Here in the Connecticut Shoreline

Here in the Ct shoreline, there are those among us who imagine a better life. Right here there are individuals and families dealing with harsh transitions, crisis in fact. The challenges include homelessness, divorce, bereavement, job loss, food scarcity and more. Thankfully, there is an organization where people facing such issues can turn to for help to achieve the life they imagine. It is the Women & Family Life Center in Guilford.

Here's Margaret’s story: Margaret came to the W&FLC while living some very dark days. She had just experienced a divorce. Making that initial call for help to the Women & Family Center can be hard…but life-changing.

She contacted the Women & Family Life center for post-divorce support. But she was also connected to the program Lawyer Time for help with a landlord situation. The Referral Navigator also connected Margaret to the Center’s Shoreline Diversion Specialist for help finding wheel-chair friendly HUD housing. Margaret also met with one of the Center’s Financial Consultants who helped her with a new and needed financial plan. But it did not stop there. Through the Center’s discretionary funds, Margaret received help with moving expenses.

Each person who reaches out to the W&FLC speaks to a Referral Navigator. The Referral Navigator offers a willing ear, a compassion heart, and abundant knowledge about what resources are available in the community. Many times, when the phone rings, or a new “participant” walks in, they are reaching out for help with one need. But with the guidance of the Referral Navigator, they often learn about all the services from which they may benefit.

The support and assistance the Center offers is always designed with the goal of helping the participant survive and thrive beyond the present crisis. And Margaret is doing just that! Her plans include learning some new skills, a new job, and communications with her son who lives a distance away. Speak to Margaret about the Women and Family Life Center and she is overcome with emotion, gratitude and enthusiasm.

“I am so glad I found you (the center). It was so difficult to pick up the phone and make that first call for help. But it opened doors for me that I could have never opened alone. And that call changed my life.” Margaret

All of the services, education, counseling, referrals and encouragement offered at the Women & Family Life Center is provided at no cost to the participant. The work done in that little house on Fair Street, by a small but dedicated team, is not free…it is priceless. You can help W&FLC continue to help people like Margaret achieve their imagined life. Because here in the CT shoreline there are many Margarets.

There are many ways to help support the mission of the Women & Family Life. Join the Women & Family Life Center at a festive fundraising gala on March 23 at The Woodwinds in Branford. A great time for a great cause! Tickets: https://bit.ly/EmpowHER23

Visit www.womenandfamilylife.org for more information and inspiration.