it is mutilation. It is torture.

In some societies, when a man dies, they bury his wife with him-alive! Another culture has a law that says if the husband dies, the woman can never marry again. Is this fair? When the woman dies, the man can re-marry!

In many places in the world, girls are still sold into forced marriages. Sometimes these girls are only 9 or 10 years old and they must have sex with grown men. Is this marriage or is this slavery?

There is still so much ignorance about the status of women today. I hope that one day women will be free from the slavery that we still suffer in many parts of the world. When these terrible stories are no longer true, my dream will have come true. It is possible. Women are strong. Women are smart. When we all work together and are united, we can accomplish so much. Women, united together, can make the greatest changes in the world.

Biography of Elizabeth P.
Elizabeth was referred to Web of Benefit by a Transitional Living Program in Newton, Massachusetts in September 2005. She had fled an abusive husband and was in poor health, needing financial aid to help pay for multiple doctor visits and necessary medications which she could not afford. Her life was in jeopardy at this time. Web of Benefit realized that, before she could think of defining and pursuing her dream, she needed very specialized medical help. After six months, with her health greatly improved, she began working toward her dream of becoming a Medical Translator for Brazilian women who could not advocate for themselves due to the language barrier they faced. In the past 12 months, Elizabeth has taken multiple English classes, graduated from the Women to Women Program, and has become an American Citizen. She is well on her way to realizing her dream and plans to make her life's work helping other women in need. Web of Benefit is honored to have been able to assist this extraordinary woman in defining and accomplishing her dream.

Marie's Story

2011-10-18T16:14:00.001-04:00

In the past year and a half of my life, there have been more changes than any other time I can remember, and almost all of those changes have been positive. I left an abusive relationship in May 2006, and at the same time I also went into a detox for alcohol and drug addiction. The abuse had fueled the drinking, and probably vice versa as well. I am happy to say that I have been drug-free since May 17, 2006 and that my life has become one that I can be proud of. I have been living at a halfway house for women for over a year now, and this house has helped me to stay sober and also to find myself as a strong and capable woman. I am surrounded by women who want me to succeed, and this gives me so much strength. However, a few months into my recovery, I began to feel like maybe, as good as my life was, that something was still missing.

This something turned out to be a plan for my future. I had lived so many years just thinking in the immediate present and 'surviving' that my dreams had sort of disappeared. In the past 9 months or so, I began to really be able to imagine my future again. I am lucky enough to have a Bachelor's in Psychology, which I completed in my early 20s, but I decided that I want to go on to get a certificate in substance abuse counseling. This would have been absolutely impossible without the help of Web of Benefit. Financially, there was no way I could have managed this. However, my mother told me about Web of Benefit and urged me to apply for the grant. I was so surprised and happy to get this grant. I was able to enroll in a program at Middlesex College, and it is exactly the program that I need right now. Because of the help from Web of Benefit, I have been able to have much of my school paid for, and this allowed me to save a little bit of money for the first time in years.

With this little bit of money, I am now looking to move into my own apartment in Tewksbury, MA, which is where the halfway house is located. I am doing this in order to stay connected to the house, but also live independently, which is what I feel I need in order to have confidence in myself that I really can do this 'on my own'. Without the Web of Benefit grant, either school or housing would have had to wait, and my life would not be what it is today. With my education, I am going to help other women who have survived abuse and alcoholism/drug dependence. I am so happy for this chance to give back, and to use my own experiences to help others. I have also passed on information about Web of Benefit to other women in my house, and I have been very vocal about how very much you have helped me to pursue my own long-forgotten dreams.

Thank you with all my heart.

-Marie, WOB Grantee

Groupon Campaign

2011-10-14T23:47:00.000-04:00

Thursday night our Groupon campaign officially closed after two days of fundraising. With the help of all those who contributed financially and through word of mouth, we finished the campaign with 133 donations, totaling $1,330. This was 3x our original tipping point! This money will be used to award Self- Sufficiency Grants to survivors of domestic violence.

