The Sporting Woman Community Fund helped me attend an all women's camp back in 2009. This camp called Camp Discovery turned my life around for the better in every way possible. I will be forever grateful to this amazing non-profit for helping me and others reach goals or just giving us an opportunity to try new things.
The Sporting Woman Community Fund came into my life as I was seeking a creative and powerful way to broaden my experience as a therapist. I have had the opportunity to facilitate and participate in two Outside Initiate groups and one Nurturing in Nature group, which are designed to realize the potential that lives within using nature as a resource. Sitting around the campfire “burning the old to make room for the new” and playing drums is one of my fondest memories. As I reflect on these trips, I can’t help but think that there are many other therapists and women seeking a similar opportunity and hoping for an organization like this to cross their path and take them to a new level of self-awareness through the power of nature and community.
The Sportig Woman Community Fund is an amazing non-profit looking to better the lives of women in our local community. They handle themselves with professionalism every step of the way. This organization has seen a need within the community and has looked to fulfill it through dedication to their mission. I am constantly impressed with the ways in which they reach their clients. I love that they work to help women participate in athletic endeavors which has shown to be integrally linked to self-esteem, motivation, and general well being. They have also worked to help introduce the power of nature into the lives of women that have felt challenges far beyond what others can imagine. It has helped to increase self-awareness and increased capacity in each woman's ability to believe in herself. This non-profit is doing amazing things.
I facilitated and participated in two Outside Initiative trips this summer and one last summer. All of the experiences have been unique and heart warming. The women in each group were open and blended well with one another. All appreciated the opportunity to have new experiences in nature and were impacted in positive ways. We bonded and appreciated each other's sincerity. When I think of the trips, I smile and look forward to the next opportunities to share once again. This is soooo needed for continued healing for ourselves and our communities.
I was first introduced to the Sporting Woman CF when I was competitively swimming, trying to make the Paralympic team. I applied for and received a grant to help cover the cost of traveling to the Paralympic Trials. In short, this organization quickly had my heart. Feeling the support from The Sporting Woman, not just funding, guided me to become a board member a little over 2 years ago. The mission of The Sporting Woman resonates deep within me-- encouraging women and girls to reach out to the stars, make goals, and succeed! Having been a part of the board, I have been able to help to give to others in the way that I was given. It is one thing to dare to dream, but it is another thing to have the means to make that dream a reality. Such an empowering and fulfilling feeling--both sides of the story-- from grant receipient to board member.
I have volunteered with The Sporting Woman Community Fund for over a decade. I believe in their work. TSWCF encourages girls and women to challenge themselves through outdoor activity. From these challenges comes positive change. I also believe in their approach. As an organization, TSWCF is thoughtful and respectful. From sponsoring a snowshoe race to hosting a OUTSIDE INitiative wilderness retreat, TSWCF offers programs that are well run.
I am proud to be a board member for the Sporting Woman Community Fund, supporting women that have the courage to find themselves through active pursuits as well as giving women who have suffered some sort of disadvantage in their life A chance to discover themselves through nature. I truly hope, as a board member, I will have the chance to spread the word about this phenomenal nonprofit that truly empowers women of all walks of life!
I had the opportunity to volunteer for two Outside Initiative trips. The impact on the participants was immediately apparent, and it felt like being a part of a family in a matter of two days. Facilitating a change of scenery for women who might not otherwise have had access was tremendous on its own, and that change of scenery was augmented with thoughtfully facilitated group therapy and shared meals and stories. I cannot say enough good things about the Sporting Woman Community Fund, the Outside Initiative, or the individuals associated with it. They provide a truly supportive, nonjudgmental environment for women to explore their passions and their priorities, to make connections, to share stories and difficulties, and to see themselves in a new, positive light.
The gift of this program immensely affected my life in a positive away. The time away from everyday duties and instead focusing and centering on ourselves and nature brought a strong connection between women who were strangers but went away a community.
We learned that even though we come from different backgrounds we all share the same feelings about ourselves as mothers, daughters,sisters and friends. Through that bond we grew and continue to grow in our belief in ourselves.
I highly recommend Lisa Taggert's program and am so thankful that my daughter's school supported The Sporting Woman which then allowed me to participate in her retreat.
