WE CAN Announces Urgent Expansion of Services for Women in Cape Cod
UPDATE: WE CAN, an organization dedicated to supporting women facing job loss, divorce, and financial challenges, has just announced a significant expansion of its services in Cape Cod. Executive Director Lisa Guyon confirmed that the initiative will extend to women in Falmouth, Bourne, Mashpee, and Sandwich, addressing critical gaps in community support.
In a phone interview, Guyon emphasized, “These milestones can be inflection points for our organization. But we also see this as just the beginning. We want to step further into the future.” The expansion comes at a time when many women are navigating complex life transitions, making this support crucial.
New Services Launching Immediately
Starting now, WE CAN is offering free legal consultations and financial empowerment services at the Falmouth Service Center, located at 611 Gifford St.. Guyon explained, “We are not interested in duplicating what they are already doing,” referring to the Service Center’s long-standing efforts to boost self-sufficiency among community members.
Volunteer professionals will provide invaluable assistance, including support with budget management, credit advice, bankruptcy, and retirement savings. Additionally, women can meet with volunteer lawyers specializing in areas such as immigration, family law, wills, estates, and employment law.
Upcoming Workshops: Two critical workshops are scheduled: the “Family Law Overview” on March 19 and “Budget, Credit, and Debit” on April 15. Guyon stated, “This is skill building. It’s comprehensive help for people.”
Meeting Community Needs Amid Challenges
The need for these services has intensified, especially as WE CAN previously identified barriers preventing women in Mid-Cape and Upper Cape from accessing vital support. “There was most certainly a demand for services from those areas,” Guyon noted. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, WE CAN began providing monthly legal and financial assistance; however, in-person services were halted due to health concerns, forcing a shift to virtual platforms.
“We learned a lot during that time,” Guyon remarked, as the organization adapted to the new normal.
Long-Term Vision for Women’s Empowerment
Since its inception in 2001, WE CAN has served countless women in transition, offering legal, employment, financial, and business support. With the recent opening of an office in Hyannis in 2023, the organization has been proactive in broadening its reach.
Looking ahead, Guyon shared ambitious plans to integrate programs in Portuguese, further enhancing accessibility. The reliance on community volunteers is paramount to their success, as the Cape boasts a rich pool of retirees eager to share their expertise. “Many of them are looking for a place to work directly with the women we serve. Our volunteers are invested in their success,” she stated.
The overarching goal remains clear: to ensure that women across Cape Cod know there is a safe space where they can receive help.
For immediate assistance or to learn more about WE CAN’s expanding services, visit their website or contact the Falmouth Service Center directly.
Stay tuned for further updates and developments from WE CAN as they continue to empower women in Cape Cod. The community is encouraged to share this news and support the initiative.
