Womanspace Annual Report FYE 2023 | 9.1.2022–8.31.2023
womanspace is. . .
Connecting. Empowering. Creating. Transforming. Since 1975.
...enduring Mission and Philosophy of Womanspace
Connecting, empowering, creating and transforming our world — one woman at a time. Womanspace offers programs to enhance the body, mind and spirit, with a focus in the creative arts, holistic health, interfaith exploration, and environmental stewardship.
Dear Friends of Womanspace, The privilege of living at the core of the Womanspace community for the greater part of my life has not been wasted on me; my “founder’s heart” is embedded in this physical and spiritual space. Every single day, I thank God for all those who make Womanspace a place of great love, connection, empowerment and creativity. In its essence, the Womanspace community provides a sacred ground for deepening and transformation. It brings me great joy to know that. Recently, though, I’ve become puzzled and concerned. I notice that many people seem to take the existence of Womanspace for granted, assuming that “someone” is holding this place in existence for all to enjoy. To all the women and men who are helped and empowered and supported and inspired here — to all who express the sense of “coming home” when they enter our grounds — to all who say there is nothing else like this safe and creative place — to all of these and so many more, I pose the question: Will YOU help be a part of breathing life into Womanspace? If you personally care that this unique place continues to exist, will you do your part to help sustain it? Please really take time to look at the charts on the donor pages. Notice that Womanspace operated at a considerable deficit this past year. If we continue to dip into our small savings to pay our bills, Womanspace won’t easily survive for the next generation — and no one wants to see that happen! Your generous contribution will help to keep our modest budget balanced and ensure that Womanspace will remain vibrant for many years to come. If you can give generously, thank you! If you can give even a modest amount, thank you! But if you are inclined to just ignore this request, please ask yourself WHY. Even a small monthly donation from you can have an immediate positive impact on our work. Will you be part of ensuring Womanspace as a strong community asset into the future? We count on you!
Executive Director, Co-Founder of Womanspace
Womanspace believes every person is a spiritual being, having within her the potential for health, self-reliance, creativity, wisdom and responsible caring. By enhancing her potential, she enriches her own life, the life of her family, and the lives of others. Through the strong, healthy, self-development of each individual, the world we live in is made a stronger, healthier, and more peaceful planet. Womanspace offers programs that stimulate awareness, develop competence, encourage creativity, and generate healthy decision-making. We provide support that offers honesty, compassion, challenge, and spiritual growth. Womanspace works cooperatively with others, striving for collaborative partnerships in our endeavors. History
Womanspace was co-founded in 1975 by Dorothy Bock and Elaine Hirschenberger, members of the School Sisters of St. Francis. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors in cooperation with the Executive Director. Womanspace has art studios, a gallery, Gallery2Go gift shop, beautiful gardens and a labyrinth on its 7-acre campus, and operates as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Board of Directors
Marsha Hosfeld, President Catherine Forslund, Vice President Katrina Olson, Secretary Audrey Falzone Laura Gorton Tina Hallberg Cristi Hopp Kniess Barbara McDonald Elizabeth Jenkins McMullen Sallyann Roberts Patty Stadelman Usha Sundaram Rhiannon Yandell Elaine Hirschenberger, SSSF, Ex Officio
Staff
Elaine Hirschenberger, SSSF, Executive Director Pat Lai, Designer/Admin. Assistant Cherie Heck, Bookkeeping Assistant Liz Hiemstra, Marketing Coordinator Joy Jordan, Program Co-Coordinator Nicole Landreth, Program Co-Coordinator
