We arrived with grateful hearts, honored that Women’s Recovery Services (WRS) had been named one of the top three local non-profits selected for the 9th Annual Impact 100 Redwood Circle Grant Award Ceremony.
This powerhouse organization, Impact 100 Redwood Circle – Women transforming Sonoma County through Collective Philanthropy, united by purpose and dedication, awards $100,000 and two $20,000 merit grants annually to local non-profits addressing critical community needs. This year, their focus was on providing core mission support through unrestricted funds to help strengthen non-profits in achieving their goals.
As we entered the room, greeted by warm smiles, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and inspiration. To be surrounded by so many people eager to invest in the community’s future was a powerful moment. With excitement and pride, we shared our story and mission.
Since 1975, WRS has been a lifeline for women devastated by addiction. As Sonoma County’s leading provider of perinatal addiction recovery services, we empower mothers to rebuild their lives and set a positive course for their families. During their 90-day stay, women participate in over 250 hours of evidence-based education, group support, and structured activities. They also receive prenatal care, medical and dental support, individual counseling, and parenting guidance—preparing them for a brighter, healthier future as contributors to their communities.
At WRS, we believe that when women recover, families heal, and communities grow stronger. Rain or shine—through wildfires, evacuations, earthquakes, tsunami warnings, and even the pandemic—we have never closed our doors. Like many non-profits, we have faced challenges: budget cuts, funding reductions, an increased demand for services, and the complexities of Covid. Yet, with the dedication of our diligent board, grants, donations, and fundraisers have sustained our critical programs. Every penny is carefully allocated to support the women we serve.
The thought of receiving a grant from Impact 100 filled us with hope. This grant could help us meet the increasing needs of our community. The vigorous process—writing a letter of intent, submitting a proposal, meeting with the committee, creating a video, and finally standing in this room awaiting the announcement—was all worth it. Worth it for every woman who has ever walked through our doors.
As the moment approached, I stood with our Board President, Peter Stanley, and board members Jody Edwards, Claire Hobbs, and Silvey Cameron. Together, we listened as past recipients like The Living Room (2023) and the Jewish Community Free Clinic (2022) shared how the Impact Grant transformed their missions.
We didn’t know the final grant amounts until they were announced, but simply being selected was already an honor.
When they began to announce the merit awards, the room was filled with excitement and applause. First the Botanical Bus, then, Face to Face…then the realization exploded that perhaps, yes, we had won the grand award. As a hush fell over the crowd, we waited for the official $100,000 grant announcement. “…And will our Grand award winner Women’s Recovery Services, please come up”.
In that moment, joy, gratitude, and disbelief overwhelmed us. I saw the faces of every woman who has ever walked through our doors and felt the weight of this collective mission. This is what it means to say, “It takes a village.” This is what it looks like when a community comes together for something greater than themselves.
Stunned by the generosity and alignment with our mission, my board and I stood in awe. We will forever be grateful to Impact Grant Redwood Circle, and it’s 280 members for their votes and support and most importantly for the Impact to the lives of so many women and families, today, and for the years to come.
Diane Madrigal is the executive director of Women’s Recovery Services.
