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    • What We Do
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    • Board of Directors
  • Our Impact
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  • Get Help
    • Our Services
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In the News

Linda Nedell: Speaking Truth to empowHer

By producing a riveting video themed “The Imagined Life,” Linda Nedell is helping Women and Family Life Center (WFLC) speak truth to the empowHer Gala, coming Thursday, March 23, to Woodwinds in Branford.

As described on nonprofit WFLC’s website, the gala’s theme will help to “...celebrate those among us who imagined a better life. Armed with courage, they found their way to our door, programs, and services. Finding support and empowerment at the center, they discovered a path to growth and their imagined life.”

A Gala to celebrate and inspire lives. 

Click here to read the rest of the article 

Women & Family Life Center presents EmpowHer Gala

A Gala to celebrate and inspire lives

Important news! Plans are underway to bring the 2nd annual EmpowHer Gala to the Connecticut shoreline on March 23 at the Woodwinds of Branford. This very special event supports the W&FLC's mission of providing resources and education for women and all families in crisis.

Click here to read the first announcement

Click here to read the second announcement

Women & Family Life Center presents EmpowHer Gala

A Gala to celebrate and inspire lives

Important news! Plans are underway to bring the 2nd annual EmpowHer Gala to the Connecticut shoreline on March 23 at the Woodwinds of Branford. This very special event supports the W&FLC's mission of providing resources and education for women and all families in crisis.

Click here to read the announcement

Women & Family Life Center in Guilford Collecting Basic Items for People in Need, December 19, 2022 

In Guilford, it's all about lending a helping hand on Monday as the team at the Women & Family Life Center is trying to meet the basic needs of their community.

The Women & Family Life Center is holding its toiletry drive. The center has everything from household cleaning products to shampoo because its goal is to be a blessing to folks with the basic, every day-needed items.

The team said they are seeing an increase of people just needing basic personal supplies.

With what's going on in the economy and bills going up, they said they see a lot of people who are asking themselves questions like, "do I put gas in my car or food on the table?" and they aren't thinking about basic supplies.

Click here to read the rest of the article

 GUILFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Volunteers from the United Way of Greater New Haven cleaned up and beautified the outdoor space at Women and Family Life Center on Fair Street in Guilford Thursday., October 20, 2022

Members of the Yale swimming and diving teams joined community members for the organization’s “Week of Caring.” 

“We are cleaning up the playground, raking leaves, spreading mulch, do some weeding, really just clean up the outdoor space,” Dennis Velasquez, the United Way of Greater New Haven’s volunteer manager said.

Women and Family Life Center provide resources and education for women and all families in crisis.

Click here to read the rest of the article

Women and Family Life Center Announces Inaugural EmpowHer Gala Fundraiser, March 15, 2022

(March 15, 2021) Women & Family Life Center (W&FLC) is excited to announce the EmpowHer Gala as the organization’s new signature annual fundraiser on March 24, 2022, at The WoodWinds in Branford, CT at 6:00PM. The event will be a sit-down dinner, which will also include entertainment, and a live and silent auction. It will feature a group of six women sharing their incredible story of the bond they formed through W&FLC during a time of uncertainty and adversity in their lives.

Click here to read the full release here

NBC News: Women & Family Life Center Pivots to Help CT Families During the Pandemic

 Nonprofit Pivots to help Struggling Connecticut Families – NBC Connecticut . 

Click here to watch the NBC news story

Safe Search Offers Secure, Private Computer, Internet, & Phone Access, January 2022

GUILFORD, CT — The Women & Family Life Center announced the return of its Safe Search program. Safe Search allows a person who doesn't feel they're in a safe environment to communicate freely and without fear of being tracked or monitored. Safe Search provides a private space for calling counselors or lawyers, researching job openings, or revising and printing their resume, for example. 

Click here to read the rest of the article

Welcome New Executive Director of W&FLC:  An Exclusive Interview with Jennifer Wenderoth-Holster, MPA 

Guilford, Madison and Old Saybrook Neighbors Magazines, January 2022

So far, things have been wonderful.  We are busy, but that is a good thing, as it means we are helping people in the community. There really hasn't been any time of adjusting; on day one, I walked into the office and jumped right in. There was work to do, people to help-no time to waste. 

Click here to read the rest of the interview

 Women & Family Life Center Marks 30 Years, December 21, 2022

The Women & Family Life Center (WFLC) is marking its 30-year anniversary serving the shoreline, though its a celebration dimmed by the ongoing necessity of an agency that assists a rising number of victims of sexual and domestic abuse, among other services.

WFLC is a privately funded non-profit with headquarters in Guilford and serves women, men, and families that are in a crisis situation. The center offers programs to 16 area towns, but this year served more than 50 area towns. WFLC partners with numerous other organizations including the Guilford Foundation, The Branford, Community Foundation, the United Way of Greater New Haven, and both Guilford and Madison Youth & Family Service agencies to assist those in crisis.