Lunafest Sponsors & Supporters Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc. Ruth Ora Jackson Rockford University ServPro Xfinity Bonnie Gosdick Cynthia Grantz Alice Heath Anne Totenhagen Johnson Linda Lombardo Pam Lonsway Kathy Phillip Mary and Greg Tuite
Henry and Kathleen Hirschenberger David and Gayle Carzoli Elaine Hirschenberger
Bloomfest Sponsors & Supporters Lynn & Al Andreini Edward Jones Goebel Waterproofing Rockford Area Arts Council EyeDeal Optical
Polly Olson Sherri Crawford Anne Godin
Yoga Day Sponsor Nicholas Conservatory MEMORIALS FOR: Daniel Barnhart Norma Lee Kerns Barnhart Dorothy Bock Chris Deger Anne Godin Elaine Hirschenberger Tracy Bonavia Pat and Mark Bonavia Doug Fletch Charles & Jill Jackson
Todd Jackson Charles and Jill Jackson Norman Koppel Terese Sanchez Ann Nemitz — Women in Crisis Fund Joseph and Mary Jo Ross Mejra Mesanovic
Mary Jo Powers Scholarship Joyce and Jack Armstrong Auto Clinic of Rockford Carol and Thomas Babcox Margaret and Duane Beltrand Craig Carlson Stephen Delap Daniel and Jennie Dinneen Linda and Myron Fry Scott and Rochelle Fuller Kimberly Griffin Wendy and Michael Haag Nancy and Mark Halverson Dagmar Heitz Elaine Hirschenberger Steve Hoeppner Sally Hoskinson Linda and William Howe Katherine Ingraham Betsy and John Leverenz Jerome & Gloria Lopotowski
Douglas & Susan Luedcke Lori Macy Nancy Miller Michael Moran Gerald and Diana Ogren Julie and Larry Ojeda Margaret & Jeffrey Thompson Susan and Steve Vock Linda Webster Tosha Woods Linda and Jim Zuba Mark Teismann Charles and Jill Jackson James Will Jean Apgar Deborah Beard Delene Nation Bohn Frances Cousin Sherri Crawford Uli Dornhagen Anne Godin Tina Hallberg Mark & Andrea Harris Cherie and Dave Heck Elaine Hirschenberger Cristi Hopp-Kniess Kristin Kofoed David Lamb Lucas Group (Kate & Luke) Lori Meyer Kathryn Moehling Catherine & John Mueller
$323,658
GIFTS IN HONOR OF: Anne Godin Joy Jordan Elaine Hirschenberger Kate Rehak and Scott Suma Kit Ryan GIFTS IN KIND: Bennies Cleaners Boone County Democratic Party Cherry Valley Wood Care Home Environment Center Meridian Printing Tad More Tailoring Woven Films
n Personnel 49% $182,691
$164,851
n Programs 20%
$74,541
n Administration 15%
$72,556
n Donations 23%
INCOME
Elizabeth Zygowicz Rosalie Cieply
Scan the code or visit Womanspace Rockford on YouTube to view a beautiful short film created by Woven Film Co. highlighting what we’re all about!
n Programs 51%
FYE 8/31/2023
Katrina Olson Alice Page Loretta Reif Cheryl Saunders Deborah Smith Corinne Sosso Patty Stadelman Kay and Mike Strand Susan Strubel Carol and Joe Valaitis Connie and Rik Wenger Marci Zickuhr
n Fundraisers 11% $35,284
n Member Dues 6% $20,137
n Rent/Investment 6% $18,255
n Gallery/Misc 3% $10, 590
FYE 8/31/2023
EXPENSE $371,494
$57,460
n Fundraising 4% $16,076
n Maintenance & Repair 6% $21,381
n Scholarships, Charitable & Misc 2% $7,273
n Printing & Marketing 4% $14,057
...thankful Sustainers — $1000+ Lynn and Albano Andreini Trish and Jim Black David Boccignone Ameriprise Financial Carol and Ron Burmeister Kit and Dick Conner Michael Dunaway Kathy Flanagan Kathleen Hirschenberger Trust Colleen and Jack Holmbeck Marsha Hosfeld Kerns Barnhart Family Fund Lacey Family Fund Michele and Chuck Lind Puri Foundation Loretta Reif Ross-Ironside Family Fund Sue Stauffer Carol Waxler James Will Xfinity Terese Zeal Supporting — $250-$999 Anonymous Jean Apgar Aqua Aerobics Pat and Mark Bonavia Diane Boyd Delores Burkholder Mary Caskey Frances Cousin Chris Deger Becki Dennis EyeDeal Optical Anne Godin Marsha Goodheart Mary Gorman Janet Grey Karen and Phil Grover Tina Hallberg Elaine Hirschenberger Kathy Hornsby Ruth Ora Jackson Sally Quilici Jones Joy and Gene Jordan Janice Page July Kristin Kofoed Emma Lai Pat and Jude Lai John and Deb Licari Pam Lonsway Lois Haidle Lundgren Brian McConnell Nancy O’Neill Marge Orchard
This listing recognizes, with gratitude, all whose donations arrived during our last fiscal year – between September 1, 2022 and August 31, 2023.
