Dear Friends,
As an organization that invests in women-led, innovative, and bold community solutions that promote economic security, safety, and health for women, it is important for The Foundation to acknowledge the many emotional and physical stresses this past year has brought.
We adjusted to a new, remote work model and pivoted resources to support our grantee partners and communities hardest hit by the pandemic. Then, as we all struggled to adapt to this new way of work, we were rocked by the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others which spurred millions to take to the streets to demand justice once again.
Throughout, The Foundation’s staff remained dedicated and has worked tirelessly to continue the vital work we do and support the people we serve. While impactful, these efforts also meant our staff was sacrificing much-needed time for self-care and restorative measures.
The immense stresses women, in particular for women of color, immigrants, and caretakers, have faced over the last year can’t be understated. From record numbers of women pushed out of the workforce to the childcare crisis right in New York City, women have shouldered much of the burden of the pandemic—and The Foundation’s staff was not exempt from this.
The New York Women’s Foundation is committed to programming wellness and healing justice into all our practices and we are announcing that we will take a two-week restorative break in late August.
From Monday, August 23 through Monday, September 6, The Foundation will shut down all business operations to allow our entire staff time to pause, reflect, recharge, refocus and find renewed inspiration to close out the year.
We are working hard to plan for this closure, but please reach out if you have any questions.
In solidarity,
Ana L. Oliveira
President & CEO, The New York Women’s Foundation