April 2023

Inspirational. Powerful. Unstoppable.

The Women's Fund of Door County wants to acknowledge the many MOTHERS in our community and wish them a Happy Mother's Day, May 14th!

Tales of Our Lives

April 27th and 28th are the dates for the ninth annual "Tales of Our Lives: A Story Slam." Five different speakers, empowered through the art of storytelling, will take the stage each night to share personal, poignant life experiences. Doors open at 6 P.M. for social hour, which includes light appetizers, and the event begins at 7 P.M. at this year's venue, Door County Fire Company. Music will be provided by Jeanne Kuhns.

"Storytelling is vital to a community; it's how people share who they are. When people are vulnerable, this leads to hearing each other. Tales makes it personal. Perhaps people in the audience never thought of an experience that way. They've never met someone who has gone through whatever that experience was," states Nikki Hedeen, past Tales' chair and one of this year's presenters.

Milly Gonzales, Executive Director of Help of Door County and one of this year's presenters, says she is excited about being involved in this year's event. "I was asked previously to be a part of Tales, and this year now that I am, I'm excited about getting my story out there. The unique way I met my partner and how we became a family are experiences I will share," Milly states. Milly knows how vulnerable clients are who come to her at Help, and she realizes, too, telling her own story openly and honestly takes courage.

News on Childcare in Door County

A shortage of accessible, affordable childcare workers and facilities exists in Door County. While there are approximately 400 licensed or regulated homecare childcare slots and preschool programs in the community, according to the latest census, we have over 1,100 children aged five and under in Door County.

Too often, a potential employee may miss out on an employment opportunity because childcare is inaccessible or unaffordable. Sherri Dantoin, YMCA Associate Executive, recently offered a position to a viable candidate, but childcare became an issue. "This potential hire was able to secure housing and a job for her spouse but was unable to find child care for their two-year-old, " states Molly Gary, the new United Way Childcare Community Coordinator.

To help address this shortage in childcare workers and facilities, the Women's Fund of Door County has committed another $100,000 in 2023 toward curriculum support, networking events, nutrition and food costs, and other key childcare initiatives. A Pilot Benefit Program has been established to provide monthly stipends to help make child care more affordable for qualifying families. Door County employers are invited to participate in this program and contribute to their employee's childcare expenses with funds matched by the Women's Fund of Door County. Such a partnership benefits both the employer and employee; for more information regarding this pilot program, go to www.UnitedWayDC.com.

Of significance, too, is the impact our organization had recently on children attending the Northern Door Children's Center. February 13th marked the opening of the newly licensed “Imagination Station." The Woman's Fund of Door County helped finance this new room known to the children as "the playroom". According to Executive Director Cindy Trinkner-Peot, “Facilitated play is a cornerstone of high-quality early childhood education.” We are excited about this NDCC expansion and the new 4K collaboration with Gibraltar Schools.

With regard to the political impact on childcare, Molly Gary will work with State Representative Joel Kitchens to sign a new Door County proclamation. This piece of legislation recognizes May 12th as National Provider Appreciation Day and urges citizens to recognize providers for their important work. This day honors childcare workers, including teachers, nannies, and caregivers, and showcases their countless contributions to our community. Please join us on May 12th to thank and acknowledge these key people in our community!

Even though progress is being made to address systemic childcare issues, a much larger investment in the care and education for Door County children is still needed. According to Molly Gary, "More funding for childcare at the state and community level remains a priority advocacy issue." Your contribution to the Women's Fund of Door County will help provide care for children five and under and help enhance the personal growth and educational development of the youngest residents of our community. Consider contributing to the Women's Fund of Door County where your donation will be put to use on this important childcare issue.  

We are also proud to note that the Women’s Fund of Door County was awarded 2022 Diamond Level recognition at the March 28th United Way Annual Meeting “in recognition of your dedication to the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community." 

Pictured are Ann Glessner (L) and Michelle Sternard (R) of the Women’s Fund of Door County Board of Advisors and United Way Executive Director Amy Kohnle (middle).

Welcome New Board Member: Barbara Pfeifer

Though she was born and raised in a town just outside of Iowa City, her family is from Sturgeon Bay so she grew up coming to the area. Barbara moved here full time in 2005 when she met her now husband and decided to make Sturgeon Bay her home. She worked for a number of years for Associated Bank then took an opportunity at Bank of Luxemburg when they purchased the Sturgeon Bay branch in 2013. She now oversees the retail market in Door County (Sturgeon Bay and Fish Creek branches). She is currently serving on the board of Destination Sturgeon Bay as Past President and serves on the board of Leadership Door County. Barbara also sits on the Waterfront Redevelopment Authority with the City of Sturgeon Bay. She is a member and past president of Altrusa of Door County. She and her husband, Erich have a Min Pin, Tinsley, and black Lab, Lucy and they enjoy boating as much as possible in the summer and traveling in the winter and spring months.  

Save the Dates

Tales of Our Lives: April 27th and 28th at Door County Fire Company

Celebrate Women Luncheon: September 15th at Stone Harbor Resort & Conference Center