More than 20 women gathered at the Atria in Falmouth in a private dining room on Tuesday night. Twenty women who, one year ago, had not met. Who one year ago made a decision that would change their lives for the better. This was a Celebratory Gathering. One last chance to reflect on their journey, to share their stories and their gratitude, to honor their efforts, to savor their friendship and to give recognition to their paths traveled together.
It was the final official meeting of the PathMakers Program, WE CAN’s program that bring Mentors and Mentees together for support in a journey to find a new path for those who may have lost their way. Some had lost their trust, some their confidence, some their support and most had diminished belief in themselves.
After dinner, each Mentor and Mentee shared their feelings about the past year. One had needed support while transitioning to retirement and finding fulfilment in her new life. Another had been in a dead-end job that had her frozen in her true career goal. One more needed support to find a job and another was an artist seeking a life-long dream. All felt they had met their goals or were well on their way to meeting them. Mentors had all grown too through their experience. The thank yous from both were effusive.
The PathMakers meet as a group once a week with WE CAN program manager, Tracy Johnson, and the mentors twice per week plus there are the frequent one on ones with their mentees. They share walks, coffee, talks and most definitely a commitment to each other. Each woman thanked not only their mentor or mentee, but the group agreed they had all come together in support of each other.
WE CAN offers the PathMakers program each year beginning in September and it continues for nine months. In Falmouth the program is held at Museums on the Green and there is an information session for those interested in participating in the upcoming Fall program at the Falmouth Service Center on June 26 at 5:30pm. There is no charge for the program and more information can be requested at the WE CAN offices in Harwich.
WE CAN stands for Women’s Empowerment through Cape Area Networking. One of the mentors Katri M. said it best, “It’s simply amazing the power that is generated when women join together.”
About WE CAN
WE CAN changes lives. Since 2001, WE CAN has provided unique, practical services that empower Cape Cod women to achieve lasting positive change for themselves, their families and, ultimately, for the entire community. For more information, visit www.wecancenter.org or call 508-430-8111.
