Avis' Legacy Fund
Her Life. Her Legacy. Their Opportunity.
The Avis' Legacy Fund is a signature initiative of Blessing Our Women, Inc. created in memory of Avis Wells and established to transform remembrance into opportunity, support, and new beginnings for others.
Avis was a mother of six—one daughter and five sons, including twins. Her life was tragically cut short by domestic violence. But her legacy deserves to be remembered for more than the way her life ended. Through Avis' Legacy, BOW honors the woman, the mother, the life, and the legacy while investing in women who are continuing to build their own futures.
"Her Story Didn't End With Her. Her Legacy Lives Through What We Help Others Begin."
More Than a Memorial
Turning Remembrance Into Opportunity.
Avis' Legacy was created from loss, but its purpose is rooted in possibility. The Fund allows BOW to honor Avis by helping women move toward greater stability, education, opportunity, and independence.
Rather than creating a memorial that simply tells the story of what happened to her, BOW chose to create something that can continue doing good in her name.
"We Remember Her by Helping Another Woman Move Forward."
One Legacy. Two Ways to Make an Impact.
The Avis' Legacy Fund serves as the umbrella for two distinct BOW initiatives.
Avis' Legacy Scholarship
Education Creates Possibility.
The Avis' Legacy Scholarship provides $500 educational scholarships to eligible recipients who have been personally impacted by domestic violence and are pursuing education and future opportunities. The scholarship recognizes academic commitment, community involvement, resilience, and the determination to continue moving forward.
Learn About the ScholarshipAvis' Legacy Survivor Stabilization Grant
Sometimes the Next Step Requires Immediate Support.
The Survivor Stabilization Grant provides $250–$300 in approved assistance once annually to one eligible active BOW program participant experiencing a critical transition or stabilization need. Approved assistance may address qualifying needs such as utilities or telephone reconnection, transportation related to work or essential responsibilities, essential living needs, or other approved transitional support.
Learn About the Stabilization GrantThe Difference Between the Two
One Fund. Two Distinct Initiatives.
| Avis' Legacy Scholarship | Survivor Stabilization Grant | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Education & future opportunity | Immediate stabilization |
| Award | $500 per recipient | $250–$300 |
| Who It Serves | Eligible scholarship applicants | One eligible active BOW program participant annually |
| Primary Focus | Education/training and future goals | Critical transitional need |
| Selection | Scholarship application & review | Internal eligibility/need review |
| Frequency | Annual scholarship cycle | Once annually |
| Public Recognition | Recipient invited to Purple Passion | Private assistance; no automatic public recognition |
Avis' Legacy Scholarship
Honoring Her Legacy. Investing in Their Future.
The Avis' Legacy Scholarship supports eligible individuals who have been personally impacted by domestic violence and are pursuing education as part of their future.
Annual Scholarship Cycle — 2027
Opens
January 6, 2027
Closes
April 24, 2027
Award Window
June 21–27, 2027
Scholarship Amount: $500 per recipient
Community Service Requirement
60 Documented Volunteer Hours
Qualifying service is not limited to domestic violence organizations. Eligible community service may include unpaid, verifiable service through approved nonprofit organizations, schools, churches or faith-based organizations, community organizations, domestic violence organizations, youth programs, senior programs, food banks or pantries, community initiatives, and other qualifying charitable or civic organizations.
"Her Future Matters. So Does How She Gives Back."
Her Story Is Hers to Tell
We Don't Require Trauma to Become a Performance.
Because applicants have been personally impacted by domestic violence, the scholarship application may ask them to reflect on how those experiences have influenced their educational journey, personal growth, goals, or perspective. But applicants should not be required to provide graphic details of abuse to prove that their experience matters.
Her Journey
How her experiences have influenced her education, growth, goals, or outlook.
What's Next
How the Avis' Legacy Scholarship would support her educational goals and future.
"A survivor should never have to compete by proving whose trauma was worse."
The Award Happens in June. The Celebration Continues in October.
Selected in June. Celebrated at Purple Passion.
Avis' Legacy Scholarship recipients are selected and notified during the last full week of June. Recipients then receive complimentary admission to BOW's Annual Purple Passion Luncheon in October, where BOW has the opportunity to celebrate their educational accomplishments, goals, and future.
The scholarship is awarded in June. Purple Passion is the recognition and celebration—not the selection date.
Public recognition is handled with consideration for the recipient's privacy and consent. A recipient should never be required to publicly identify herself as a domestic violence survivor simply because she accepts a scholarship.
Explore the Annual Purple Passion LuncheonSurvivor Stabilization Grant
A Little Support at a Critical Moment Can Change the Next Step.
Education is one path toward a new beginning. Sometimes, however, a woman needs help stabilizing the life she's living right now. The Avis' Legacy Survivor Stabilization Grant provides limited assistance to one eligible active BOW program participant annually who is experiencing an approved critical transition or stabilization need.
Annual Award
$250–$300
Potential Qualifying Needs
Final assistance depends on applicable eligibility requirements, available funding, and BOW's review. This grant is separate from the Avis' Legacy Scholarship and from BOW Access. Assistance is provided privately and does not include automatic public recognition.
"Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is help someone take the next step."
Support Avis' Legacy
Help Us Keep Her Legacy Alive.
Donations to Avis' Legacy help BOW continue awarding scholarships and providing stabilization assistance to women who need it most. Every contribution helps transform remembrance into opportunity.