The Chrysalis Foundation will celebrate its 25th anniversary throughout 2014, starting with a kickoff party Jan. 23. “$25 for 25 Years,” 5 to 8 p.m. at Zart 1312, will feature hors d’oeuvres and refreshments served in a commemorative glass. The cost is $25; register online.
Founded in 1989 by philanthropist Louise Rosenfield Noun with the late state senator Elaine Szymoniak and attorney Barbara Barrett, Chrysalis remains dedicated to increasing resources and opportunities for girls and women in Greater Des Moines.
As needs have changed over the years, so has the organization. “Our goal over the past three years has been about community education and grantmaking so that people understand the barriers and challenges that affect girls and women,” says Terry Hernandez, who has served as Chrysalis’ executive director since 1997.
A few highlights showing Chrysalis’ impact:
• The organization has invested $6.1 million in education and economic opportunity for girls and women in Central Iowa. Of that, $2.7 million has supported after-school programming, and $4.4 million has funded grants.
• Chrysalis helped found the Iowa Women’s Archives, which houses about 1,100 manuscript collections that chronicle the lives and work of Iowa women, their families and their communities.
• The number of elementary and middle schools involved in “Chrysalis After School” has grown from eight to 33.
• Chrysalis produced an extensive 52-page report, called “She Matters: 2012 Status of Women and Girls in Iowa,” in collaboration with the Iowa Women’s Leadership Project.
For more information about “$25 for 25 Years,” call 255-1853 or email malee@chrysalisfdn.org. Zart 1312 is located at 1312 Locust St. downtown.
