SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The O'Dell Women's Center Foundation presented a grant this Thursday to non-profits serving low-income women from Springfield. The grant goes towards funding programs that focus on education and career advancement for women and young girls. "We do want to work in a way that supports them and their aspirations and their goals. And of course, economic stability will afford them the opportunity to do such," said Executive Director of the O'Dell Women's Center, Margaret Tantillo. Uplifting and empowering women is the goal of a $250,000 grant from the O'Dell Women's Center. During a celebration held at the Valentine Mansion in Springfield, the center presented the funding to eight different non-profits. Non-profits being awarded: South End Community Center: Provide a place for women to do out of school programming and safe spot for their children to stay Gray House: Support adult education and bilingual programming Parent Villages: Creating different educational and vocational opportunities for young adults Hope for Youth and Families: The O'Dell Women's Center is providing a college success manager in that location Girls Inc of the Valley: Preparing high school students for STEM opportunities and go on to higher education Dress for Success Western Mass. : Supporting workforce development Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield, Head Start: Programing for the parents and are going to open up some of those spaces to a wider range of people United Way of Pioneer Valley: Funding a wellness to work program, meaning once people are employed helping them navigate and become upwardly mobile These funds will not only support each non-profit's ongoing work, but also provide the means for further growth and development. They will be providing additional school programs, adult education, and workforce development. "So many of the women in the community are do not have the access to necessities to be successful parents, successful individuals in the community, and also workforce training," expressed President and CEO of United Way, Megan Moynihan. United Way will use the funding to provide financial stability training and access to wraparound services. Another grantee, Girls Inc. of the Valley will be using the funds towards their Eureka! program, which prepares high school students for STEM careers. "Many of these careers have tremendous opportunities for financial impact on a person's family and community. So it's important for youth to understand what those opportunities are," said Executive Director of Girls Inc. of the Valley, Suzanne Parker. These non-profits setting up the path for both young girls and women to succeed. Local News Headlines Massachusetts State Police release Body Camera footage of Nick Cocchi arrest Holyoke to hold special election January 28th O’Dell Women’s Center presents $250K to eight non-profits serving low-income women from Springfield Former president and CEO of Eastern States Exposition George Jones has died, leaving self-penned note in lieu of obituary WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.