In today’s rundown: A grantee pushes for more affordable housing in Montgomery County. | A free health clinic opens its doors for the day in D.C. | A look at working moms and their places in the workforce. | The nine Cs of women’s philanthropy.

In today’s rundown: A Grantee Partner testifies about the unique challenges formerly incarcerated women in D.C. face.  The same Grantee Partner — Our Place DC — also discusses how the female condom could empower women.  And tax holidays for back-t0-school shopping are coming up in Maryland and Virginia.

Women won several high-profile races on Tuesday at both the state and national levels.  I am celebrating these victories, even for women whose politics and positions I don’t share.

When was the last political “year of the woman”? 1992.  We are past overdue.

The latest news, analysis and opinion on the state of low-income women and their families from Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity.  This week: Why extreme poverty can lead to pregnancy problems…. Plus, cuts could be made to a monthly stipend that former Florida foster children depend on.

In today’s rundown: A Grantee Partner receives a huge check as part of a workforce development project in Virginia | Maryland’s child support guidelines may be overhauled for the first time in two decades | “Are We There Yet?” — a look a gender discrimination at work

Unemployment has been a particularly relevant topic in this time of economic downturn, and it garnered even more attention last week when the Department of Labor released its latest numbers that showed unemployment hit 10.2 percent in October.

Days after the District made the shocking announcement that $20 million had been cut from the homeless services budget for the 2010 fiscal year, advocates and organizations that provide shelter for the homeless are still reeling. One of The Women’s Foundation grantee partners is reaching out for help – as winter approaches and the organizations that assist the homeless face a crisis.

We’ve partnered with The Urban Institute to provide continuing information and resources related to the goals of Stepping Stones. Below you’ll find a summary of the latest research on issues of economic security and financial independence for women and their families. This research is summarized and compiled for The Women’s Foundation by Liza Getsinger of The Urban Institute, NeighborhoodInfo DC.

Today is Car Free Day, an international event celebrated every September 22nd that encourages people to leave their car at home.  Our region signed on last year and is participating again this year.

The DC Women’s Agenda has completed an analysis of the funding levels of particular programs in the FY 2010 DC budget and their impact on women in D.C.