Women and Family Life Center Updates And Announcements - March 3, 2023

Dear Friends of the Women & Family Life Center,

March is a time when we reflect on the history of women and honor the strength and courage so many before us had. Women have risen in the last hundred years, and now is a time we need to remember those positive changes and keep fighting for the protection for all.

In 1920 the 19th amendment was ratified, which legally guarantees American women the right to vote. In 1963 the Equal Pay Act, which prohibits sex-based wage discrimination between men and women performing the same job in the same workplace, was signed into law. Then in 1972, Title IX became a law that states, "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." More than 20 years later, in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act was signed, which provides funding for programs that help victims of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, stalking, and other gender-related violence. In 2014 the U.S. military removed a ban against women serving in combat positions. And then, in 2021, a woman was sworn in as vice president. 

But these are just some of the good that has been done to support women in the last 100 years.

Here at the Women & Family Life Center, we open our doors every week to support women and those seeking services. 

On March 23rd, we ask for your support and for you to join us at the empowHer gala. This fundraiser is about recognizing the imagined life of those who came to the Center.

And just like so many who have come before us and who will come after us, we all need support. Please help support the Women & Family Life Center so we can continue to support those who imagine a better life, just like those in the last 100 years.

We look forward to celebrating with you on the 23rd! 

As always, nothing is impossible,

Jennifer Wenderoth-Holster, MPA
Executive Director
[email protected]

The empowHer Gala is an extraordinary event which supports the W&FLC’s mission of providing services and resources to women and all families in crisis on the Connecticut shoreline.

The Gala is a festive evening for a great cause. Attendees will enjoy complimentary drinks and the delectable cuisine of Chef Silvio; dance to the tunes spun by DJ John “Cadillac” Saville; capture memories with the Esskay Four Photo Booth; and bid on amazing auction prizes hosted by auctioneer John Peters.

Don't Miss It

Tickets: https://bit.ly/EmpowHER23

International Women’s Day is March 8

Celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women by honoring a woman in your life with a donation of $23 in her name.

Honor her with a one-time $23 donation OR pledge $23 each month for a year. We will let your amazing woman know that you demonstrated your commitment to empowerment for women with a donation in her name that will support other women in their time of crisis.

$23 in 2023

Who will you honor on International Women’s Day?

Important News to Know

In March Say "YES!"

at Bishop's Orchards

Do you shop at Bishop's Orchards? Of course you do! In March, don't forget to say "YES!" when asked if you would like to "round up" your total at check out. All the proceeds made during March Round-Up will be donated to the Women & Family Life Center.

A HUGE thank you to our partners and friends, Bishop's Orchards, for selecting Women & Family Life as March's round-up recipient!

Thank you CT WaveRunners!

A big shout out and many thanks to the CT WaveRunners and all of their incredible runners who presented W&FLC with a generous donation. These funds were raised through their #LetHerRun Women's Safety Campaign. #LetHerRun is raising awareness for the safety of female runners on the road while also educating communities to respect women runners.

We are honored to be one of their chosen organizations to support.

The Shoreline Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Task Force

The Shoreline Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Task Force (SDVSATF) is a collaborative effort among providers on the shoreline to promote advocacy and awareness campaigns while coordinating resources and aid in the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault. 

The next meeting of SDVSATF is set for Thursday, March 30 at

9:00 am in-person at the W&FLC Carriage House.

If you work within an informed non-profit agency or municipal office, or if you are a private practitioner in the area, and would like to attend, please reach out to Melanie Meyers, Referral Navigator at 203-458-6699 or email [email protected]

April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. To help create awareness of the issue, The Shoreline Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Taskforce (SDVSATF) will host a Sexual Assault Community Panel for Sexual Assault Awareness on April 18.

The event details are as follows:

Date: Tuesday, April 18

Time: 5:30-7:30 pm

Location: Guilford Free Library

67 Park St, Guilford, CT 06437

This event is free and open to the public.

The panel will include professionals in the field including law enforcement, child advocacy, and an attorney advocate. Our expert panel will provide the public with information and awareness on the topic of sexual assault.

More News...

Lawyer Time
Do you need legal help?
Through the Lawyer Time program you can have a one-on-one, 30-minute appointment with a volunteer attorney for legal guidance. Knowledge is power and you will gain knowledge and understanding about your rights and the legal process. Attorneys answer questions pertaining to family, real estate, and civil law matters.

Financial Coaching
The Financial Coaching program offers one-on-one appointments with a volunteer Financial Coach. Participants will have a one-hour appointment to review finances and receive help on how to take control of their economic independence and success.

Topics include budgeting, divorce & finances, debt, death claims paperwork, and even more.

Safe Search
If you are living where you do not have access to a phone or computer, or you are fearful about being monitored, W&FLC is your safe space.
At the Center, you can use a computer and phone to contact doctors, lawyers, and counselors. You may also research jobs, and revise and print your resume. Internet, printer and fax are available. In addition, we are able to keep your documents secure if needed.