Angel Wings of SW Florida, Zonta’s newest 2021 grant partner, was recently admitted to the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, and Angel Wings’ President, Dr. Helen Gierke invited a Zonta SanCap representative to
From left, Zonta co-liaison Erika Steiner receives a plaque of appreciation from Dr. Helen Gierke, President of Angel Wings of SW Florida, Inc.
attend its ribbon cutting. At the ceremony, Gierke presented Zonta co-liaison Erika Steiner with a plaque and a certificate thanking Zonta for its generosity and public recognition of Angel Wings’ mission. Says Steiner, “We are happy to partner with Angel Wings. We believe that this organization meets the Zonta mission of empowering women and providing them with resources to make them productive members of society.”
Angel Wings of SW Florida provides shelter, security, safety, and support for homeless single women, without dependent children, who want to become contributing members of the community. Its programs are designed to transition homeless women to independent living, with the skills and financial means to sustain themselves. A 2021 Zonta Foundation grant provides funds to help resident women with the costs (rent and security deposits, utility deposits) of moving out on their own. Zonta member and Angel Wings co-liaison Karen Pati noted that Angel Wings’ “long-term impact is sustainable, as they move women from the dangers of homelessness into self-sufficiency, restoring not only their financial independence but their self-esteem as well.”
In addition, because of the generosity of Sanibel residents, on Zonta’s May 17 Collection Day, Zontians Kathleen Skubikowski, Helen Ramsey, and Erika Steiner brought to Angel Wings House three SUV’s filled with clothing, linens, and small appliances.
Every summer, the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva, through its foundation, invites applications from 501(c)(3) organizations in Lee County for grants to be awarded in the winter. Those selected become Zonta “partners,” each with a club member as liaison. Look for information soon about Zonta partner grant applications for 2022.
To support Zonta’s work, visit www.ZontaSanCap.org and click on “Donate.”
Pictured above: From left, Angel Wings House Manager Connie accepts Zonta Collection Day goods from Zontians Kathleen Skubikowski and Helen Ramsey.
