Press Release from Women & Family Life Center

A $25,000 award from Branford Community Foundation through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will allow Women & Family Life Center (W&FLC) to continue to support and empower women and all families during challenging life transitions. The allocation of $395,000 of ARPA funding to local nonprofits demonstrates the value and role that charitable organizations play in the Branford community.

W&FLC would like to thank Branford First Selectman James Cosgrove and the Town of Branford for their vision and generosity in allocating the historic ARPA funding for nonprofit recovery from COVID-19. The funding provides crucial programs and services to women and all families going through divorce, separation, the loss of a loved one, legal troubles, financial insecurity, domestic abuse, or sexual assault.

The ARPA funding from the Branford Community Foundation allows W&FLC to continue its mission by making up for revenue and donations that were lost during the pandemic. W&FLC offers divorce workshops, bereavement support groups, and financial consults and lawyer time, which provides individuals the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a volunteer attorney to discuss legal questions and better understand one’s personal rights and the legal process in the state of Connecticut. While W&FLC does not provide pro bono services or legal representation, attorneys can discuss most civil matters.

W&FLC relies on grants and donations to provide personalized support and referrals for individuals facing difficult life transitions through the Guided Assistance Program (GAP). Not offered at any other organization on the shoreline, GAP helps participants outline their personal or family needs and create an action plan with a referral navigator.

Over the past 30 years, W&FLC has assisted many families in Branford, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, East Haven, East Lyme, Essex, Guilford, Killingworth, Lyme, Madison, North Branford, North Haven, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook who would otherwise have no place to turn for help. 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. The ARPA funds awarded through Branford Community Foundation will allow W&FLC to provide a critical safety net for 16 towns in Connecticut.

For more information, please contact Women & Family Life Center at 203-458-6699 or info@womenandfamilylife.org.com.