Women's Lunch Place

There's still time to reserve your seat at Spaghetti Dinner! Let's celebrate healthy communities together: https://lnkd.in/ex2edY2 Enjoy a dynamic program with speakers Kate Walsh, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Chef/Partner Douglass Williams of MIDA Restaurants, and the Honorable Linda Dorcena Forry, former State Senator. Beautiful music from local artist Miranda Rae, words from Jennifer Hanlon Wigon, Clemia Brittenum, and Rachel Felix, and videos from a WLP guest and partners RIZE Massachusetts and The Miriam Fund will round out the evening. Join us at the Fairmont Copley on Friday, October 18th! https://lnkd.in/ex2edY2

Women's Lunch Place is growing our team! We're hiring for the role of Director of Annual Giving––learn more from our partners Starrs Aligned:

Join us at Spaghetti Dinner, on Friday, October 18th at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston, where we'll be celebrating healthy communities! Our annual gala will include a beautiful musical performance by local artist Miranda Rae, as well as special comments from Kate Walsh, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Chef/Partner Douglass Williams of MIDA Restaurants, and the Honorable Linda Dorcena Forry, former State Senator. https://lnkd.in/ex2edY2 From nutritious meals to recovery support, our programming and partnerships aim to help Boston’s most vulnerable women find a healthy and supportive community. These programs are made possible by our partners, two of whom will be honored at the event: The Miriam Fund, celebrating its 25th year, is a philanthropic community committed to expanding opportunities for women and girls. The Miriam Fund partners with WLP to fund our Legal Services Program which helps narrow the justice gap for our guests. RIZE Massachusetts is an independent nonprofit foundation working to end the opioid epidemic in Massachusetts and reduce its devastating impact. RIZE has been integral in helping establish WLP’s substance use disorder recovery programming. Event committee: Carrie Pelzel, Chair Glenn Quirion Rachel Felix Mary Carty Mark Lippolt Current sponsors: Jill A. Greenthal & Thomas Eisenmann Mary & Brian Carty MFS Investment Management Michele & Howard Kessler Kay Calvert & Jim Manzi Derri Shtasel & Gary Gottlieb The TJX Companies, Inc. Kathryn Golden & Alexander Golden Eileen Hsü-Balzer The McGee Family New England Coldwell Banker Cares Foundation New England Development Genean Stec & Patrick Lee Andy Youniss & Mariann Youniss 360PRplus Debra Bulkeley & Bill Bulkeley Wendy & Sean Cassity Donna Fessler & Steve Fessler Cynthia & Ted Berenson Brookline Bank Derby Farm Flowers & Gardens Eastern Bank Foundation Gordon Brothers Group LLC Christine Letts & David Letts Saint Cecilia Parish State Street Foundation

Help us find a perfect fit for the role of Chief Philanthropy Officer at WLP!

"The number of women entering homelessness is increasing. It just takes one kind of disastrous situation, whether it’s a divorce or a death or a disability, that can often make the difference." –– Women's Lunch Place CEO Jennifer Hanlon Wigon interviewed by Lauren Booker for Boston Globe Media's "The Power Network." Read the condensed interview and listen to the unabridged version here: https://lnkd.in/gYMeqUjF

"As you see people sleeping on benches, bundled up in doorways, on grates, and in alleyways, know that everyone can help find a home for them. And what a difference a home can make. We honor thousands of women when we support a broad range of housing solutions and services." More commentary in the Boston Business Journal from Jennifer Hanlon Wigon and Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance's CEO Joyce Tavon: https://lnkd.in/eGmRbA8S

We're thrilled to be on Boston.com's list of volunteer opportunities in every neighborhood as the Back Bay / Bay Village featured option. If you and/or your company is looking to get involved, visit our website to learn more and sign up: https://lnkd.in/eebzmeak (for individuals) and https://lnkd.in/eg4XCVBV (for companies) "Women’s Lunch Place (WLP) offers services for women in need with the help of their staff and volunteers from Monday through Saturday. WLP currently has volunteer opportunities in meal delivery, as a meal program assistant, and in the Welcome and Resource centers that are available Monday through Saturday between 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m."

A few months before joining Women’s Lunch Place, Daylen Ala graduated from Northeastern University, where she studied Public Health and Sociology. While at Northeastern, Daylen worked for Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) and Strong Women, Strong Girls, where she led social justice training sessions on female role models for girls in Boston Public Schools. “A nurse at BHCHP mentioned Women’s Lunch Place to me, and I instantly felt a connection," said Daylen. “The idea of working with the homeless population while also empowering and advancing women was exactly what I was looking for. Since joining, it’s been everything I hoped for and more.” Growing up, Daylen's family had to adjust to life in the United States as immigrants. Navigating public benefits and understanding their rights were crucial in breaking the cycle of poverty they faced. “My mom, sister, and I had to support each other, with my sister and I often advocating on behalf of the family, since we were fluent in English,” said Daylen. “These experiences taught me how vital it is to understand policies, laws, and rights, and how having someone in your corner can make all the difference. That’s what drew me to Advocacy—being that supportive person who helps others navigate difficult, often overwhelming, systems.” For Daylen, the most rewarding moments come when a guest begins to trust her enough to ask for help and share their story. “Overcoming homelessness and poverty requires trust, both in others and in oneself, and it truly takes a community to lift each other up.” Daylen and the entire Advocacy team at WLP never give up on their clients, no matter how difficult the case may be. They work tirelessly to create opportunities for housing, healthcare, stability, and greater well-being for our guests.

Spaghetti Dinner 2024 tickets and sponsorships are live! https://lnkd.in/ex2edY2 Join us for a for a night at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston, where we'll celebrate our donors and partners who have invested in building a healthy community for women experiencing homelessness, hunger, and poverty.

We were proud to host KPMG US volunteers as they celebrated their Annual #CommunityImpactDay. KPMG is dedicated to making a difference in the communities where its employees live and work. Kudos to volunteers like Amanda McCaul, Kimberly Currier, Maggie Liu, and JoJo Croswell, who are creating a positive impact at nonprofits like ours! #KPMGThrive #KPMGCommunityImpact