WOMEN HELPING OTHERS

WHO's Handbags

On Saturday, March 29th, Women Helping Others will be hosting WHO’s Handbags, our ninth annual handbag auction and champagne luncheon at the Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham.

WHO's Handbags includes a silent auction of fabulous thematic handbags, a delightful selection of hand-crafted gift items and exciting raffle items. Invitations to the event will soon be mailed out. If you would like to be added to the invitee list, please contact WHO at info@womenhelpingothers.com

WHO would like to thank our event sponsors:

This year, we will divide proceeds from WHO's handbags between Agape House and Whatcom Dream.

The Agape House is a mid- to long-term transitional living facility for single mothers desiring self-sufficiency and skills to successfully acquire permanent housing.

Shelters, social services, churches, maternity homes and other programs are often the access points to Agape House's programs. Upon arrival, they provide the security, structure and opportunities needed for young women to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Agape House provides a family atmosphere and communal support that supports their personal healing and growth. Patterned after nationally recognized programs of education, recovery and counseling, the young women at The Agape House have a second chance to develop a positive future for themselves and their children so that they can re-enter society as healthy, whole and productive citizens

The Agape House also provides critical services to the children in their program. They seek to create an environment where children become empowered to be confident, successful, secure and caring people who are committed to a lifetime of learning. Agape House's program introduces the world as an invitation to grow and live life fully—to see a world filled with possibilities that are within their reach. They teach children to approach school and academics with skills, confidence, and a drive to succeed, thus breaking the cycle of poverty and hopelessness.

The Whatcom Dream is a community-based organization empowering people through financial skills training to recognize and use their talents & gifts; thereby leading to life choices that bring personal financial independence and positive community participation.

There are more than 20,000 people - 21% of Whatcom County residents that live at or below the poverty level. This is double the rate for Washington State. Almost two-thirds of single female households with children under five live in poverty.

Before chronically unemployed and system-dependent residents can break the welfare pattern, they must have basic mentoring in financial and life-skills development, understanding their talents and abilities, life goals, and community support.

Whatcom Dream's goal is to connect with these individuals within their communities and inspire sustainable change in their lives and in their neighborhoods.

In addition, 15% of event proceeds will be distributed to WHO's Community fund, which grants small, individual requests for help during the year.

If you are interested in supporting this event as a sponsor or donor, please contact WHO at info@womenhelpingothers.com