Foundation looks to help single moms through transitions

People look to guardian angels in times of need.

Using that comforting concept, Christie Ruffino, president and founder of West Chicago-based Dynamic Professional Women's Network, wants its new nonprofit Angel Foundation to assist area women in temporary need.

DPWN's Angel Foundation made its debut during the Dynamic Women's Network Conference in October in Rolling Meadows and raised more than $3,000. The conference drew 167 attendees.

Ruffino created the foundation to make a significant impact in the lives of "angels" - single or soon-to-be single mothers who do not qualify for government assistance, yet need support during a major life transition, such as divorce, loss of job or a death of a spouse.

The network's membership meets the various needs that impact these women's daily lives by leveraging connections. The idea is to provide them with a "hand up," not a hand out.

The "angels" are nominated only through member referrals. Ruffino says that the foundation is currently accepting "angel" applications and will help a select few at first to get the ball rolling.

The network has multiple members who will become angel providers, people who provide their services or products to a recipient in need on a pro-bono basis.

"Everyone was really excited on how they can help," Ruffino says. "They connected with the foundation's mission because many women who I know have gone through similar situations in their lives."

Wanting to help more of these single mothers, the foundation is looking for sponsors, whether they are members or nonmembers, who can help financially or can serve on its marketing, fundraising or educational programming committees.

"We are also looking for 'connection' coaches - these are women who would be working alongside a specific angel," Ruffino says. "These coaches would help these mothers in guiding them in the right direction, connecting them to the right providers from our community and helping them receive the right financial assistance."

For information about the Angel Foundation, visit www.dpwnangels.org.