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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCITY OF ILM NHCCFW February 2026 Minutes CITY OF WILMINGTON/NEW HANOVER COUNTY COMMISSION FOR WOMEN A Joint City-County Commission NHC Government Building – GC Room 155 February 25, 2026 - 4:00 PM Meeting Minutes Attendance: Olivi a Tham es, Sheila Evans, Jen Peterken, Debbie Todd, Tracey Newkirk, Julie Potter Staff Attendance: Linda Thompson, NHC Chief Civic Engagement Officer; Mary Vigue, City of Wilmington Deputy City Manager; Hayley Jensen (virtually) Hon. Robin W Robinson, ex officio Absent: Beth Ann Bryant-Richards (excused), Jen Wilson-Mathis, LIndy Ford Meeting called to order at 4:02 p.m. Approve Minutes – January 2026 Meeting Minutes. Motion made by Sheila Evans; seconded by Debbie Todd. All approved. Approve Agenda – February 25, 2026, Meeting Agenda. Motion made by Olivia Thames; seconded by Debbie Todd. All approved. NHC Commission for Women - Function of Commission - read by Jen Peterken Guest Speaker: Julie Potter, H.E.R Path Director – YWCA Julie Potter started with Grandparent Support Network, which is now serving 48 families, with programming provided. The program serves grandparents raising grandchildren and multigenerational families navigating complex systems. Julie works with the H.E.R. program - the past six months meeting with different non- profits in the community - the focus was to hear what the needs are. The YWCA wants to collaborate, and she formed an advisory team. There is also a young person who has been hired to work on multicultural advocacy. Working on workshops on Financial Literacy 101 - hope to have one on a monthly basis. Wellness workshops are also a focus, including self-care. “Connection is what the group is all about.” She is working to identify gaps in the community and fill them. There is always a need for volunteers for the Thursday night program. The YWCA also assists grandparents with resources they need - help with bills, custody, etc. There was a brief discussion about other grandparent focus groups in the area. Old Business Wilmington City Council Women’s History Month Proclamation - Tuesday, March 3rd at 6:30 p.m., and the annual report will be at an April 21st at 6:30 p.m. Mary Vigue will send a calendar invite to the group. Luncheon Planning Updates ● Theme, Guest Speaker, Panelists & EMCEE - all confirmed ● Linda Thompson stated there are 40 tickets sold - three (3) tables have been sold- the county paid for the space in lieu of buying a table. The caterer will go with a lower headcount; it is due on Thursday. We are financially sound to cover the 40 people. ● There have been calls to Linda’s office on how to obtain tickets. The QR code has been updated, but using the link is the best. All were encouraged to get the ‘word out’ on social media. Push ticket sales. Linda sent confirmation emails to all panelists and Frances Set up - can begin at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5th - table cloths, programs, decorations, etc. ● Doors open at 11 a.m. Guests can get their lunch right away. The program will begin at 11:30 a.m. ● Vendors - no vendors this year ● Gift bags for panelists reminder - bring anything if you would like to donate to the Thursday set-up. Please let Jen know what you would like to share - 6 items, as needed. ● The Commission members are reminded to wear purple. The Annual Report before the NHC Commissioners is confirmed for March 16th at 4 pm. All are encouraged to attend. New Business Monthly Speaker Recommendations - April is assigned to Beth Ann Bryant-Richards. Tracey will follow up with Emily to hear if she has the May speaker covered. Debbie Todd will be the speaker at the June Meeting. Public Comments - None Meeting Adjourned at 4:56 p.m. NEXT MEETING March 25, 2026 - NHC Government Center Function of Commission The Commission shall be organized for the purpose of acting as an advocate for women and a resource of information on the status of women in New Hanover County for the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners (Board) and Wilmington City Council (Council): • To identify the status of women and assess the needs of women in New Hanover County (County) and the City of Wilmington (City); • To provide a status of women in New Hanover County report on an annual basis to the Board and Council; • To provide information and recommendations to the Board and Council on the needs and issues important to women as it deems necessary in improving and upholding the opportunities in employment, education and community services for all people, regardless of sex; • To work toward the betterment of the status of women with respect to employment and educational opportunities, health services, childcare services, welfare services, financial services, and community leadership opportunities; • To serve as an umbrella to coordinate and support all women’s initiatives, organizations, and networks in the County and the City including coordinating and cooperating with the YWCA and other organizations involved in activities on the status of women; and • To conduct educational seminars in collaboration with other organizations for residents and businesses in the County and the City.