History Timeline
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California Soldiers Widow’s Home Association
1 June 1920 – 1 Jan 1976
The McElroys donated an acre of land near the newly built West Los Angeles VA. They saw an overwhelming need to help the mothers and widows of soldiers lost in the Spanish American War and World War I. Through teas and dinners, they raised funds to build 5 bungalows and operated as California Soldiers Widow’s Home Association.
Change in Leadership
1 Jan 1976 1 – Jan 2002
The McElroys and their friends operated the facility until 1976, when they turned to Pat DeMond for help. Pat took over management of the property, created a board, and hired Bob Long as the Executive Director. Together, Pat and Bob ran the organization consistent with their WWII values: independence, dignity and love of country.
Service to Women Veterans
1 Jan 2002 – 1 Jan 2005
2002 Ranlyn Tilley Hill served as the second Executive Director. Under the guidance of the Executive Director and the committed Board, its programs were expanded. Their vision was to build sustainable, impactful programs in support of military women (both veterans and widows).
Birth of Military Women In Need
1 Jan 2005 – 1 Jan 2010
2005 The organization changed its name to Military Women In Need Foundation. From the foundation was born a public charity, Military Women In Need. MWIN (charity) ran five core programs (Home Visits, Resource/Referral & Advocacy, Emergency Subsidies, Housing Subsidies, and Care Club). MWIN served (and continues to serve) female veterans and survivors of veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Gulf War.
Program Growth
1 Jan 2010 – 1 Jan 2015
2010 MWIN shifted its program focus from longterm housing subsidies to short-term, high-impact emergency subsidies which resulted in dramatic program growth. MWIN dropped its age requirement and served individuals of all ages including women veterans and survivors with minor dependent children. MWIN began serving female veterans and survivors of veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).
Inaugural Warrior Awards
1 May 2015
2015 MWIN presented its inaugural Warrior Award for Excellence in Leadership to Lt. Commander Boyden Rohner (Head of Cyber Security for Homeland Security) and Warrior Award for Excellence in Media to Film Producer, Amy Ziering (Academy Award nominate producer of The Invisible War and two time Emmy Winner). The Pat De Mond Award went to LA County Commissioner Jaclyn Tilley Hill for her long time commitment to Military Women In Need.
Childcare Project with UCLA & STAR Education
1 Mar 2016
2016 MWIN launched a childcare project with funds from the UCLA Foundation. In collaboration with UCLA Foundation, UCLA Philanthropy as Civic Engagement Program, and STAR Education, children of veterans attended summer day camps throughout Los Angeles Unified School District at dramatically reduced costs. MWIN also provided childcare stipends for children of women veterans between ages 0-5 yrs old.
Leadership Change
23 Aug 2016
MWIN hired its first full time paid Executive Director, Jodie Grenier. Jodie is a Marine OIF Veteran.
Foundation For Women Warriors
11 Nov 2016
Military Women In Need changes its name to Foundation For Women Warriors in an effort to empower the women veteran community.