Diana Peterson Ginger and Dave Rehnberg Charles Reif Scot Roche Rockford University Robin Roegner Catherine H. Shriver Mollie Singh Sandra Slaga Patty Stadelman Kay and Mike Strand Spitaman and Shiraz Tata Charitable Fund Lynne and Dale Townsend Carol and Joe Valaitis Jay and Emily Valaitis Annette Youngberg Karen Zima
Kathy McNeely-Johnson Gerda Moehler William Matt Moran Martha Muldowney Karen Murphy Deanna L. Murray Armand Proulx & Jeanne Douillard Jane Puerini Phil Rada Sue Rader Kate Rehak & Scott Suma Terese Sanchez Judy Schultz Barbara Simon Deborah Smith Becky Thalhofer Linda Wellens
Donors - $100-$249 Marie Abel Ila Adam Sheila Anderson Mary Blaser Shelley Buckwalter David and Gayle Carzoli Joyce Clark Jan Cosmos Sherri Crawford Mark Deger Susan Drennan Mary DuHoux Cindy Dyer Ellie Etminan Linda Ewalt Samuel and Janice Falzone Jean Geller Mary Gesmer Steve and Mary Goers Cynthia Grantz Minoo Hagshenas Susan Hansen Mary Jo Hare Mark and Andrea Harris Mary and Ben Healy Patricia Jeffers Anne Totenhagen Johnson Judy Pilot Johnson Valerie Johnson Barbara Knopp & Vickie Buchholz Judith Koren-Shanahan Kerry Kuhn Linda Lombardo Pat McCarthy & Jeannine Weidner Colleen McDonald
Friends – Up to $99 Meghan Baylor Colleen Benthal Louise Bernier Catherine Bock-Weiss Janice Bolander Mary Boyd & Joelyn Hayes Kate Brenner Bev Cicolello & Deb Zahniser Nancy Conrads Suzanne Crandall Judy Emmett Randy and Pat Farney Fiona Fordyce Catherine Forslund Catherine Gambino Bonnie Gosdick Barbara Grobe Gerrie Gustafson Wendy Hall Alice Heath Cherie & Dave Heck Kathryn L. Heyer Cristi Hopp Kniess Cindy Hughes Mary Vida Hunt Carol Ann Jaeger Arleta Juliano Monica Krysztopa Margo Leden Ruth Lochner Faye Marcus Lesley Marx Georgiann McKenna Adele Milano Kathryn Moehling Jeanne K. Moyer
Catherine & John Mueller Katrina Olson Kay Ostberg Jo Marie Paul Ruth Penticoff Kathy Phillip Linda and Jim Powers Wanie Reeverts Darlene Riddle Julie Ridings Gina Ross Kit Ryan Cheryl Saunders Kathy and Bill Scarpaci Corinne Sosso Chrissy Stanfa Mary and Greg Tuite Kathie Turner Connie & Rik Wenger Sandra Williams Tracy Winkler Shirley Wooden Michelle Wortmann Kathryn Zenoff Marci Zickuhr SPONSORSHIPS AND SPECIAL GIFTS Support of Lilly Garden Sunil Puri – Puri Foundation Toward Purchase of AED Christ Lutheran Church Toward Purchase of New Kiln Shelves Anonymous Delores Burkholder Nancy O’Neill Toward Installation of New Sidewalk Anonymous Sherri Crawford Anne Godin Marsha Hosfeld Gallery Sponsor David Boccignone – Ameriprise Financial Online Auction Sponsor James and Pamela Keeling
During this fiscal year, Womanspace collaborated with: Rockford University (RU) — RU partnered with us on Lunafest -sponsoring access for students and faculty. Dr. Catherine Forslund of RU emceed the film festival. RU’s history students researched Womanspace archives and interviewed our members for their community-based-learning (CBL) project. RU also generously cosponsored our newest event, Restyle the Runway, which crossed over into our new fiscal year. (More on that event in our next report.)
...collaborative
Bennies Cleaners — Bennies partnered with us on Witches’ Night Out and Restyle the Runway, two visually amazing events, utilizing their well-known arts and dry-cleaning space for social, cleaning and storage purposes. Rosecrance — Their staff regularly brings groups of young people to walk the Womanspace labyrinth as part of their experiential therapy program. We are delighted to provide our beautiful grounds as a safe space for them. Some Rosecrance clients also volunteer to help maintain the weed-free nature of the Womanspace labyrinth! OSF Trauma Recovery Center, — Serving victims of violent crime and their families, the OSF TRC refers clients to Womanspace for healing therapies and programs that support their recovery. Our tranquil and beautiful Holistic Health Room as well as our bright art studios are perfect settings for healing.
