Ann McCormick was a devoted friend of New Endeavors by Women (NEW) and it is with very heavy hearts we share the news of her passing. Her support of NEW from our early days shaped the organization and helped NEW grow to where we are today. We honor her legacy and her lasting, positive impact on ourselves and our work.
Ann's obituary contains a wonderful account of her work history before she was introduced to NEW:
"Ann was a proud and dedicated civil servant for nearly four decades before retiring in 2014. She started her career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, working in the Food Stamp Program, and then transitioned to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Ann often said that she 'worked for the 'human' part of Health and Human Services,' focusing on programs that provided food, shelter, and resources to those Americans who needed extra help. In 1998, she also spent a year working on Capitol Hill as a Congressional Fellow with Rep. Pete Stark (D-Ca.) to further alleviate the plight of women in need of government assistance."
In 1989, Pete Stark's office was introduced to NEW when a letter from the Housing Action Coalition in D.C. was sent to members of the District of Columbia Committee of the U.S. Congress. Pete was a member of this Committee. The letter asked officials in the D.C. government to reconsider continuing funding for NEW and another program, both new transitional housing programs which, in just one year, had made incredible progress helping homeless people to move out of homelessness. In the end, the city continued funding for both.
So, in 1998, when Ann arrived in Pete Stark's office, NEW was well-established as a program supported by many Congressional staff members, including Pete. Ann quickly became a supporter, too! NEW's mission was closely aligned with Ann's committed belief in "caring for the vulnerable in society."
In 1999, Ann was invited to become a member of NEW's Board of Directors and later took on the job of Board Secretary. She continued on as a member of the Board until 2017.
During these years, she introduced her family and friends to NEW, always inviting them to attend the annual fall fundraiser, "Moving Out of Homelessness." She put a lot of energy into the fundraiser's silent auction each year, including coming early to set up the auction tables. For many years one of her nephews played the piano providing background music at the event.
Ann also served on numerous NEW Board committees, updated the Board bylaws, was instrumental drafting NEW's investment policy, and willing to help in whatever capacity needed. She was a committed supporter of our mission and generously gave of her time, talent and resources. After leaving the Board, she continued to serve on the Development Committee, contributing items for the silent auction, participating as a sponsor, bringing friends and family to the fundraiser. She also made a point to give to NEW each month as a Partner for the Future, and showed up to support the Executive Director and Development team in many ways.
We are grateful for all the time, energy and resources that Ann gave so generously to NEW. NEW continues today because of friends such as Ann! Her compassion and genuine love for the women and children we serve will be missed tremendously!
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