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Updated: June 15, 2024 @ 1:10 pm
Smittee Root
Smittee Root
I often “follow my instincts” and tend to see challenges as providing pathways to possibilities. There is always a silver lined cloud in my view. As optimistic as I am, I find comfort in the security of a practical and well-thought-out plan. Being a member of The Women’s Fund of Smith County speaks to both the optimist and the pragmatist in me.
Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of having lunch with a group of women who in 2014 made the choice to become “above-and-beyond” givers to the Women’s Fund of Smith County as inaugural “Compass Club” Members. The Compass Club was established to support the organization’s sustainability and growth. Fifteen women pledged an additional gift above and beyond their membership for a period of three years.
As I listened to the women describe what had motivated them to become inaugural Compass Club Members, I was struck by not only their pragmatic commitment to ensuring the organization was sustainable but also their investment in a hopeful and optimistic future.
In addition to their financial commitment these ladies also continued to support the long-term sustainability of The Women’s Fund by serving on committees and the board, recruiting new members and sharing their wisdom as needed.
They served as mentors and supported the growth of GIVE (Girls Invested in Volunteer Efforts), a Women’s Fund Program. The same year the Compass Club was formed, the high school girls who were part of GIVE made their very first grant for $2,500. Led by Women’s Fund members, these young women were taught that serving, learning and giving together can bring about positive change.
The inaugural members of the Compass Club did not simply believe in the power of collective giving; they created a plan to ensure it would be sustainable and they contributed their time and talents along the way. Their investment became a part of the sustainability story of the Women’s Fund.
Ten short years later, the Women’s Fund of Smith County has awarded over $3.2 million in grants to 34 different nonprofit agencies, transforming the lives of women and children in our community. These grants have launched new and innovative programs as well as expanded existing projects with far-reaching impact.
This year the young women participating in the GIVE program awarded their 10th grant to Bethesda Pediatrics in the amount of $18,000! Imagine what these young ladies will continue to do in their communities?
I am hopeful for the future of The Women’s Fund of Smith County and how it will continue to transform our community. I am also grateful for the thoughtful planning and investing of time and resources that those inaugural 15 Compass Club members have contributed to pave the way for our future.
— Smittee Root is the Executive Director for the Health Foundation of East Texas. She currently serves as the Vice Chair for Governance for the Women’s Fund of Smith County.
Smittee Root
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20)
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