The purpose of the fund is to “Provide women in need with a hand up, not a hand out, so they may live with dignity and independence." This year we provided amazing women stipends from the Bettie Brand Fund. Receiving these funds means the spirit award recipients must agree to “pay it forward” in whatever way they can and whenever they are ready. Click on the recipients below to read about their stories. To share a story with others on facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, tumblr or via email, mouse over the photograph and use the share button that will show on the bottom right.