Causes: Centers to Support the Independence of Specific Populations

Mission: A nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, empowering and fostering mentoring relationships among women at midlife.

Programs: Transition makeover: this three-and-one-half-month in duration program is designed for women 40+ who have suffered from unemployment/underemployment, loss of a spouse, divorce and/or other major life crisis. Candidates submit an application to be reviewed by an appointed committee. The selected group meets weekly with professional life coach (3 weeks), career coach (3 weeks) and financial coaches (3 weeks) for a series of group workshops and one-in-one individual coaching in these areas. Additionally, they are supplied with a wardrobe/image consultation. The focus of the program is geared toward developing skills, uncovering hidden talents and raising confidence and self-esteem to support long-term wellness and on-going networking contacts for the participants. Upon completion the women provide support and education to others who enter the program after their sessions conclude. About 30 women complete this program per year.

reinvention program/empowerment workshop: a monthly workshop/seminar held with the express purpose of inviting guest speakers who are experts in their fields, to conduct an interactive workshop/seminar for two hours. Topics target mainly the areas of job search and personal development. The purpose is to help our members and guests think creatively about the job search, with emphasis on social media, networking and exploring the hidden job market. Regular attendance has the effect of the enhancing their confidence to continue moving forward in their lives. We serve over 1,000 women per year, 88 per month on average. Many are transition makeover graduates and alumni.

womansage cares: caregiver respite - caregivers apply or are nominated by others. An application is completed explained the role of the caregiver. The applications are reviewed and evaluated on measures such as caregiver burden and stress. The measurement tool is used for all applicants and reviewed by a volunteer committee. Finalists are followed up by a telephone interview. The caregivers selected then participate in a process of determining who and where their loved one will be provided respite, if needed, while they are away for the five days/four nights.