WE CAN Update June 2017

From Andi's Desk

Greetings! On June 1st, 470 individuals attended the 13th Annual "A Day of Words, Wit and Wisdom" - W3 - a major fund raiser that brings in close to 25% of our yearly income. There are so many to thank: Anne LeClaire, who, for the 10th year, planned and emceed this terrific program; authors ​Helen Simonson, Stewart O'Nan, and Lee Woodruff - who were alternately humorous, touching and inspiring; WE CAN's Woman of the Year, Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, who made eloquent connections between her work and that of WE CAN; and spoke in illuminating ways about the life cycle. Three women who have participated in WE CAN programs - shared their stories in a powerful and emotion-packed presentation.  We have so many others to thank for making this event possible: the planning committee; our event sponsors and attendees; and the wonderful cadre of volunteers.  As the formal program came to a close, Anne LeClaire announced that Author Ann Hood would be taking her place as the Program Chair and emcee. The audience gave Anne a well-deserved standing ovation. WE CAN sends our heartfelt thanks to Anne for all that she has done to make this the unique and special event it has become. And we know that Anne Hood, who has spoken several times at W3, will carry the event into its 14th year!  With gratitude,  Andi

Making a Difference Every Month WE CAN Champion: Jennifer Armandi

"I feel that women, myself included, are often times one life changing circumstance away from needing to rely on the  support of their community, and WE CAN helps bridge that gap for so many." WE CAN Champion Jennifer Armandi, Branch Manager at Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank, has been volunteering in WE CAN's Financial Empowerment Program since 2012. And as a Champion for nearly as long, Jennifer, along with other Champion Donors, provide a predictable revenue stream with their monthly contributions.   October is Champions' month and WE CAN hosts an annual Breakfast of Champions. This is a great time to become a WE CAN Champion, plan to attend the October breakfast, and meet and hear from other like-minded supporters. Click on the Champion button to become a Champion.     " The Champion program was the first program I’d heard of in our area that offered a range of monthly financial support options to continue the mission and work of WE CAN."

Jennifer Armandi WE CAN Champion Donor & Financial Empowerment Volunteer Full Story

Become a Champion

Thank You to ALL  Who Make this Event a Success

Thank You to & Photos by Michael & Suz Karchmer W3 Video Slide Show Here

GROW Will be Offered Again The pilot 6-month GROW (Get Results with Others Wisdom) Program for women business owners, supported by a grant through CCYP Giving Circle Fund of the Cape Cod Foundation and Cape & Islands United Way, was well received and left the participants wanting more! Special thanks to SCORE Cape Cod and Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank in Harwich Port for their in-kind support. We thank our volunteers and GROW facilitators, Virginia Auciello Sullivan and Jean Mojo for their leadership with the Harwich and Hyannis GROW groups - and Board Member Teri Cavanagh for her inspiration. The goals of the program include: meeting the participants where they are; empowering business women with support, tools, and resources; and enabling women to share their knowledge. Fe edback from Participants: It was interesting to see how others were dealing with the same issues; The life and business experience of everyone in the room was valid & beneficial; It was a huge benefit in having an experienced mentor who offered constructive ideas; I adjusted my goals to be more realistic and fit in with my life; My business and marketing plan became much more focused and finite. Setting things up initially does not mean that they are "done." Watch for Future GROW Programs in Upcoming eMails

June Benefits by Others

Wrinkles The Musical WE CAN Special Performance & Benefit:  Friday, June 9th  Details   ~   Tickets

Women Who Rock Cape Cod & Their Bands WE CAN Benefit: Friday, June 16th 8:30pm; $10 at the Door Details

Anne LeClaire Event Brunch, Benefit, Book Signing Chatham Orpheum Theater WE CAN Benefit: Saturday, June 24th at 10am Details  ~  Tickets

Grand Wine Tasting WE CAN Benefit:  Monday, June 26th 6 - 8pm at Wequassett Resort Details   ~   Reservations: 508.255.2812

Last Call for the 2017/2018  PathMakers Mentoring Program

Interviews are already underway but applications are still being accepted for both PathMakers and Mentoring Partners.  The first official gathering of PathMakers will take place on August 1st and 3rd in Falmouth and Harwich respectively.  The full gathering of both PathMakers and Mentoring Partners will begin with the Big Match Event to be held on on August 15th in Falmouth and August 17th in Harwich.  Please call Tracy Johnson, Program Manager, as soon as possible if you are interested in joining. WE CAN: 508.430.8111

Last Gasp ~ Team WE CAN ~ Time to Join!

Registration for Last Gasp

Thank you to Susan Mabile for stepping up to be a Co-Leader along with Andi Genser!! Other team members will also lead some rides. The team will hold training rides all summer.  The photo is of the first training ride on May 13th, 2017. The trees hadn't even greened out yet!! Now we are surrounded by green and the rides continue. See you on the trails! Ride Schedule - Check the WE CAN Last Gasp Web Page for Updates

Thank You!

The 2017 CQ Fashion Show benefit in support of WE CAN programs - Thank you to Amanda Converse, all those who attended, all of the participating local boutiques, local businesses who donated services, raffle items, and food, this would not have been the success it was without all of you!   WE ALSO THANK:  The WE CAN volunteers, including our models, music by DJ Ian Lee, Stacey Kuehn Hair, makeup by Younique, and photography by Jeffrey Moore! Thank You Collage

Thank you to the WE CAN Community Builders and to all who attended the Community Builders Celebration at Barnstable Airport, on May 4th. A Special Thank You to Event Co-Hosts & Community Builders: Dorothy Savarese (CC5), Linda Markham (Cape Air), and Tony Shepley (Shepley Wood Products) Words From  Event Co-Host  & Community Builder  Tony Shepley,  after  reading the deeply moving story of one of their employees : " Given support, courage, and hard work,  we all are capable of incredible acts, new beginnings, and, ultimately, re-inventions of  our lives. WE CAN provides support, but  the courage and hard work are  up to us."

Thanks to TD Bank for a generous grant in support of WE CAN Financial Empowerment 1:1 Sessions as well as Financial Workshops About Our Financial Empowerment Services:  "This  session gave me  peace-of-mind, clarity, options, and an  optimistic view."

Thank you to Cape Cod Healthcare for a generous grant in support of WE CAN Information & Referral (I & R) to connect Cape residents with vital and life changing information and resources. About Our I & R Services: "WE CAN gave me the tools I needed to make good things happen."

Thank You to the Cape & Islands United Way for supporting WE CAN's Work with a  Community Impact Partner Grant.   For Moving Women and Families Towards  Self-Sufficiency and Independence; A warded 2017 - Volunteer Challenge Grant

Many thanks to the Nauset Newcomers for their Ongoing Support WE CAN recently received a generous gift.

Thank you to David Roth and attendees at the Full Moon Open Mic Night at Brewster Ladies Library on May 25th for the "pass the hat" donations!

David McGraw Family Fund of the Cape Cod Foundation

WE CAN Changes Lives