WOMEN’S PROJECT

“Women Helping Women”

In November 2000, the Lansdale branch started the Women’s Project. As part of our mission to promote self-development for women and positive societal change, we wanted to reach out to the many disadvantaged women in local shelters and housing centers.

We started our efforts by asking our members to donate reading materials, recent magazines, and paperback books, to be placed in five local centers. The women in these centers often have only the minimum of life’s essentials, and a magazine or a book is a luxury that is much appreciated.

A survey was conducted with the women’s centers to help identify needs that our group could fulfill. From the survey, we gathered wish-lists from the centers and their residents. Some of the items women needed were practical ones such as eye glasses, medicine, school or day care fees, paint, and car repairs. Others were more personal such as family outings. We are also interested in providing gift certificates to supermarkets, moderately priced stores, or restaurants. We feel that the gift certificates allow women to make decisions for themselves and boost their self-esteem.

To raise money to fund these projects, our branch members were asked to donate clothing, jewelry, accessories, and household items to a local consignment shop. Any money collected from the sale of these items goes directly to the branch for the Women’s Project. We hope to raise additional funds and continue to help women in these shelters and housing centers in fulfilling their wish lists. A simple act of kindness can mean a great deal.