We just want to say thank you to everyone who helped us with this campaign. Together we are empowering women to rebuild their dreams. Follow us on Twitter to keep up to date with our grant giving!

Web of Benefit's Groupon Campaign Lauches Today

2011-10-11T08:59:00.001-04:00

Starting today and ending on this Thursday, for just two days, GROUPON is hosting a fundraising campaign for Web of Benefit. 100% of the donation will go straight to Web of Benefit. Groupon works on a "tipping point" system which requires a certain number of people to buy the deal before the "deal is on." Our tipping point will be 40 purchases of a $10 donation. We need your help to "seal the deal."

How to join our campaign: Follow this link. And click the “buy” button on the left. Fill out the information and click enter and the donation will be processed! You will receive a tax letter in the mail after the campaign is over.

If you are not able to make a financial donation, please consider sharing the word through your social media. For example, post or tweet : “Empower Survivors of Domestic Violence with a $10 Donation on @Groupon http://www.groupon.com/deals/gt-web-of-benefit @Web_of_Benefit”

Together we are empowering women to rebuild their dreams!

Groupon to Feature Web of Benefit

2011-10-04T13:29:00.006-04:00

October 11th through October 13th, Groupon (Boston) will host a fundraising campaign for Web of Benefit. They are a city based daily deal website with a corporate social responsibility arm called G-Force which creates nonprofit partnerships. We are honored to have been chosen to collaborate with them.

How It Works: Groupon works on a "tipping point" system which requires a certain number of people to buy the deal before the "deal is on." Our tipping point will be 40 purchases of a $10 donation. 100% of the donation will go straight to Web of Benefit. On October 11th, Groupon will open the fundraiser and it will continue until 11:59pm on October 13th.

Donations will go to fund our Transition to Self- Sufficiency Program, which awards Self- Sufficiency Grants to survivors of domestic violence for housing stabilization, education, computers, child care, transportation, health care and micro-financing small businesses. We have just reached our 915th grant given and we would love your help in reaching 920 grants with the this campaign!

Once the campaign starts, we will be posting the link to our Groupon fundraiser and examples of tweets and facebook posts you can use when the campaign if you want to help us spread the word!

One Flaw In Women

2011-10-04T09:29:00.002-04:00

Women have strengths that amaze men...
They bare hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in..
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give..
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

http://my.opera.com/angel292005/blog/one-flaw-in-women

Our Worth

2011-09-14T13:20:00.003-04:00

As a victim of any unjust crime or oppression, it is easy for us to feel as if our self-worth has been stripped away from us at the hands of our abuser. Self-worth is not fleeting, nor can it be taken way unless we allow it. This beautiful, inspiring, and insightful Daily OM passage states "[our] worth is intertwined with [our] very being."- it is a constant, a never changing characteristic. For anyone who has ever questioned the difference between self-worth and self-esteem or even their own worth, the passage below is a must read.

Enjoy!

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"An Unwavering Connection to the Infinite
Worth

Your worth is not a product of your intelligence, your talent, your looks, or how much you have accomplished.

Though much of who and what we are changes as we journey through life, our inherent worth remains constant. While the term self-worth is often used interchangeably with self-esteem, the two qualities are inherently different. Self-esteem is the measure of how you feel about yourself at a given moment in time. Your worth, however, is not a product of your intelligence, your talent, your looks, your good works, or how much you have accomplished. Rather it is immeasurable and unchanging manifestation of your eternal and infinite oneness with the universe. It represents the cornerstone of the dual foundations of optimism and self-belief. Your worth cannot be taken from you or damaged by life’s rigors, yet it can easily be forgotten or even actively ignored. By regularly acknowledging your self-worth, you can ensure that you never forget what an important, beloved, and special part of the universe you are.

