Jasper County GEMS to inspire local women

As a way to bring support to local organizations and clubs, the Jasper County GEMS, a group of inspired women, will debut their mission Thursday night. The event is slated for 6 p.m. at the Maytag Event Complex.

The Jasper County GEMS (Gift and Engagement Members Society) is a group of women who support community needs and emerging opportunities in the county.

Beginning March 15, the group will view presentations from two to three nonprofit organizations or clubs that are requesting full or partial funds for their cause or event. Organizations are limited to a 15-minute presentation and the presenters must be Jasper County women who are 18 or older.

To participate in voting, members contribute $100 for the quarter and may turn in one vote on the organization or club that could receive funds.

Four local women, president Vicki Wade; vice president Tanya Michener; communications secretary Selina McKinney and treasurer Sherry Griggs are behind the inspiration of the organization.

“We went to the Main Street Awards where Danielle Rodgers was receiving an award,” Michener said. “Oskaloosa was also receiving an award, and they referenced this investment group … I lived in Oskaloosa for 14 years so I think that’s why it caught my attention.”

Michener said she was interested in bringing a similar organization to Newton. The Oskaloosa group, the Golden Goose, has been willing to share ideas and tips with Michener and Wade.

“Originally when I was thinking of how attractive this was, it was for economic development,” Michener said. “Then the more we hashed out how it would look, we decided to focus on nonprofits and how the community would rally around.”

An annual fee of $10 will apply each year to cover miscellaneous costs (bank fees, etc.) Members can participate one, two, three or all four quarters of the year. There is no requirement to participate for a full year.

“We like the idea of just including women because with any group you have to have some commonality,” Michener said. “We felt right now women are under-represented for this type of thing.”

Michener said they’ve learned that women want to make a difference in their community but don’t have time to volunteer or know where best to contribute funds. Some question whether their contributions alone have an impact.

“Our goal is 200 women, and I could see how that would build over every quarter,” Michener said. “The fun part of this is we kind of have no idea who might present, we hope it’s stuff we never even thought about.”

Michener said she hopes there will be an increased entrepreneurship spirit, and people will see some of the niches that are needed in the county.

“If we could gain 200 women a quarter — that’s $20,000, so that’s $80,000 invested into the community a year,” Michener said. “That may seem like a high goal but I really think we can achieve it at some point.”

Although there aren’t set organizations committed to present yet, Michener said Discover Hope is trying to find a location is a great example of a local project that Jasper County GEMS would be interested in helping.

Other projects in the county that could be supported by Jasper County GEMS include Quarry Springs, Chicaqua Trails, Neighbors helping Neighbors and Friends in Hope.

“We think this will help keep interest going forward and sustainability,” Michener said.

To acquire an application or ask questions contact gemsofjasper@gmail.com or call 641-521-5775.

Contact Kayla Singletary at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or ksingletary@newtondailynews.com