community outreach partners

Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County
Scholarships
Circle of Sisters
Marin Abused Women's Services (MAWS)

Community Outreach

Connections members actively participate within the community by providing services, scholarships and financial donations to a variety of groups that support the needs of women and girls.

• Circle of Sisters (SOC) is a free after school program that addresses the specific needs of girls age 10-14 by providing a safe place meeting place. The COS mission is to reduce violence in the community by enhancing self-esteem and social skills of young girls. The program goal is to empower the girls and their families to make healthy lifestyle decisions. For the past three years Connections has donated proceeds from the annual fundraiser for the girls to attend a ropes course that develops trust, decision making and team work. Connections members also participate by attending after school meetings and teaching the girls life skills and offering mentorship. To volunteer or for more information please call Circle of Sisters Administrator Amy Chevrolet 707-525-5311 or visit St. Joseph Memorial Hospital - Circle of Sisters page.


• Reentry Scholarships for Sonoma State University and Santa Rosa Junior College students are awarded each year. Funds for the scholarships are raised at the dinner meeting raffle and from direct donations by members. Since 1997 Connections has awarded over $29,450 in scholarships to 50 reentry women. Members are encouraged to bring items to the Santa Rosa dinner meeting and purchase raffle tickets.


• Marin Abused Women's Services (MAWS) is the community program supported by the San Rafael members. MAWS is a non-profit community action agency whose mission is to provide abused women with a safe haven to reconsider and restart their lives with dignity. The organization also provides education to the community on how to stop the cycle of violence. Connections members offer assistance by donating much-needed items and financial gifts through the annual Mother’s Day fundraiser as well as working in the shelter. For more information, visit the MAWS website www.maws.org


• Santa Rosa Women's Emergency Shelter provides shelter each day for up to twenty homeless women in a new facility. Under the management of the non-profit, Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County, the shelter offers women housing, meals, and helps with accessing community resources along with treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. Every December, Connections collects gifts at the annual holiday party for Sloan house residents and in May members donate sleepwear for the residents. Connections also supports the shelter by donating household items and large size clothing. Call Connections member Cher Traendly 707-579-3898 for a free will pick up of items. Members also give time and services and these can be organized through Connections Community Outreach Director Christina Kook 707- 338-3776. For more information please visit: www.capsonoma.org on the web.