You are born worthy—your worth is intertwined with your very being. Your concept of your own self-worth is thus reinforced by your actions. Each time you endeavor to appreciate yourself, treat yourself kindly, define your personal boundaries, be proactive in seeing that your needs are met, and broaden your horizons, you express your recognition of your innate value. During those periods when you have lost sight of your worth, you will likely feel mired in depression, insecurity, and a lack of confidence. You’ll pursue a counterfeit worth based on judgment rather than the beauty that resides within. When you feel worthy, however, you will accept yourself without hesitation. It is your worth as an individual who is simultaneously interconnected with all living beings that allows you to be happy, confident, and motivated. Because your conception of your worth is not based on the fulfillment of expectations, you’ll see your mistakes and failures as just another part of life’s journey.

Human beings are very much like drops of water in an endless ocean. Our worth comes from our role as distinct individuals as well as our role as an integral part of something larger than ourselves. Simply awakening to this concept can help you rediscover the copious and awe-inspiring worth within each and every one of us."- Daily OM

Vagina Monologues & Babson College

2011-09-05T12:09:00.002-04:00

On behalf of our clients and staff at Web of Benefit, I want to give a big thank you to the work of students at Babson College who put on a production of Vagina Monologues in March of 2011. Web of Benefit has just received 90% of the proceeds of that event. Through this donation, we will be able to award two Self- Sufficiency Grants for laptops to women going back to school. With our pay-it-forward philosophy, this donation will touch the lives eight survivors of domestic violence! Thank you for enabling us to help women rebuild their dreams!

(C)

You Deserve to Have Your Dreams Come True

2011-08-18T10:03:00.010-04:00

(C)

Walt Disney once said, "If you can dream it, you can do it." But often there is a block between our biggest dreams and creating them in our lives. For many of us the worthiness piece and the "I need" piece are the biggest inhibitors. We often think that we do not deserve our biggest dreams. Once we remember our worth and power, we find the courage to create the life of our dreams. Read More Following along with this notion, is Daily Om's passage on Personal Power. Enjoy!

You Deserve to Have Your Dreams Come True
"Many of us have do not understand what personal power means. We have been given the false notion that power is bad—that it is something we use to exert our will upon others. In fact, when our personal power is intact, we are neither overbearing nor meek. We have a clear sense of our strength and the impact we can have on others. This actually enables us to be more sensitive. Personal power is what permits us to work on behalf of our dreams and desires. It allows us to realize that we are worthy and deserve to be heard. In addition, our personal power lets us extend the respect we know that we deserve to the people around us. There is no reason to be afraid or ashamed of fully owning your power.

Another way to nurture your personal power is to honor your dreams and desires by making concrete plans to manifest them in the world. Start by making a list of things you want, and let yourself think big. Choose one goal from the list and commit to bringing it to fruition. In addition, break the goal into tasks that you can work on each day. Know that you deserve to have your dreams come true and that you have the power to bring them into being. "

Quotation from a Collaborator: Catholic Charities

2011-08-15T15:09:00.000-04:00

"I just spoke with my client, who was very excited to hear that you will be sending a laptop to my office address. Your advice about FAFSAH was right. I learned something and [grantee's name] was empowered by getting the information herself. This was a wonderful experience for her; exactly what she needs as she plans to leave the New Hope Apartments program in March 2012. She is a very hard worker but often is not very optimistic about the future. On the drive back to the office after our meeting with you, she was noticing Camrys on the road and I could tell that she was thinking she might own one someday!

I was encouraged by your support and positive attitude. I plan to use your dream exercise at one of our group meetings. Thank you for your generosity."- Kathie Cunningham, Catholic Charities

His Self- Esteem by Janine Hall

2011-08-10T21:01:00.001-04:00

Below is a poem from one of our grantees about abusers.

One thing I found out about abusers is that they have low self-esteem.

They will be the first one to shatter your dreams.

