As we look to the new year ahead, we are all ready to put the challenges of the pandemic in the rearview mirror.

Throughout this unprecedented time, The Centre for Women has continued to provide essential programs and services to women and their families across Tampa Bay.

We have helped people to find meaningful work, businesses to be resilient and entrepreneurs to find more than $1 Million in access to capital.

As mental health issues emerged, our caring therapists transitioned to tele-health consultations to help people wrestling with fear, anxiety, grief, divorce, and depression. Thirty-eight percent of those we serve make less than $14,000 each year. They cannot afford even the deductibles for mental wellness care.

We also understood that the pandemic took a toll on isolated seniors so we made hundreds of reassurance calls and launched the Graceful Gift Basket campaign to brighten their holidays.

Last year, 92% of the funding we received went directly to program support. And, once again, this year, The Centre for Women was named as one of the best nonprofits in the area.

Your support is vital to help us continue our work. The needs, particularly to help women find gainful employment and deal with the post-effects of the pandemic, have stretched our resources.

You can make more than an annual gift, you can make a real difference!

Sincerely,
Ann W. Madsen
Executive Director

How Counseling and Wellness Changed My Life

I found myself in a truly heartbreaking mental space unable to cope with life, processing loss and the changes of my life. I was 29 years old and recently landed my dream job. While things on the outside looked great, I felt overwhelmed and unable to process my world. I also struggled with communication and how to advocate for my needs. I had learned a family secret that seemingly turned my world upside down. I was also healing from sexual assault. Navigating my life as a young woman in a new career while dealing with all the things on my plate left me overwhelmed. Finally, at the lowest of lows, I made a call that would change my life. 
 
I felt safe for the first time in a long time. I was able to unpack so much of the weight I had been carrying for years. Each week, I learned to open up to make sense of myself and the world around me. I learned coping mechanisms and the value of advocating for myself. I learned out how our past can be an influence for the present and also the weight of our words. Each session left me more and more empowered than the last. I was given the key to walk into the door of self-confidence, assertiveness, and communicating my needs. While I still have a way to go, I feel more grounded, empowered, confident and stronger than I’ve felt in a long time. 
 
I realize that the option of getting into therapy isn’t accessible for everyone, but The Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women works diligently to make it so, and to support all women, from all walks of life in Tampa Bay. 

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