The northeast region of North Carolina, one of the most rural areas of the state, has faced problems serving its needy population.

Now, two women's giving circles have stepped in to help meet the challenge.

The Northern Albemarle Women Givers serves Gates, Camden, Pasquotank and Perquimans counties, while the Bertie-Hertford Women's Fund serves nearby Bertie and Hertford counties.

"Most of these six counties are identified by the state as tier 1 or tier 2 counties economically," says Peggy Birkemeier, senior associate in the northeast region for the North Carolina Community Foundation, referring to their high levels of poverty.

The women's funds, launched three years ago with $10,000 each from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation through N.C. Gives, aim to serve women and girls, addressing needs ranging from teen pregnancy to domestic violence, Birkemeier says... Read more