IT seems the more they hate themselves,

They take out their anger on you.

When you had nothing to do with what

They are going or have gone through.

It makes him feel better to down me.

When the only down person is him I see.

You call me names but all of them

Are actually the image of you.

When you look in the mirror

Now I understand clearer

Why abusers have self- esteem problems

Cause nobody ever took the time to solve them.

(C)

Your Biggest Dreams

2011-08-07T18:37:00.012-04:00

We always say that we are in the dream business. Before receiving a Self-Sufficiency Grant, our clients fill out a dream proposal, where they outline their biggest dreams. We believes that often times we do not dream big enough, especially those who have been told repeatedly throughout life that they are not worthy or good enough. Below is a great passage taken from Daily OM about dreaming. Oh and take it from us, you deserve your biggest and best dreams.

(C)

"Asking for What You Want
Cocreating with the Universe

So many of us are taught to accept what we are given and not even to dream of anything more.

Most people don’t always fully realize that we all have within us the ability to cocreate our lives with the universe. So many of us are taught to accept what we are given and not even to dream of anything more. But our hopes and dreams are the universe whispering to us, planting an idea of what’s possible while directing us toward the best use of our gifts. The universe truly wants to give us our hearts’ desires, but we need to be clear about what they are and ask for them.

To ask for something does not mean to beg or plead from a place of lack or unworthiness. It’s like placing an order—we don’t need to beg the salesperson for what we want or prove to them that we deserve to have it. It is their job to give us what we ask for; we only have to tell them what we want. Once we have a clear vision of what we desire, we simply step into the silent realm where all possibilities exist and let our desires be known. Whatever methods we use to become still, it is important that we find the quiet space between our thoughts.

From that still and quiet place, we can announce our intentions to the pure energy of creation. By imagining all the details from every angle, including scent, color, and how it would feel to have it, we design our dreams to our specifications. Similar to dropping a pebble into a pond, the ripples created by our thoughts travel quickly from this place of stillness, echoing out into the world to align and orchestrate all the necessary details to bring our desires into manifestation. Before leaving this wonderful space to come back to the world, release any attachment to the outcome and express gratitude. By doing this daily, we focus our thoughts and our energy while regularly mingling with the essence that makes it possible to build the life of our dreams."

2011-08-01T10:21:00.004-04:00

Framingham Dream Factory Luncheon
Featured Speaker

Jo Crawford, Web of Benefit

"Everyone Deserves to Live Their Dream!"

Join us at the Dream Factory Community Luncheon on August 18th at the Bella Costa Ristorante in Framingham, for thought-provoking insight on What Makes us Feel Worthy by Jo Crawford, Founder and Executive Director of Web of Benefit .

Jo's Story

Last month Victoria told us that she knew what her passion was when she was just 15 years old. For me, it took 40 years longer to define my dream and to believe that I actually deserved it. It took three more years to create it. I now know that I was not ready and did not have the skills that I needed until I was 55 years old, and my own lack of self-worth played huge part in my delayed development.

I am the in the first class of baby boomers, and growing up in the 1950's was a very different experience than it was even 30 years ago. As an upper class white teenager living on the Main Line outside Philadelphia, my life should have been a happy one. I had never heard the words domestic violence. I do not know if it was even a phrase used in conversation at that time. If it was, it was whispered behind closed doors. Alcoholism was another word not spoken in my home because excessive drinking was socially acceptable and almost required in my family. I was taught from a very early age that my needs were not important in the family hierarchy and that I was not to ask for anything. Fear was a major part of my youth.

Children learn survival skills quickly, but those skills do not necessarily serve us as adults. I did not learn to communicate feelings or verbalize my wants and needs. The concept that I deserved to have my dreams come true was not even a thought. Dreaming is not possible when safety is the priority. Because alcoholism and domestic violence are intergenerational, I consider myself very lucky that this story has a happy ending. For me, the determination to learn from my mistakes and to find the larger meaning of my childhood made the difference. I was able to make choices along the way that brought me here today.

