Building Futures Leader Honored by County

San Leandro, CA (March 11, 2005) - Because of her efforts promoting and creating opportunities for women, Elaine de Coligny, Executive Director of Building Futures with Women and Children, has been selected as a 2005 Women of the Year and will be honored for her achievements. The award is being presented by the Alameda County Health Care Foundation, the Commission on the Status of Women, and the Alameda County Board of Supervisors at a luncheon being held Saturday, March 26, 2005 at 11:30 am at the Oakland City Center Marriott.

This is the County's 12th year in presenting the Women's Hall of Fame, which was established in 1993 to recognize outstanding women in Alameda County for their achievement and contributions to the County and its citizens. This year, women will be honored in nine categories: Business and Professions, Community Service, Culture and Art, Education, Health, Justice, Science, Sports and Athletics, and Youth.

Building Futures was founded in 1988 and operates the San Leandro Shelter, Sister Me Home Safe House, Midway Shelter, and Bessie Coleman Court. The agency helps women to build new lives by offering shelter and supportive services to homeless and battered women and their children, outreach victims of domestic abuse, affordable housing for formerly homeless women and children, and a 24-hour crisis line:1-888-A-WAY-OUT. Ms. De Coligny has been the charity's executive director for thirteen years.

For further information on the luncheon and the Women's Hall of Fame, contact Carolyn Roach at (510) 535-7414. For information about Building Futures, call Patricia Bidar at 357-0205, ext. 114, or visit www.bfwc.org.

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