Faith.
Service.
Leadership.
Delivering essential resources — food, housing, education, and wellness — to families across Hartford while building women into faith-driven leaders. Grant-backed, community-rooted, and accountable to every person we serve.
A Vision Rooted in Faith
Organizational Mission
To foster a compassionate and empowering community where like-minded women unite to encourage, uplift, and support one another through faith, service, and leadership — providing essential resources while inspiring women to pursue God's purpose through leadership development, education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and holistic wellness.
"Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her."Luke 1:45
Vision Statement
To cultivate resilient women, empowered families, thriving neighborhoods, and transformational leaders who positively influence generations.
"Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."Hebrews 11:1
Measurable Outcomes
WILA translates faith into action. Every dollar and every volunteer hour is directed toward restoring dignity, building leadership capacity, and strengthening families where institutional systems fall short.
Families Served
Across Hartford neighborhoods
Women Empowered
Through workshops & mentorship
Years of Service
Sustained community impact
Programs Offered
Empowerment, housing, food and more
Why Funders Back WILA
Grantors and community partners see clear, community-anchored outcomes — not aspirational claims. WILA's programs are tied to real families served, real resources distributed, and real women placed into leadership pipelines.
- Volunteer-led grassroots nonprofit rooted in Hartford
- Direct emergency resources: food, housing, education & wellness
- Leadership development pipeline for young women of faith
- Collaborative partnerships with local schools & faith orgs
Principles of Service
Faith
Christ-centered choices based on Biblical truth.
Compassion
Serving with dignity and love.
Integrity
Upholding confidentiality and ethics.
Empowerment
Offering tools for independence.
Service
Meeting needs and fostering growth.
Excellence
Providing high-quality services.
Stewardship
Faithfully managing resources.
"She is clothed with strength and dignity."
Three Pathways to Faith
A Safe Sisterhood
Creating a space where we feel heard and respected, sharing openly knowing all remains confidential.
- Group Support
- Impromptu’s
- Walk & Talks
- Inspiration Hub
Inspire & Equip
Incorporating insights from biblical studies to inspire and equip individuals with knowledge and wisdom for purposeful living.
- Weekly Prayer
- Discovery Calls
- Intercessory Prayer
- Daily Devotion
Support & Disciple
Providing support fosters stable living environments, paving the way for deeper faith and opportunities for discipleship.
- Bible Commitment
- Spiritual Growth
- Word Studies
- Vision Buildout
Growth Mindset Summit
A three-session journey for young women to discover their identity, build a vision for their future, and activate their God-given purpose. Please complete your registration by August 31, 2026.
Session One
The Gathering
Know Yourself
Session Two
The Assessment
Build Your Vision
Session Three
Activate & Execute
Activate Your Future
JOIN THE WILA SUMMIT
DISCOVER. BUILD. ACTIVATE.
Meeting Tangible Needs
State Aid & Benefits
Assistance with applications for state and federal benefit programs.
- DSS: SNAP, TFA and Medicaid
- Social Security Applications (SSD/SSI)
- CT Energy Assistance Program
- Renters Rebate (based on funding available)
- Emergency Assistance — Operation Fuel (based on funding availability)
Food for Families
Provide emergency food assistance to families experiencing food insecurity.
- Nonperishable food
- Holiday food baskets
- Community food drives
- Partner pantry referrals
Financial Boost Program
Prevent homelessness through emergency financial assistance.
- Rental arrears
- Security deposits
- Utility shutoff prevention
- Housing stabilization referrals
Eligibility: Income verification, housing documentation, need assessment, and case management participation.
Back2School Pool
Equip children with what they need to start the school year with confidence.
- School uniforms
- Backpacks
- School supplies
- Diapers / Pull-ups
- Community resources
Additional Services
To provide access to trauma-informed recovery referral services.
- Domestic violence support
- Behavioral health
- Therapy Referral
- Addiction recovery referrals
- Other clinical services that promote safety, healing, stability, and long-term well-being for individuals and families
Give With Purpose
"When you give to WILA, you're doing more than making a donation — you're investing in hope." Take nothing for granted.
Every contribution helps WILA provide food, clothing, diapers, household necessities, mentorship, leadership development, and supportive services to women, children, and families throughout our community.
Select Your Impact
Because of your gift, a woman in Hartford will support educational workshops and leadership development.
Women Who Carry the Vision
Corrida Resto Barnes
Founder & Executive Director
A Hartford native with over 20 years of community service experience. She founded WILA in 2023 to empower women and families. A Notary Public with Intercessory Training and a Licensed Evangelist.
Kohlbi McPhail
Board Chair
A nonprofit leader with over 20 years in community engagement. Executive Director of Our B.R.O.S. and leader of Goall Friends LLC. A certified life coach and ordained minister committed to equity and sustainable impact.
Lashonda Charles
Secretary
Founder of The Honey Pot Catering Company, recognized for her organization, communication, and service. Known for reliability, attention to detail, and strong client relationships.
Michelle Burnett
Finance Chair
Over 30 years of experience in risk assessment and operations management. Holds a BS in Management and manages expenses while securing donations and grants to positively impact families.
Brianna Spriggs
Board Member
Over 15 years as a practice manager in Women’s Healthcare. Passionate about helping women adopt a holistic lifestyle and supporting them through various challenges.
Built for Funders & Community
WILA operates with the governance, reporting, and community-rooted integrity that grant funders, institutional partners, and donors expect. Our structure is designed for accountability — every gift is traceable to a family, a program, or a person made stronger.
501(c)(3) Registered
Officially recognized non-profit with federal tax-exempt status and full regulatory compliance.
Board-Governed
Five-member governing board with executive director, finance chair, and secretary ensuring accountability.
Transparent Reporting
Annual impact reports and financial records available to funders, partners, and the community we serve.
Community Partners
Active collaboration with local agencies, faith organizations, and education programs for measurable reach.
Ready to Partner
Request a grant packet or partner brief
Life After High School
Our goal is to equip young adults with practical skills, confidence, resources and opportunities that can help them learn, grow and thrive in life after high school.