Women’s Caring Program launches 30th year with ambitious plan to help more families

"Twilight in Lansing" event celebrate generous kick-off donation from Kelly Rossman-McKinney

LANSING, April 24, 2009 - The growing needs of low-income, working families in Michigan's struggling economy have the Women's Caring Program looking to expand the nation's only statewide program to help disadvantaged families pay for quality child care.

The public foundation has raised more than $2 million for Michigan children since 1995. It helps working families who are ineligible for state child care assistance, but don't make enough to afford quality, licensed child care and education programs.

The Women's Caring Program's expansion efforts are being led by a $20,000 donation from Kelly Rossman-McKinney, CEO of The Rossman Group, a Lansing public relations firm celebrating its 20th year in business.

Rossman-McKinney's longtime support of the group is being recognized at a "Twilight in Lansing" reception on Monday, April 27, 5-7 p.m., at Karoub Associates, 121 W. Allegan St., Lansing.

"It's my privilege to help support working women and their families across the state who are trying to find the best care for their children," Rossman-McKinney said. "Mothers know the social and educational experiences of their young children have a direct impact on their readiness for kindergarten and, ultimately, their success as adults. I can think of no worthier investment."

ChildCare Commitment, the signature initiative of the Women's Caring Program, helped 86 families throughout Michigan last year. It provides families with 40 percent of the annual cost of child care, up to a maximum of $2,604 per family for one year. The average cost of full-time child care in Michigan for a young child represents 42 percent of the before-tax income of a full-time minimum wage worker.

The Women's Caring program is the only nonprofit group in the nation raising funds to help financially struggling families afford quality, licensed child care.

"From the inception of the Women's Caring Program, Kelly has been one of our strongest supporters," said Carol Walters, founder and president of the group. "Her generosity now, when Michigan families need it most, is inspiring. I hope others will join us in helping Michigan's children flourish and thrive."

Every year the group sponsors a "The Twilight Gathering" fundraiser at Walter's home in Milford. The garden party has attracted as many as 800 individual and corporate donors, largely from Southeast and Central Michigan.
Monday's "Twilight in Lansing" event is part of the group's efforts to expand fundraising statewide.

This year's event in Milford is slated for July 9, and marks the organization's 30th anniversary. For an invitation to the 2009 Twilight Gathering, contact Women's Caring Program at: RSVP@WomensCaringProgram.org or 248-415-1442; or visit www.WomensCaringProgram.org.