At a time when big charities are struggling due to tightening budgets and volunteer time, and individuals are seeking ways to give with fewer dollars to spend, a group of women in Denver, Colorado have found a way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of disadvantaged women and children.

The story of Women Helping Others (“WHO”) begins in late 2006 as a group of about 15 Colorado mortgage women got together monthly for wine, networking and to answer the question:  “Is there life outside of mortgage?”  The initial purpose was to help mortgage friends network to find jobs. But by the fall of 2007, this group of women decided to raise their purpose to a higher level: to reach out and touch the lives of others…and “WHO” was born.

Co-founded by Deb Meogrossi and Kathi Surian Cramer, Women Helping Others is an informal “Giving Circle” contributing money, time and talent to charitable causes that mean something to the members.  The group of professional women has now grown to nearly 125 members from multiple backgrounds with a common mission to serve the needs of disadvantaged women and children along the front range of Colorado.

The group’s motto “WHO cares!” is an appropriate tagline that embodies the spirit of this Giving Circle whose members support its beneficiaries through the giving of time, funds, or both. “People give as they can. We have those who are still looking for work, so their financial giving may be more limited…but they may have time,” said Kathi Surian Cramer.  “Women Helping Others is staying true to our mission as we seek opportunities to make a significant and sustainable impact in the improvement and enhancement of others’ lives through our personal and financial involvement. The allure of this grassroots giving effort and the key to our success is making the giving meaningful and easy.”

“What started with a few of us looking to relieve stress by being able to laugh at life and help each other find jobs has turned into so much more,” says Deb Meogrossi. “We are grateful for the growth we’ve experienced in such a short time. People have stepped up and really answered the call to serve. As we move forward, we will adjust as opportunities dictate and move beyond where we are today. We all feel that we are the privileged ones, as what we give often pales in comparison to what we receive from the children and women we serve. It gives us much joy to know that as we give a hand up to these women and children we empower them to reach for the stars - and we let them know that someone truly cares -- WHO cares!”