Click here to read the rest of the article

Women Find Stability with Help from Women & Family Life Center
December 20, 2021

For many women living one paycheck away from a financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating. The Women and Family Life Center has offered a lifeline.
Click here to read the full article

Wenderoth-Holster Dives In to Lead Women & Family Life Center

October 27, 2021

 On Oct. 18, Jennifer Wenderoth-Holster officially started first her day as the new executive director of the Women & Family Life Center (WFLC). She’s still pinching herself.

“I knew they did a lot at WFLC, but I think nobody really knows how much they do and how much they can provide until you dive into it. I love it,” says Jennifer. “The work that they do is so needed on the shoreline.”

 Click here to read the full article 

In the News

United Way kicks off annual Week of Caring in Guilford

October 11, 2021

 Helping others in communities across Connecticut. The United Way kicked off their annual Week of Caring on Monday.   This week is off to a good start at the Women and Family Life Center in Guilford. The beautification project is possible thanks to the United Way of New Haven and its Week of Caring project.  

Click here to watch the story on WTNH News Channel 8

Nonprofit Pivots to help Struggling Connecticut Families

February 18, 2021

The Graver family of Branford has a lot of pictures volunteering for agencies that help people in need.

Amy Graver has run a successful marketing firm for 22 years and said she's always donated, given, and helped as an important part of her life.  She admitted she and her kids are not the kind of people you would expect to need help from some of the very agencies they have supported over the years.

Click here to watch the story on NBC or to read the full article

Grant Allows Women & Family Life Center to Put Renewed Focus on the Plight of Working Poor

January 20, 2021

The Women & Family Life Center (WFLC) recently added a full-time  specialist position whose purpose is to begin reaching out to offer help  and services to people in the area before they lose their housing or  other basic necessities. This position is relatively unique around the  state, as the reality of this long-simmering crisis begins to sink in.

Click here to read the full article

Women & Family Life Center Brings Geno Auriemma to Virtual ‘Men Who Cook’ Event

October 15, 2020

For the past quarter-century, the Women & Family Life Center’s (WFLC) Men Who Cook fundraiser has offered a lighthearted gathering of the shoreline community’s most passionate professional and amateur chefs, who have put up their favorite dishes to be enjoyed (and judged) by local foodies. Like everything else this year, Men Who Cook won’t look or feel the same, but WFLC is hosting a new virtual event on Sunday, Oct. 25 th

Click here to read the full article

Low-Income Children Are Most Vulnerable To Pandemic’s Long-Term Effects

June 9, 2020

Tameeka Coleman and six of her children lived on the streets before  moving into a shelter in Fairfield. “We were together, so it was  bearable,” said Coleman, 38. The hardest part was when her children  cried for their home. “They wanted to know how we had lost our  apartment,” said Coleman, who was evicted after she couldn’t pay the  rent.

Click here to read the full article

Branford Rotary Pandemic Response Tops $45,000

June 8, 2020

As the coronavirus swept into the state, the strains in  Branford were everywhere. At Connecticut Hospice, frontline health  workers needed protective equipment. The Branford Food Pantry was having  trouble sourcing fresh food. Restaurants and small businesses across  town were suffering due to closures, and the ranks of the unemployed  swelled.  Faced with this panoply of challenges, Branford Rotary responded in force. 

Click here to read the full article

SHERO Awards Recognize Local Female Leaders with Impetus Toward Equality

June 8, 2020

A host of talented shoreline women from a huge variety of backgrounds  were recognized at the inaugural SHERO Awards, presented by the Women  & Family Life Center (WFLC), which hopes the event becomes an annual  uplifting of women and girls in the area, raising the profile of  powerful work and strong community involvement practiced by local  “sheroes.”

Click here to read more about this exciting event

Guilford groups to offer coronavirus-related financial support

March 20, 2020

Over the past week or so, a couple of residents have contacted the  Women & Family Life Center to get help filing for unemployment  benefits, according to agency Executive Director Meghan Scanlon.

As COVID-19 spreads and businesses choose their next  steps, Scanlon said she expects to get a lot more of those calls in the  coming weeks.

Click here to read the full article

Sharing the Empowerment of "Girls Coach, Girls Run"

March 4, 2020

 If anyone understands the empowerment of the ages and stages of Girls Coach, Girls Run (GCGR), it’s Tara Henry. From 4th grader to 8th grader to high school senior—and now, as an intern with the program’s host organization, Women & Family Life Center (WFLC)—Tara says she’s grown up stronger with GCGR.  

 Click here to read the full article 

State Legislators Hear from Local Leaders at Domestic Violence Roundtable

December 24,  2019

 Earlier this month, the Women & Family Life Center (WFLC) hosted its second panel on domestic violence, inviting a broad cross-section of local leaders and legislators to share their perspectives on a difficult and complex topic that continues to cause harm and defy solution in communities all over the country. 

