Woman's Foundation Inc.

About the Woman's Foundation

History

During the period between 1979-1980 a group of local physicians determined there was a need for a women's hospital to serve the needs of women in the Lafayette community. The Frem Boustany family donated approximately fifteen acres of property for the purpose of building a hospital. Woman's Hospital of Acadiana Foundation (now known as the Woman's Foundation, Inc.) was formed and became the recipient of the land donation. The Woman’s Foundation Inc. (WFI) was created to manage the land and oversee the construction of a hospital. The Foundation contracted with Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) to build the hospital and subsequently operate the facility. Today, that facility is known as Women’s & Children’s Hospital. What began as a small specialty hospital, has now become the market leader in obstetrical and pediatric services. WFI was formed as a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of women and their families per the mission statement developed by the Board of Directors.

In 1984, the Foundation began sponsoring continuing medical educational activities for physicians on health issues affecting women and their families. The Foundation is accredited by the Louisiana State Medical Society as an approved provider of continuing medical educational (CME) programs for physicians.

In 1987, the Foundation, after determining the increased need to reach the public sector, opened the Health Information Center (HIC), a library of over 500 videotapes and pamphlets on various health and wellness topics, available to the public at no charge.

The Foundation has expanded its outreach in the community through various other projects, such as establishing nursing scholarships at UL-Lafayette and LSU-Eunice; working with the Lafayette Education Foundation in sponsoring mini-grants for teachers in Lafayette Parish public schools; providing grants for other projects which fall within the scope of the Foundation's mission; development of a community education department to focus on offering forums, lectures and educational programs for the community on topics of concern. Current on-going programs include sessions on puberty, college preparedness for high school juniors, legal rights and responsibilities for young parents and baby-sitter training. In 2002, WFI also began sponsoring the annual week-long Women’s Health Expo bringing current health information to women in the local community in an informal setting and in 2004 the community based Healthy Lifestyle Coalition was created.

In 2004, the Newborn Exhibit at Women’s & Children’s Hospital opened. This artistic seascape gallery is filled with personalized tiles of fish to commemorate the birth of any baby ever born at Women’s & Children’s Hospital. Proceeds from the sale of the commemorative fish support the community education programs.

The Foundation is presently governed by a volunteer board of directors, comprised of individuals from the medical, legal, business, professional and educational community who direct and oversee the work of a five person professional staff.

Mission Statement

The Foundation is organized and operated for purposes related to the promotion of the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of women and their families.

In furtherance of such purposes, the Foundation will sponsor public discussion groups, forums, panels, lectures, and similar educational programs. Training and continuing educational programs will also be conducted for physicians, nurses, and health care professionals in the area of diseases and medical conditions affecting women and their families.

Programs and Services

The foundation operates to promote the physical, emotional and mental well-being of women and their families.

The following series of programs and services allow the foundation to achieve and fulfill this purpose:

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

The Woman’s Foundation Inc. sponsors continuing medical education activities for Louisiana physicians as identified by educational needs. The primary target audience is that group of medical professionals who practice in the area of diseases and medical conditions affecting women and their families.

The general types of activities conducted by the CME Department include special conferences, lectures, recurring conferences, study group activities and special seminars. The CME program goal is to promote changes in practice methods and improve patient outcomes.

Health Information Center (HIC)

The Health Information Center provides current information on a variety of health, wellness and lifestyle topics so that wise health care decisions can be made. All materials are available for public distribution, free of charge and without referral or appointment. Age appropriate videos and pamphlets are also available for use by teens and children.

Regional Grants Program

In support of the organization’s mission, a regional grants program was established in 1988. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis to support programs and initiatives which serve to enhance the health and quality of life for women and children. Applications are available upon request and funding is awarded in January and July of each year. As a part of providing funds to community efforts, the foundation also funds nursing student scholarships at University of Louisiana - Lafayette and LSU - Eunice. In 2005, Woman’s Foundation was named "Outstanding Philanthropic Organization" by the Planned Giving Council of Acadiana.

Public Education

The Foundation also sponsors related forums, lectures and educational programs for the community on topics of concern. Current on-going programs include sessions on puberty, college preparedness for high school juniors, legal rights and responsibilities for young parents and baby-sitter training. WFI also sponsors the annual week-long Women’s Health Expo and coordinates the efforts of the community based Healthy Lifestyle Coalition.

In 2004, the Newborn Exhibit at Women’s & Children’s Hospital opened. This artistic seascape gallery is filled with personalized tiles of fish to commemorate the birth of any baby ever born at Women’s & Children’s Hospital. Proceeds from the sale of the commemorative fish support the community education programs.

Woman's Foundation Inc.
Board of Directors
2009-2010

Elaine Abell	Michael Judice, MD
Linda Alesi	Judith Kennedy
Emilia J. Bellone	Paulette Landry
Jeanne Billeaud	Lawrence Lewis, III
Michael Boos, MD	Joan Marshak, MD
Jennifer Boustany, MD	Donald Mickal, MD
Anne B. Broussard, RN, DNS	Monique Monteilh, MD
Donna Broussard	Mary Neilheisel, RN, EDD
Mary O. Broussard	William Pelletier, MD
Kenneth Brown, MD	Ronald Prejean
Kenneth Christup, MD	Juliette "Tina" Stefanski, MD
Debra Crowe, MD	John Storment, MD
Dalta Gary	Joseph B. Wolf
Phebe A. Hayes, PhD	James Zehnder, MD
Angela Jacks	Kathy Bobbs