The Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) received its first community donation to help fund its work on sexual violence prevention in the community. The GFWC Rhinelander Woman’s Club gave $1,000 to the OCHD in support of those programs.

Rhinelander Woman’s Club affiliation with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) encourages club members to advocate for awareness, education and prevention of many types of abuse-related social issues. In 2021-22, GFWC clubs are specifically challenged to advocate for projects to prevent teen dating violence.

“These efforts made by the Oneida County Health Department and School District of Rhinelander were initiated at a great time for us to get involved” stated Woman’s Club resident Cindy Goll. “We hope notice of our donation will encourage other local organizations to give their help as well.”

The donation will be used to expand education for youth at Rhinelander High School (RHS) related to sexual violence prevention. April was Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the launch of the Coaching Boys into Men (CBIM) program at RHS. The donation will support Athletes as Leaders, the complementary curriculum to CBIM for female identified athletes in the 2021-22 school year.

“For many years GFWC Rhinelander Woman’s Club has maintained a connection to our local Lily’s House domestic abuse shelter. We hope that building healthy relationships among students through mentorship and role-modeling programs like Coaching Boys into Men and Athletes as Leaders will keep the rooms of Lily’s House empty,” Goll said.

For more information about the Sexual Violence Prevention Grant or get involved, contact Maria Otterholt at 715-369-6110 or [email protected]