Dare to Dream: Local Women Awarded Grants to Pursue Their Passions and Serve the Community

The Front Royal Women’s Resource Center (FRWRC) celebrated another inspiring year of empowering local women through its Dare to Dream Grant Program. Established in 1999 by FRWRC founder JoEllen McNeal, the program provides financial support to women living or working in Warren County, offering them the resources to pursue education, launch or grow a business, or contribute meaningfully to the community.

Each spring, grant recipients are recognized at the organization’s Dare to Dream Breakfast—a tradition that not only awards funding but also honors the courage, determination, and vision of women working to create brighter futures for themselves and those around them. This year, FRWRC awarded $8,000 in Dare to Dream grants, $5,000 in healthcare-specific grants through a new partnership with Warren Memorial Hospital Foundation, and $6,000 in scholarships through the Elaine Bromfield Memorial Fund for the Empowerment of Women, totaling $19,000 in support for 15 local women.

Dare to Dream 2025 Winners

A Program Rooted in Purpose

The Dare to Dream program is more than a financial award—it’s a lifeline for women ready to take a step forward but needing a little help to get there. Grant amounts vary each year based on available donations, with a cap of $1,000 per recipient. Applications are reviewed based on merit, financial need, and the strength of the dream—whether that dream is educational, entrepreneurial, or service-oriented. Finalists are interviewed before grants are awarded, ensuring the selection process remains intentional and community-driven.

“The grants may not be huge,” said FRWRC Executive Director, Liz Coffey, “but they are often the spark someone needs to begin something life-changing.”

2025 Dare to Dream Grant Recipients

Nine women were awarded Dare to Dream grants this year for projects ranging from business development to creative endeavors and community service.

Jessica Shafer ($900) is a licensed cosmetologist at Rebel Heart Beauty Co. Her grant will support continued education and the purchase of new equipment to improve services for her clients.

Kristen Kum ($600) is a local photographer dedicated to growing her business. She will use the grant to upgrade her equipment and build her professional portfolio.

Meaghan Lane ($1,000) is the founder of Graceful Glow Tallow, a skincare business rooted in clean, toxin-free products. Her journey began as a personal mission to eliminate harmful substances from her family’s life. Now, she’s ready to expand her business with help from the grant.

Leah Howard ($1,000) is a young entrepreneur studying Digital Design and Media Production at Liberty University. A former “18 Under 18” honoree in Baltimore Magazine, Leah dreams of launching a faith-based creative school or program for youth.

Sarah Hickman ($1,000), a wife and mother of two, has returned to school to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Development. She hopes to continue her education toward a Bachelor’s degree and ultimately become a public school teacher.

Lauren Calhoun ($1,000), owner of Rebel Heart Beauty Co., is a master esthetician with over twenty certifications. Her dream is to bring facial treatments to elderly residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities—providing dignity and care to a population often overlooked.

Wendy Kurtz ($600) has spent recent years developing a dog park for reactive and fearful dogs on her property. Now, she plans to pursue certification as a professional dog trainer to better serve dogs and their owners in the community.

Emily Reinhardt ($900) has a degree in Human Services and a passion for kayak bass fishing. Active in multiple Virginia fishing tournaments, Emily shares her experiences with thousands of followers online. Her grant will support the launch of a YouTube channel where she hopes to grow her audience and earn income doing what she loves.

Catherine Bacik ($1,000) runs a community-based photo booth business and plans to expand her services by offering additional backgrounds and on-site photo printing options.

Healthcare Dreams Made Possible

In a new partnership with the Warren Memorial Hospital Foundation, FRWRC awarded five $1,000 Dare to Dream Healthcare Grants to women actively pursuing careers in the medical field. These recipients reflect both personal resilience and a desire to serve others through healthcare.

Katherine Glascock discovered her passion while working in a dental office and is now studying Surgical Technology at Laurel Ridge Community College. Her goal is to become a physician’s assistant and serve underserved communities.

Ella Gatton, a Certified Nursing Assistant at Winchester Medical Center, is pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a Registered Nurse while attending classes at Laurel Ridge.

Amanda Garza is working toward a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. Her vision is to use her education to positively impact both her own life and the lives of those around her.

Sadie Rothrock, a single mother of three, balances her responsibilities while working as a Certified Medical Assistant at Valley Health Urgent Care. She’s currently completing her prerequisites to apply to a nursing program.

Rasheva Sperry began her nursing career after graduating from Lord Fairfax Community College in 2006. With experience in emergency and cardiac care, she’s now pursuing a Master’s degree at Radford University, focused on healthcare leadership.

Elaine Bromfield Memorial Scholarships

The FRWRC also proudly awarded two $3,000 scholarships from the Elaine Bromfield Memorial Fund, established in memory of founding FRWRC member and passionate advocate for women’s rights, Elaine Bromfield. Maintained through the Community Foundation of the Northern Shenandoah Valley, the fund honors Elaine’s commitment to empowering women through education.

Genevieve Blodgett, enrolled in the nursing program at Shepherd University, has dreamed of a career in healthcare since childhood. Her goal is to work in medically underserved areas across the country.

Rusha Patel holds a Master’s in Public Health from George Washington University and is now pursuing her Doctorate of Pharmacy at Virginia Commonwealth University. She plans to return to Front Royal to serve her community as a pharmacist.

Looking Ahead

The Dare to Dream program stands as a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community invests in its women. From single mothers returning to school to small business owners expanding their dreams, each story speaks to courage, hope, and the impact of giving someone a chance.

Coffey said, “When we support women in pursuing their dreams, we’re building a stronger, more compassionate community for everyone.”

The FRWRC thanks all donors, volunteers, and community partners who make these grants possible each year. To learn more, donate, or apply for a future Dare to Dream grant, visit www.frwrc.org.