All this took a long time and led me down a winding road. Web of Benefit is my dream and a way to honor my mother even though our relationship was not an easy one.

Creating my dream is a way of continuing my own healing as well as helping amazing women to define and realize their own dreams. I have learned that we all have the same hopes and fears, and that most of us have self worth issues and trouble asking for what we need. I also know that every one of us deserves the chance to create the life of our dreams, not because of who we are, what we do or where we came from. We deserve our dreams because we walk on this planet and are children of God. I am also proof that you are never too old to dream. Walt Disney said: "If you can dream it, you can do it", and it is never too late!

Jo Crawford,

Web of Benefit

About Jo

Since creating Web of Benefit, Inc. in 2004, Johanna Crawford has personally worked with over 800 survivors of domestic violence in Boston and Chicago, helping them define and realize their mission, goals, and dreams on an individual basis through Web of Benefit's Transition to Self- Sufficiency Program.

In December 2010 she was awarded the Be The Change Award by The Massachusetts Conference for Women. In June 2011, she and Web of Benefit won the Excellence Award for Collaboration given by the statewide Massachusetts Nonprofit Network.

Visit Dream Factory Community's website for more information.

A Beatuiful Note from a Grantee

2011-07-28T10:18:00.001-04:00

We thought we would share this beautiful note from one of our grantees. She writes "Web of Benefit helped me by giving me a laptop and money for transportation to and from school during a time when I had no funds for either. Because of their help, I was able to stay in school and complete my schoolwork on my own (rather than when the computer lab was open). I was also able to start my own freelance writing business, which would be impossible without a laptop. Now, I am in my second year of graduate school and well on my way to fulfilling my dream of being a full-time writer. I have Web of Benefit to thank for allowing me to continue on that path."

Oh the power of our Self- Sufficiency Grants!! One day the computer will break and the money will run out, but you know what sticks? The worthiness and empowerment part. This is what Web of Benefit is all about!!

Volunteer Position at Web of Benefit

2011-07-26T15:26:00.005-04:00

Position:Special Events Chair, Volunteer
Where:Greater Boston Area, MA

Web of Benefit is looking for a Special Events Chair. This is a volunteer position which will provide the right person with an opportunity to build an exciting successful fundraising event from the ground up. This is a great position for anyone looking to have a direct impact on lives of survivors of domestic violence and also for a great resume booster.

Qualifications
Prior experience with fundraising events involving running or participating at a high level on a special event committee. Ability to understand and work toward the financial goals of a good fundraising event. A dynamic, “people person” with strong roots in the community; someone with current or recent involvement with other local organizations such as school PTO, church or synagogue, country club, local alumni organizations or other nonprofits. Passionate about WOB's mission. Prior experience coordinating pre and post event releases with press. Ability to be creative with a tight budget (finding free/discounted venues, donated refreshments etc.). Prior experience negotiating with vendors. Detail oriented. A positive attitude and a can-do spirit essential!

Duties Include:
• Help conceive an event that is do-able and repeat-able for the organization
• Work with Web staff to create event budget, timeline and deliverables
• Identify and recruit event committee members and co-chairs
• Provide ongoing motivation for committee co-chairs and members ensuring enthusiasm is high
• Coordinate committee meetings and regular appropriate times
• Encourage creativity and development of new and exciting ideas
• Provide access to personal and business contacts for solicitations of event sponsorship and attendance, and work with committee members and their networks to do the same
• Communicate regularly with Web staff on event planning progress and goals, including taking (or designating a committee member to take) notes at each meeting, and keeping an event “binder” of all relevant items that can be used in future years, such as committee contact list, vendor contacts, notes and contracts, etc.
• Serves as liaison with outside professional event planner if Web chooses to use one

Please email us at info@webofbenefit.org for more information or to submit a cover letter.