On February 2, Lauren Book a survivor of childhood sexual abuse is visiting the Women’s Center. This is Laura’s third year bringing awareness to Childhood Abuse.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services revealed that over 3 million reports of child abuse are made every year in the United States; however, those reports can include multiple children. In 2009, approximately 3.3 million child abuse reports and allegations were made involving an estimated 6 million children.
If anyone is interested in participating, the Women’s Center is looking for walkers. Lauren will begin her walk from the Hilton Rialto in Melbourne at 9am and will visit the Center for a meet & greet, hand out tee-shirts & bracelets. If you are unable to walk all are welcome to come and welcome Lauren and her team at the center. For additional questions please contact Jackie-victim advocate at 242-3110.
When it comes to getting involved in your local community and doing some volunteer work, there are many things that you can do. I feel it’s important to figure out how much time you can donate and what really interests you, before signing up for the volunteer work.
Here are 8 ideas you might want to consider.
1. The Local Library – Contact your neighborhood public library and offer to come in and read books to children. Our library is always looking for a few good volunteers.
2. Community Clean Up Days – Twice a year we help to organize a neighborhood clean-up day. Call your local center to see about a program in your area.
3. Meals On Wheels Programs – Does your area have a local Meals On Wheels Program? If so, call in and offer your help. There are thousands of seniors who need hot and healthy meals delivered to them on a daily or weekly basis.
4. Habitat For Humanity – This is a well-known national program that you can get involved in. You don’t need to be a professional carpenter, painter or plumber. Call them up and get involved.
5. The American Red Cross and Salvation Army – If you have a local chapter in your area, they are always looking for a few good volunteers to do a variety of tasks.
6. Public Parks and Recreations Department – Do you enjoy spending time outdoors? If so, this would be a great group to get involved in. Contact your local agency and see what is available and where they need some help.
7. Local Women’s Center – Your local women’s center such as the Women’s Center South Guild is always looking for new members as well as volunteers to help out in their organization. The Women’s Center strives to address the needs of women by giving them a step up towards safe, healthy, self-sufficient lives. Every day, women come to us without the ability to provide for themselves and their families. These women often are abused and battered, and looking for advocacy, guidance, and support. To learn how to you lend a hand or become a member, contact the Women’s Center South Guild at http://www.womenscenterinbrevard.org.
8. Local Hospitals – The majority of hospitals across the nation have some type of volunteer program. Hospitals need volunteers to help transport patients around the hospital, to bring deliveries of balloons and flowers to the patient’s rooms, deliver the newspaper and other helpful…but small tasks.
Because my interests are helping women, I found the Women’s Center Guild was a great fit for me. The Guild is the fundraising arm of the Women’s Center; not only have I helped raise money for the Center, I’ve made new friends, too. Whether you have time or money to donate, they are both needed, especially now with the state of our economy. It’s so important to give back and to pay it forward. I came across this quote that I think sums it up about giving back. “Volunteers aren’t paid because they’re worthless; it’s because they’re priceless.”
I encourage you to find a charity or organization that aligns with your passion or your gifts. You really can make a difference in your community even if it’s only one person at a time.
Women flocked to the Hilton Hotel at Rialto Place in Melbourne to enjoy an English Garden luncheon hosted by the Women’s Center South Guild. The entry way and ballroom were beautifully decorated transporting guests to the English countryside. Guests enjoyed a fashion show, silent auction, raffle ticket drawings as well as an afternoon of socializing and catching up with old friends.
The other models and I enjoyed showing off the beautiful clothes and jewelry provided by Dillards. It was a great event for a great cause. Dr. Jenny Gessler shared stories of some of the women who had been assisted at the Women’s Center and reiterated the impact and service they provided. It was so moving. Stories like this is why one year ago I wrote a check that day and became a Partner…I wanted to make a difference and knew that I had gifts to share.
If you have a serving heart, I encourage you to join the Guild, I promise, whatever you give you will receive so much more in return. We all know volunteers aren’t paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless….and that’s how we feel about each and everyone of our 
members.
The Women’s Center South Guild provides support for women in their time of need. Additionally, we are always welcoming new members who would like to give their support to help other women in need. If you’re already a member, thank you…we appreciate your support. You can continue to give, by sharing the Women’s Center mission with a friend and I hope that you will. More than ever the Women’s Center needs your help.
If you would like more information on how you can open your heart for a worthy cause, send me an email for more information.
“We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill
On February 2, Lauren Book a survivor of childhood sexual abuse is visiting the Women’s Center. This is Laura’s third year bringing awareness to Childhood Abuse. 