Click here to read the full article

Women & Family Life Center Hosted 2nd Annual Legislative Roundtable on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

December 19, 2019

On Dec. 4, Connecticut shoreline legislators joined Women & Family Life Center (WFLC) for the second annual Legislative Roundtable. Moderated by WFLC, the conversation engaged local legislators and shoreline community service providers on how state legislation can support the work of helping individuals and families facing domestic violence or sexual assault.  

Click here to learn more about W&FLC hosting this important roundtable

 Men Who Cook Turns 25

October 16, 2019 

For 28 years, the Women & Family Life Center (WFLC) has provided advocacy, practical assistance, affordable housing, financial consulting, and many other services to women from East Haven to East Lyme. For 25 of those years, men from the community have gotten together to offer their support in a very particular, very wholesome way:  With food.

Click here to read the full article

 Bring your appetites to Men Who Cook fundraiser Oct. 20 for Women & Family Life

October 16, 2019

 Dee Lock remembers the terror of living in a mentally abusive marriage. She remembers the fear of not being able to escape and worry that she would never make a new life for herself.  She also remembers how wonderful it was to find a way out and move on in a positive way, with thanks to family, friends and the Women & Family Life Center.

Click here to read the full article about how Men Who Cook supports W&FLC services

Women & Family Life Center was recently asked to join the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls

July 30, 2019,  Zip06

Recognized for its work along the shoreline to advance opportunities for women and girls, Women & Family Life Center will serve on the Subcommittee on Health and Safety. 

Click here to learn more

"Girls for Girls" Raises $18,000 for Women & Family Life

June 25, 2019, Shoreline Times

 Building confidence and giving back to the community has been at the core of Limelite Dance Studio since it opened its doors in 2005.

On Thursday, June 6, after years of dancing through Limelight, 12 students organized The Limelight Project, “Girls for Girls” fashion dance gala, raising over $18,000 for the Women & Family Life Center. Click here to read the full article.

Guilford Wrestling Team Donates to Community for Every Pin During Season

May 12, 2019, NBC Connecticut by Gabrielle Lucivero

"You know an all-male wrestling team supporting a women's organization was just really phenomenal to us,” said Meghan Scanlon, executive director of the Women and Family Life Center. Click here to watch news clip.

20 Towns in 20 Days: Guilford has history, and really good food

May 10, 2019, WFSB News Channel 3 by Nicole Nalepa & Kaitlyn Naples

Also during 20 Towns in 20 Days, Channel 3 made a $1,000 donation to the Women & Family Life Center in Guilford. Click here to watch news clip.

Invigorated Focus, Amazing Energy: Meghan Scanlon Leads WFLC 

April 10, 2019, The Guilford Courier by Pam Johnson

For women and families who don’t have that support system, there’s WFLC.  “Our goal is for them to come here and access services, but I think our main goal is also to help them realize that they never again are going to be alone. We’re always going to be here; you have a built-in community,” Meghan says.   Click here to read the full article.

Guilford Seeks Grant to Aid Shoreline Home Insecure

March 06, 2019, The Guilford Courier by Zoe Roos

While locals are rarely confronted with the plight of the homeless or housing insecure along the shoreline, it’s an issue that’s not limited to urban areas. To help address homelessness and housing insecurity in the Greater New Haven area, the Town of Guilford is teaming up with local partners and United Way to try to access grant funding. Click here to read the full article.

Three Local Women Come Together to Make a Difference for Women and Families on the Shoreline 

February 21, 2019, The Guilford Courier

A founding member of Women & Family Life Center, a volunteer at the center, and a local photographer and artist came together to share the beauty of the Guilford Green and raise funds for the Women & Family Life Center.  Click here to read the full article.

Thea Martin: Real Change Starts at Home

January 02, 2019, The Guilford Courier by Jenn McCulloch

When Thea Martin began pursuing her career in law, she was drawn to public policy and social justice, but as she began practicing, she found her true calling as a divorce attorney. A self-proclaimed feminist, Thea found herself fighting for women and children. Click here to read the full article.

Shoreline Legislators Meet for Women & Family Life Roundtable

December 19, 2018, The Guilford Courier by Zoe Roos

“In an effort to deepen the public conversation about what we do and what we see as needs, the Center suggested that we start an annual get together with our elected officials to explain what we see on the ground to help inform the work that you all do that can help us better serve our clients,” said WFLC Program Director Wendy DeLucca. Click here to read the full article.

Press Releases

WFLC New Executive Director Announcement 092921 (pdf)Download
EmpowHER announcement 091521 (pdf)Download
9.16.2019 Cruet To Be Honored at 25th Anniversary of Men Who Cook (pdf)Download
7.8.2019 Governors Council Women and Girls (pdf)Download
Tracys Run 5.25.19 (pdf)Download
Personal Branding Workshop Offered WBDC 01.23.19 (pdf)Download
DV SA Taskforce Roundtable Dec 2018 (pdf)Download
WFLC 1st Annual Legislative Roundtable A Success Dec 2018 (pdf)Download
Women Making A Difference To Women and Families Dec 2018 (pdf)Download

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