SIDNEY — POWER, the Women’s Initiative group of the Shelby County United Way, helped spread some Christmas cheer on Friday. The women appropriated $500 to the Women’s Center for the purchase of needed supplies for gift bags that are given to expectant mothers.

The Women’s Center in Sidney provides free services for local women and families, which include pregnancy tests, 3D ultrasounds, confidential consulting on pregnancy decisions, educational classes and mentoring, and material assistance through its boutique. Its focus is to provide positive solutions to unexpected pregnancies. The money donated on behalf of POWER will be used to put gift bags in the hands of expectant mothers. The bags are provided to women with a positive pregnancy test. These gift bags include a small toy or book along with a small baby blanket and charm of a baby’s footprints. These gifts provide encouragement to women beginning their journey into motherhood. Women’s Center in Sidney is an entity of Elizabeth’s New Life Center of Dayton.

POWER Programs and Projects Chair Mary Beth Monnier stated, “I was most taken by the center’s No. 1 goal — make the new mothers feel loved. Many of these women who come through the center are scared, poorly informed, and have no one to teach them the skills needed for motherhood. Women’s Center in Sidney provides those skills along with a support team and a reward system that makes the whole experience a positive one for mothers, babies, and fathers.”

POWER’s volunteer driven mission is to build a powerful force of women philanthropists who develop financial resources, unite in service and are advocates for programs and initiatives that benefit children and their families in Shelby County. The group takes its mission seriously by spearheading projects, programs, sponsorships and donation drives in the community.

POWER truly has strengthened and supported children and families in our community in years past, and looks forward to continuing the support in 2016 and the coming years, group representatives said. The initiative has fun social events, fundraisers, volunteer opportunities and activities every month and encourages any women who work or reside in Shelby County to attend. The next POWER event is “Networking at the Nation” on Friday, Jan. 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Brew Nation.

A minimum contribution of $50 per year provides eligibility as a POWER member. Anyone interested in membership may contact the Shelby County United Way at 937-492-2101 or by email at [email protected]. Additional information on POWER, past newsletters, and the impact they are having in the community can be found on United Way website, www.shelbycounitedway.org.

POWER, The Women’s Initiative group of the Shelby County United Way, recently donated $500 to the Women’s Center to pay for the making of gift bags the Women’s Center gives to expectant mothers. Looking at some of the gift bags Friday, Dec. 4 are, left to right, POWER Chair Shelly Ginter, of Maplewood, Boutique Coordinator Cindy DeLuke, of Sidney, Development Officer Ashley Schroeder, of Sidney, POWER Financial Vice Chair Cindy Ernst, of Sidney, and Women’s Center Manager Joanie Prueter, of Botkins.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2015/12/web1_SDN120415POWER.jpgPOWER, The Women’s Initiative group of the Shelby County United Way, recently donated $500 to the Women’s Center to pay for the making of gift bags the Women’s Center gives to expectant mothers. Looking at some of the gift bags Friday, Dec. 4 are, left to right, POWER Chair Shelly Ginter, of Maplewood, Boutique Coordinator Cindy DeLuke, of Sidney, Development Officer Ashley Schroeder, of Sidney, POWER Financial Vice Chair Cindy Ernst, of Sidney, and Women’s Center Manager Joanie Prueter, of Botkins.