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May: A Time for Celebrating Women

May is a time for celebrating women who guide with strength and listen with love. Women we all know and treasure: a mother, a grandmother, aunt, teacher, or friend; that special woman who touches our lives in so many ways, adding wisdom and insight as she mentors us on our journey. We celebrate all who share their passion and lend support to make a difference in the lives of women and girls throughout our community.

Thanks to donors, the Sari A. Rosenbaum Fund for Women & Girls at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County has engaged women of all ages in the arts, sciences, education, and their community. We thank those, whether they are one of the 60 founding women who believed in the power of women helping women right here in Middlesex County, are a donor who continues to support the fund, or one of the dedicated women who serves on the various fund committees, who have helped generations of women and girls live independent and productive lives. Together, with donors’ gifts and volunteer service and commitment to one another, we are able to support programs and services that address the most critical issues and needs in Middlesex County.

Donors have supported many women and girls in our community they’ll never meet, yet they have made a significant impact in their lives. To the woman who had the courage to leave a violent, abusive relationship, supporters offered a safe place to stay, food to eat, and basic hygiene supplies. More than 1,300 women and children seek assistance each year at domestic violence shelters in our community; because of supporters, we are able to make sure women and children have one less worry as they take a courageous step forward out of violence.

To the woman who works every day, barely making ends meet and then suddenly faces a legal crisis, supporters have offered a lifeline and advocate. Women living at or below the poverty level who are confronted with a legal crisis such as divorce, domestic violence, child support, and other issues now have access to a wide range of free legal resources. Thanks to supporters, we have provided trained advocates to guide women through their options, and access to resources without worrying about the financial impact it will have on their lives and the lives of their children.

To the girl who needs a mentor, a guide, a friend, someone she can count on, supporters have given the gift of a big sister. So many of us have been blessed with that special woman to guide us through life’s journey, that big sister or friend or mentor, yet many girls don’t have someone to turn to for advice and support—or just an afternoon of fun. Because of supporters, we brought women and girls together through big sister/mentoring programs, creating lasting friendships and ensuring our girls grow into strong, self-confident women who will become the next generation of mentors and leaders.

When you help a woman, you strengthen a family, a neighborhood, a community. For 17 years, the community’s collective efforts through the Sari A. Rosenbaum Fund for Women & Girls have made a big impact on all of our lives. Thank you for continuing the legacy of women helping women, and for never underestimating the power of women! We are honored to help supporters put their passions into action in Middlesex County. We invite you to learn more by calling 860-347-0025 or visiting MiddlesexCountyCF.org.