Agency Details:

The Women's Circle's mission is to empower women made poor to become all they can be, by assisting them to gain enhanced employment, becoming self-sufficient, and leaders in a culturally diverse community.

Description:
In response to the needs described by the women, the Women's Circle provides classes in basic and advanced computer skills, literacy, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), sewing and crocheting. It offers job development and placement, and appropriate clothing for interviews. It sponsors a monthly support group that addresses health-related issues, including HIV/AIDS and drug addiction prevention, and other issues such as domestic violence and parenting skills. Individual counseling is available. The Circle collaborates in sponsoring a monthly wellness program and two community gardens. Over 300 women are served annually.
The staff consists of a Coordinator, Co-coordinator, two Assistants for Job Development, three teachers, and several volunteers who teach class, tutor, and provided clerical assistance.

History:
The Women's Circle was founded in 1999 by Sister Lorraine Ryan,M.M.S. Sister Ryan had been a nurse in India where she was involved in setting up community health programs. She returned to Boynton Beach in 1985 to care for her parents. When they died she requested permission from her order to help low income women in Northeast Boynton Beach. With their approval and financial support, in the fall of 1999 Sister Ryan began canvassing the neighborhood to find out women's needs, and developed the program accordingly. The first base for the Women's Circle was the Community Caring Center at 145 N.E. 4th Avenue, Boynton Beach. After a year the Circle relocated to the adjoining duplex, which it rents from the Community Caring Center. Sister Joan Carusillo, a Holy Cross sister, joined Sister Lorraine as Co-coordinator in 2000. It sponsors a fundraising dinner annually through the efforts of a volunteer fundraising committee.

Contact people:

Jan Gilchrist, Volunteer Coordinator, (561) 271-1971, (email) Tee Jackson, Job Development Coordinator, (561) 364-9501 ext 23, (email) Sister Joan Carusillo, Co-Coordinator, (561) 364-9501 ext. 23, (email)

Address:

145 N.E. 4th Avenue Boynton Beach, FL 33435 (See a map)

Web Site: http://thewomenscircle.20.com

Directions:

From I-95 exit Boynton Beach Blvd. and go east to the next stoplight which is Seacrest Blvd. Go left (north) on Seacrest Blvd. for 2 blocks to N.E. 4th Ave. Go right (east) on N.E. 4th Ave. to the end of the block. The Women's Circle is the last duplex on the left.   Nearest Bus Stop: N. Seacrest Blvd. close to NE 4th Ave., 5 min. minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Is your volunteer site handicapped accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency accept Court Ordered Community Service?
	Yes
What is the minimum age to volunteer?
	Twelve Years
Can you use a volunteer who is fluent in another language?
	Yes
Does your agency need volunteer assistance during the holidays?
	Yes
Does your agency need volunteer assistance during the summer months?
	Yes
Does your agency have a need for any service learning opportunities?
	Yes

Last updated on November 21, 2009