Avis' Legacy Scholarship

...my guardian angel

Applications for the Avis’ Legacy Scholarship open annually on January 6 and close on the first Saturday in March. Scholarship recipients are announced and honored at the Herssler Ambition Brunch, held annually on the fourth Saturday in March.

If you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive application updates and deadline reminders, please email us at info@blessingourwomeninc.org.

🎓 Scholarship Award Details

Award Amount: $500
Recipients: Final number determined after application review
Recognition: All recipients are honored as Distinguished Guests at our Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Luncheon

🕊️ About the Scholarship

The Avis’ Legacy Scholarship is named in loving memory of Avis Wells, a mother of six whose life was tragically cut short by domestic violence. Avis left behind one daughter and five sons, including a set of twins. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched and the strength she embodied.

This scholarship also represents a deeply personal journey for our founder, who in 2023 survived domestic violence after being shot in the face by a former partner. Through faith, resilience, and healing, that experience transformed pain into purpose.

The Avis’ Legacy Scholarship is not only a tribute to Avis — it is a call to action:
To uplift, support, and empower survivors of domestic violence who are working to rebuild their lives through education, training, and opportunity.

🟪 About Blessing Our Women, Inc.

Blessing Our Women, Inc. (B.O.W. Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering survivors, fostering healing, and honoring those we have lost to domestic violence.

Through awareness, education, and memorial impact initiatives — including the Avis’ Legacy Scholarship — we are committed to building safer futures and stronger communities.

Since 2015, we have remained devoted to:

Hosting educational luncheons and community events
Providing life skills and empowerment workshops
Creating healing-centered spaces for survivors
Ensuring every woman hears, “You are not alone.”

Avis Legacy Scholarship Recipients

Honoring resilience. Uplifting futures.

Each year, the Avis’ Legacy Scholarship recognizes outstanding individuals who have demonstrated courage, strength, and commitment to rebuilding their lives after experiencing domestic violence. This scholarship, named in honor of Avis Wells, serves as both a tribute and a turning point — helping survivors pursue their educational dreams and step confidently into the next chapter of their lives.

Every recipient receives a $500 scholarship and is honored as a Distinguished Guest at our Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Luncheon, where their stories are celebrated and their journeys are uplifted by the community.

🌟 Celebrating Our Scholars

We are incredibly proud of each recipient and their unwavering determination to rise from adversity and build a better future. Their voices, their dreams, and their drive are the heartbeat of this program — and a powerful reminder that healing and success are possible.

Please join us in congratulating our Avis’ Legacy honorees on their well-deserved achievements. Their stories inspire us to keep going, keep fighting, and keep building pathways to possibility.

🙏 To Every Applicant: Thank You

To all who have applied — thank you for sharing your story, your truth, and your vision. The strength you’ve shown is nothing short of extraordinary. We honor you, and we encourage you to continue walking boldly toward your goals and making a difference in your communities.

💜 Support the Legacy

To support future scholarships and ensure survivors can continue their educational journeys, consider becoming a sponsor, donor, or partner. Your contribution helps us turn pain into purpose — one scholar at a time.

📩 info@blessingourwomeninc.org

Scholarship Eligibility & Requirements

From Survival to Success. From Pain to Purpose.

To be considered for the Avis’ Legacy Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

✅ Eligibility Requirements

Must be an undergraduate student or incoming college/university student
Must have been personally affected by domestic violence
Must have completed at least 60 hours of volunteer service at a domestic violence center
Must hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5

📨 Required Documents Checklist

All application materials must be submitted by the application deadline via mail to:

📬 Blessing Our Women, Inc.
3157 Gentilly Blvd. Suite 2005
New Orleans, LA 70122

📎 Submit the Following:

Completed Scholarship Application Form
Personal Statement (2 pages, typed):
- Page 1: How domestic violence impacted your education
- Page 2: How this scholarship will impact your future
Two (2) professional letters of recommendation
Community Service Verification Form
- Minimum 60 hours at a domestic violence center
Official transcripts
- High School Seniors: Final high school transcript
- College Students: Most recent college transcript
- New students without transcripts: Include a brief explanation
Proof of enrollment (required before scholarship funds are awarded)

⚠️ Important Notes

Incomplete or late applications will be disqualified
Award notifications are issued following the annual review process
Recipients must be present (or represented) at the Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Luncheon to be honored

📅 Upcoming Scholarship Cycles

All scholarship cycles follow the same annual schedule:

Applications Open: January 6
Applications Close: First Saturday in March
Recipients Announced: Fourth Saturday in March

Confirmed Dates

Year Applications Close Recipient Announcement

2026 March 7, 2026 March 28, 2026

2027 March 6, 2027 March 27, 2027

2028 March 4, 2028 March 25, 2028

2029 March 3, 2029 March 24, 2029

2030 March 2, 2030 March 23, 2030

Any updates or changes will be communicated directly to applicants via email.

Avis’ Legacy Survivor Stabilization Grant

Support for the Moment That Matters Most

Offered once per year, the Avis’ Legacy Survivor Stabilization Grant provides one-time financial assistance to one active participant of a Blessing Our Women program who is experiencing a critical transition.

This grant is designed to address immediate stabilization needs, allowing survivors to maintain momentum in their healing and rebuilding journey.

Grant Details:

Award Amount: $250–$300
Frequency: Once per year
Recipient: 1 individual annually
Eligibility: Active Blessing Our Women program participants only

Eligible Uses May Include:

Utilities or phone reconnection
Transportation or work-related expenses
Essential living needs
Transitional support costs

Application Timeline:

Applications Open: May
Recipient Selected: June

Selection is conducted through an internal review process based on demonstrated need, program engagement, and the potential impact of funds.

🤍 Why These Initiatives Matter

The Avis’ Legacy initiatives are more than financial support — they are a call to action.

They exist to uplift, support, and empower survivors of domestic violence who are working to rebuild their lives through education, healing, and stability.

Each scholarship and grant represents:

Dignity over dependency
Support without judgment
Legacy through impact

💙 Support the Avis’ Legacy Fund

Help Us Grow the Impact

Donations to the Avis’ Legacy Fund directly support:

Educational scholarships
Survivor stabilization initiatives
Long-term empowerment efforts for survivors

Every contribution helps extend Avis’ legacy by creating real opportunities for survivors to move forward.

👉 Donate Now

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