3 Minute Interview-Cozier
By: Bill Myers
Examiner Staff Writer
March 16, 2009
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Nicole Cozier works for the Washington Area Women’s Foundation, which gives out about $1 million in grants each year to area nonprofit groups that help women and girls. The foundation recently announced 10 $10,000 awards to small focus groups on women’s health. The public is asked to vote online (at thewomensfoundation.org) for their favorite of the grantees; the winner will get an additional $5,000.
How are women’s groups handling the bad economy?
I think different groups are feeling it in different ways. Certainly, there’s an increased demand in services. Folks are starting to feel it, but there’s probably going to be more of an impact as we move along. The thing about women’s groups is that they’re very agile and creative. That’s part of what the leadership awardees represent.
What is the status of women’s health and safety in the region?
It definitely could be better. I’m sure it could be worse. You know, the District has the highest HIV/AIDS rate [in the country]. It’s 10 times the national average. And something like half of the women in the District don’t have prenatal care. And then there’s all the uninsured in the area. I’m sure that’s going to get worse. It has a huge impact not only on the health and safety of women and their families, but the economic security of women and their families. And a lot of people are walking a tightrope.
What is the most innovative thing you’ve seen?
It’s hard to say. ... One of our awardees is a group called Walking Through the Kitchen Door. It works with women who are victims of domestic violence. It teaches women not only how to make healthy meals, but they use it as an entree into the catering field.
What should people do if they want to help out?
They can contact me. My e-mail is ncozier@wawf.org.
