OUR HISTORY
From sixteen women on a front lawn to a vital community institution - the WHAP story of transformation and impact
The Beginning (1990)
WHAP began in 1990 with the vision and driving effort of Mattie Boatman and Royce McLemore. It started with sixteen Marin City women gathering on Royce's front lawn to express their concern for the life of the community's young women who lived in public housing.
What followed was the formation of a small Women Support Group called "Women Helping Women" (WHW). Among the women in the group were Cora Cosio, Suzanne Cooper, Candy Elders, Mary Morgan, Debra Judd, and Lori Fall, to name just a few.
Founding Vision
"We believed that no one should face life's challenges alone, and that together we could create lasting change in our community."
Timeline of Growth and Impact
WHAP Founded
Mattie Boatman and Royce McLemore gather sixteen Marin City women on Royce's front lawn to form 'Women Helping Women' (WHW), expressing concern for young women in public housing.
- •Original group included Cora Cosio, Suzanne Cooper, Candy Elders, Mary Morgan, Debra Judd, and Lori Fall
- •Started as a small women's support group
- •Focus on community's young women in public housing
Computer Learning Center Established
WHAP launches its groundbreaking Computer Learning Center, the first and only Regional Occupational Program providing computer literacy in Southern Marin.
- •First computer literacy program in Southern Marin
- •Grassroots initiative to empower residents
- •Focus on job skills and economic empowerment
Expansion of Services
Under Royce McLemore's leadership, Women Helping Women transforms into 'Women Helping All People,' expanding to serve all community members.
- •Name change reflects broader mission
- •Services expanded beyond women to all community members
- •Partnership development with local agencies
WHAP Scholastic Academy Opens
WHAP establishes its private school for children Kindergarten through 8th grade, founded on Christian principles and academic excellence.
- •Private school serving K-8 students
- •Christian-based educational philosophy
- •Small class sizes and individualized attention
Founder Honored
Royce McLemore is inducted into the Marin Women's Hall of Fame in the category of Social Change, recognizing her transformative community work.
- •Recognition for social contribution and public service
- •Marin Community acknowledgment
- •Hall of Fame induction ceremony
Academy 10th Anniversary
WHAP Scholastic Academy celebrates its 10th anniversary, having educated hundreds of students and established itself as a cornerstone of community education.
- •Decade of educational excellence
- •Hundreds of students graduated
- •Community celebration and recognition
30 Years of Service
WHAP marks three decades of community service, adapting programs to meet evolving needs while maintaining core mission of empowerment and education.
- •30 years of continuous community service
- •Program adaptation and evolution
- •Sustained community impact
Continued Growth
WHAP continues to expand services and impact, serving over 1000 families and maintaining its position as a vital community resource center.
- •Over 1000 families served
- •Expanded program offerings
- •Continued community leadership
Our Continuing Legacy
From those humble beginnings on a front lawn to becoming a cornerstone of the Marin County community, WHAP has remained true to its founding vision: that no one should face life's challenges alone. Today, we continue to evolve and expand our services to meet the changing needs of our community while staying rooted in the values of compassion, empowerment, and collective support that our founders established over three decades ago.