Local nonprofit receives grant funding expanding programming for young women

DELMARVA – One local nonprofit is getting $10,000 to expand their efforts thanks to Movement Mortgage’s GraceWorks grant program.

1 Year to Empowerment offers year-round support for middle and high school girls in Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, and Dorchester counties. They provide over 40 activities with a focus on building self-esteem to career development.

Executive Director Natalie Bennett said their goal now is to get more partners involved. “And our hope is that we can continue to expand our program just as long as the funding is there. We definitely have come up with some new and creative initiatives for fundraising because the more money we bring in the more girls that we can serve,” Bennett said.

“You see how many people fall through the cracks and this organizations truly picks up these girls and makes them become successful. They become empowered,” Movement Mortgage’s Hope Morgan said.

The organization is currently serving 33 participants, its biggest number yet.

1 Year of Empowerment will celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2024. Each year the nonprofit also hosts their Empoweree Transformation Banquet.