Rockford Area Arts Council — RAAC utilizes Womanspace as the site for their summer program, SPARK (Significant Public Art Apprenticeships in Rockford). Over the past several years, for two weeks in summer, our campus and studios are fully occupied by young people who are learning from a professional artist and producing mosaic sculptures to enhance the greater Rockford area. School Sisters of St. Francis and the Mayor’s Hunger Campaign — Both groups (SSSF in Milwaukee and Mayor’s Hunger Campaign in Rockford) sponsor major fundraisers aimed at eliminating hunger. In 2023, WS artists in our pottery studio (both teachers and students) created, glazed and donated over 80 unique ceramic bowls to these two events. Girl Scouts — For exciting learning opportunities, seasonal events and dance parties, RRV Girl Scouts have discovered that Womanspace is for girls, too! TadMore Tailoring — Our newest collaborators are the creative staff of TadMore Tailoring — generous kindred spirits who are as passionate about conservation and creative use of materials as we are. More information about our recent (and also upcoming) Restyle the Runway collaborations will be coming soon.
At a Glance
3,642
volunteer hours donated by 98 volunteers
2,600
registrants attending a variety of programs
Dreams and Visions
82
At Womanspace, we dream our way into our future. Our dreaming is a visionary act and produces results. To hear the story of Womanspace is to know that “living in process” has always been the way for this organization. If it weren’t, we would still be operating from a little two-room apartment above the garages in the building next door to our current location. We dreamed our way out of that space many years ago and stepped into an expansive future. To visit the beautiful 7-acre campus that Womanspace now owns and stewards, to spend time in our gallery, our main building and our bright and welcoming art studios, to enjoy activities on the Anjali pavilion, to walk contemplatively on our labyrinth, to celebrate life passages in our forest sanctuary, to converse with friends in one of our abundant gardens — these are all manifestations of our dreaming-into-action. Together, the Womanspace community has created a magnificent healing oasis, and it is clear that there is a high energy holding us in existence.
10,800
We read the signs of the times. We listen to the ideas and dreams of those who walk in our front door. We meet people in random places and know we are destined to collaborate with them. We have conversations that light a fire in us. We think. We talk. We sleep and dream. We wake and act. We invite and cooperate. We propose and initiate. We applaud and encourage. Our work — the work of building community and facilitating transformation — goes on dynamically.
new members joined
pottery pieces made
24
campus rentals
528
unique programs presented 4
...visio
Thank you to our sponsors
ionary As we look forward, we are excited by the increased desire we see in individuals to express themselves creatively, to connect more deeply with self and others through mind/body movement and exploration and to establish or regain a sense of familiarity with the spirit of nature. These are ideals Womanspace has promoted for many years and we will continue to manifest them well into the future with many more members of the community. Our vision and belief tells us that the time is now ripe for greater community support and recognition of the work of Womanspace. If our words and works resonate with you — if you are supportive of our values and visions — we invite you to join us. Are you willing and able to direct your energy and resources to make Womanspace even more of a resource for healing our broken world? Are you able to make a significant donation? Are your personal resources financial or can you volunteer or donate in-kind? Can you connect us with like-minded businesses who would be good sponsors of Womanspace programs and services? Are you in a position to direct a bequest toward Womanspace and leave a legacy for the future? Do you want to know more about our needs, our dreams and our visions? We would like to talk with you. Please just say the word! We thank you — and we welcome you!
Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Rockford, Illinois Permit No. 380
3333 Maria Linden Drive Rockford, IL 61114-5481 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Kathryn Wolfgram, a 2023 graduate of Belvidere North High School, was selected as the winner of the 2023 Womanspace Fine Arts H.S. Scholarship. Kathryn is now attending DePaul University in pursuit of dual degrees in horn performance and political science/government.
...supportive
Reflecting on her time as a budding musician in middle and high school, Kathryn writes, “for as long as I can remember, I have been the only girl. The only girl in my brass quintets. The only girl in the orchestra’s brass section. In four out of the five big American orchestras, a man holds the principal horn seat. In all five orchestras, at least 75% of the brass musicians are male. The lack of womanrepresentation has inspired me to push forward in the music industry and pursue music performance and political science/government during the next four years.” Kathryn played principal horn for Rockford Youth Symphony Orchestra and NIU Sinfonia. She taught private lessons to high school horn students and middle school brass and percussionists. Womanspace is proud to support Kathryn in pursuing her vision and we applaud her for using her many talents and gifts to inspire other young musicians.
Womanspace is also pleased to report that during the past year, we awarded three Esther Schenck Scholarships for the Arts to adult women pursuing further education in various fine arts fields, in accordance with the directives of Esther’s generous bequest to Womanspace.