History of WWIN

Julia Pritt seemed to have it all—a successful computer company which she founded and managed with her husband of 27 years and three children. However, in just a few short years, the loss of her mother, a divorce, and a cancer diagnosis turned her world upside down.

She recognized that too many women struggle with life’s challenges as she had, but they cannot afford the services that would help them to overcome those challenges and move forward in life, as she could. Julia decided to commit her vision and support to give these women the opportunity to access resources that could transform their lives.

Through Julia’s dynamic vision, the commitment of the board of directors, and the abilities of staff and volunteers, Washington Women In Need was formed in July 1992. Its mission is to improve the lives of low income women in Washington through financial assistance for health care and education.

Since that humble beginning, over 5,000 low income women have received assistance through WWIN programs.

WWIN’s success is a direct result of the combined efforts of our founder, staff and volunteers, the WWIN board, generous donors, and the women receiving the assistance and accepting the responsibility to fulfill the grant requirements.

The Women WWIN serves:

* Average gross annual income is about $11,000.
* Approximately 38% have dependent children under the age of 18 living with them.

WWIN grantees, in their own words:
“I might be 64—but I still want my own teeth. You made that possible.”

“Before you helped me, I had no hope. You gave me the chance to obtain hope through counseling.”

“The stage of my life before WWIN was debilitating and unbearable. I didn’t think I could do anything (i.e., work, live, and play). I was so stressed. Now, I’m doing almost everything. I’ve gained experience in a job I love.”

“I have a full set of beautiful white teeth, and my frown lines are now well-earned smile lines.”