Press Release from Women & Family Life Center

On May 4, the Women & Family Life Center (W&FLC) recognized 23 inspirational women and girls at the 2024 SHEro Award Ceremony hosted at the First Congregational Church of Madison.

A SHEro is a women or girl who inspires others through her actions, is a person who leads with kindness, has a desire to help others, and is making a positive change in herself for others in a community. Some of the SHEros from this year’s award ceremony included Lt. Martina Jakober, the first female Lieutenant in the Guilford Police Department history; Sarah Bishop DellaVentura of Bishop’s Farm Market & Winery; Girls United from Madison Youth Services; Heather Hackley for her contribution to the Branford Has Heart initiative; and Connecticut Hospice volunteer Linda Weber.

Many other youth and women were acknowledged for their contributions to the community, including keynote youth speaker Meghan Keeney, who shared her story of overcoming challenges during the pandemic and now provides support for a network of youth and teens who have experienced similar hardships.

W&FLC would like to thank the sponsors that made this event possible, including The Guilford Foundation, Branford Community Foundation, Essex Savings Bank, Strong as a Mother Fitness, and Community Dining Room, as well as the emcee of this event, Liza Petra.

Community partners for SHEros include W&FLC, Guilford Social Services, Guilford Youth & Family Services, Madison Youth & Family Services, Clinton Youth & Family Services, and Branford Counseling & Community Services.

Over the past 30 years, W&FLC has assisted many families in Branford, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Durham, East Haven, Essex, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison, North Branford, North Haven, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook who are experiencing challenging life transitions such as divorce, loss of a loved one, or leaving an abusive situation. W&FLC is working to build a community where women and all families are free from violence and harassment, are economically and emotionally secure, and have access to equitable opportunities.

For more information, please visit www.womenandfamilylife.org or contact the W&FLC at 203-458-6699 or info@womenandfamilylife.org.