Women With Willpower

At some point in their lives, women may find themselves with an unexpected financial need and don’t know where to turn for help. But a local nonprofit organization in Lake Havasu City, known as Women with Willpower, works to enable them to improve their situation. Connie Alexander founded the organization in 2009. It began when Alexander spoke to her friend Patty Serlis, who had a similar organization in Colorado.

“I thought Lake Havasu City needed something like this,” said Alexander.
“So she (Serlis) shared the idea and we brought it to Havasu.” The program works with several local community nonprofits to provide assistance to all women for a variety of needs when they have exhausted other resources.

[quote_box_left]“Some women often fall through the cracks,” said Alexander. “Our organization is like a sisterhood to help them out.” [/quote_box_left]

The program helps a woman on a one-time basis, whether it is help with a utility bill, school exam fees or car maintenance. Alexander said that in order for women to qualify, they must demonstrate they are a resident of Lake Havasu City. And most of the time, must be referred.

Connie Alexander and Kelli Wallin. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“The money that goes toward helping women is always 100 percent,” said Alexander. “All funds go directly to their utility company, or vendor that the client needs to pay.” Women who receive assistance are only asked to give back to their community in return for receiving help from the organization. Volunteers in the program say they find it rewarding to see the women in turn give back as a thank you for the help they received. “It’s exciting, rewarding, and breathtaking to be part of something like this at the end of the day,” said Kelli Wallin, Vice President of Women with Willpower. “It’s very rewarding.”
Alexander says one of her future goals is to establish a men’s organization soon.

In November, Women with Willpower held their annual fundraiser “O Christmas Tree Raffle and Festival.” A lunch was served to those that attended and it brought in over $25,000 to the organization. If you are curious about becoming part of this community organization that makes a difference in the lives of women of Lake Havasu City, where 100% of their funds stay here please visit their website at www.WomenWithWillpower.org for more information.

One of the trees that was raffled off during the O Christmas Tree Festival sits on the back tabled surrounded by goodies. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene