San Francisco Women In Need Get Educational Assistance

Feb. 19, 2010 - PRLog -- SAN FRANCISCO WOMEN IN NEED GET EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

- The Girlfriend Factor Launches San Francisco Chapter
Providing Financial Support for Women in Tough Economic Times -


Palm Desert and San Francisco, CA: February 19, 2010 – Despite this year’s challenging economy, the women of the Girlfriend Factor continue to follow their powerful mission to ensure that higher education and occupational training are financially accessible to adult women who choose to improve their economic position in life and strive for self-sufficiency.

Since its inception in 2005, the Girlfriend Factor has given more than $100,000 in financial support to more than 47 women in the Coachella Valley, where the organization originated. Tomorrow, 20 empowered women from across San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Marin and Sonoma Counties, will meet to form the foundation for the Girlfriend Factor San Francisco chapter to build awareness and associated funds to support women in the Bay Area with a goal of raising $100,000 in 2010 and $500,000 annually by 2015.

“We have great confidence in the group of courageous women that are taking our mission forward here today in San Francisco because we know, and have proven, that as women we have incredible influence on each other's lives when we have the encouragement and support of our girlfriends, we can accomplish anything we set our minds to,” said Joan Busick, president and co-founder of the Girlfriend Factor.

The Girlfriend Factor expands its member and donor base to San Francisco to provide educational grants to women in the San Francisco area to help them achieve their educational goals. While many cities have been explored for the first chapter launch, San Francisco was chosen based on the following criteria:
•   Population of Women Who Believe in Education and the Power of Women: San Francisco has one of most highly educated female populations in the nation and has already begun to prove a groundswell of support in celebrating the power of girlfriends through initial member and donor interest
•   Poverty Rates have a Direct Link to Level of Education:  Statistics shows that poverty rates for single female householders with children are drastically different for those with varying education levels.  This is a community issue in San Francisco that can be addressed with the right support
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•   Large Pool of Education Partners: There are more than 170 secondary schools in the Bay Area alone where we can help women succeed in their education

The Girlfriend Factor, San Francisco will focus its first year on building its donor base by getting women together in the Bay area through a variety of fundraisers and social gatherings to experience the influences that women can have on each other's lives through friendships and all the while helping raise funds to financially support women in the community striving for higher education.

"“We believe that education is the key to economic advancement and self-sufficiency among women,” said Angela Gillespie, co-founder, Girlfriend Factor, San Francisco Chapter. “Research shows that beyond the short-term need for a job there is the long-term need to create a stable career pathway to sustain financial stability and the Girlfriend Factor can help women do just that. Education is an extremely important component of women's financial success and even more so in this trying economy.”

The Girlfriend Factor, San Francisco will provide help with tuition and books to women 25 years of age and older who live in the Bay area and surrounding cities and whose household income is $40,000 or less. Once a recipient receives a Girlfriend Factor grant, the grants will continue to follow them throughout their entire education as long as they are students in good standing.

“The Girlfriend Factor is meant to provide empowerment for motivated women,” said Beth Weiss, co-founder, Girlfriend Factor, San Francisco Chapter. “It's a dire situation for many women and families right now in our country and we are ready to do our part to empower these women in any way possible to help foster the betterment of our community here in the Bay Area.”

If you are interested in becoming a Girlfriend of the Girlfriend Factor, San Francisco Chapter, donating funds to the organization or being considered for a Go Girlfriend Grant, please go to www.girlfriendfactor.org

About The Girlfriend Factor
Our mission is to celebrate and explore the powerful influence women have on each other's lives through building friendships, sharing experiences and providing financial support in the form of educational grants to motivated women. Since 2005, the Girlfriend Factor has funded over $100,000 in educational grants to women in our communities which will change their and our lives forever.  For more information please go to: www.girlfriendfactor.org

Media Contact: Angela Gillespie, 415-312-2504

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About The Girlfriend Factor
Our mission is to celebrate and explore the powerful influence women have on each other's lives through building friendships, sharing experiences and providing financial support in the form of educational grants to motivated women. Since 2005, the Girlfriend Factor has funded over $100,000 in educational grants to women in our communities which will change their and our lives forever. For more information please go to: www.girlfriendfactor.org