The “Young Women Leaders of Tomorrow” Program Lends Support to Needham Students and Families - (Needham Times)

January 09, 2007

Direct Federal Credit Union Program Makes Contribution to Library Foundation of Needham

 “The Young Women Leaders of Tomorrow” program, which is a scholarship program designed and funded by Direct Federal Credit Union, has taken another step towards recognizing and providing for the students of Needham by making a significant contribution to the Library Foundation of Needham (LFN). 

"Their generosity helps us achieve our goal of providing additional financial support for library programs and services," said Lois C. Bacon, the president of the Library Foundation of Needham. 

The LFN was created to support the renovation of the Needham Public Library, increase resources for building enhancements, technology, library materials and library services and programs, which include arts and education.  Contributions, such as the one made by the “Young Women Leaders of Tomorrow”, enable the library to develop a range of cultural events for people of all ages - including arts, crafts, music programs, lectures and author readings.  So far, with the help of contributions to the LFN, the library held its first program – “An Evening with Author Robin Cook” – on November 2, which was attended by more than 140 people.  In addition to this first program, five adult programs and one family program are planned for the spring of 2007, and the library has also purchased the “Treasure Island Play Cube” for the Children’s Room, all with the help of contributions like Direct Federal’s.

“The Young Women Leaders of Tomorrow program is committed to helping students become leaders and our contribution to the Library Foundation of Needham is just another way we can do that,” said Jean Geiwitz, senior vice president of marketing and operations at Direct Federal.

The “Young Women Leaders of Tomorrow” program is designed to recognize and empower female high school student athletes who exemplify qualities needed to be an excellent leader.  The program will award $66,000 in scholarships to athletes who participate in field hockey, basketball, ice hockey or softball at the 22 schools in the Bay State Conference and Tri-Valley League.  Three student athletes per town will each be awarded a $1,000 scholarship.  In addition to providing scholarships to students and making the donation to the LFN, the program has also purchased new uniforms for Medfield High School Girls Ice Hockey, and will be supplying Norton High School’s softball team with new uniforms, as well.