WomenCare® is a mentoring program of The Center Foundation located in Media, Pennsylvania. The purpose of WomenCare® is to link local women in transition into structured and supported mentoring relationships with women volunteers who are more experienced in life and work. Currently, the program serves women primarily in Delaware County, PA and several surrounding counties. Though we work in collaboration with social service agencies such as PathwaysPA (formerly Women's Association for Women's Alternatives) and the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County (D.A.P.) the program is open to women in the broader community.
WomenCare® is community-based, not workplace specific, and is committed to addressing the full spectrum of issues affecting women and their families. The program is currently focused on serving the needs of women who are in the initial stages of gaining independence and self-sufficiency. Partnerships set and work toward goals in areas such as:
- Budget management
- Career readiness
- Problem solving
- Career advancement
- Family stability
- Personal growth
- Balancing family and work
- Education
- Career changes
- Relating to others
WomenCare® mentors are a diverse group of caring women. They come from different backgrounds and different life experiences. Good mentors are open-minded, understanding, resourceful, good listeners, and are experienced at life and work.
All volunteers are interviewed and screened. Free training and support are also provided both initially and throughout the course of a mentoring relationship. Regular group activities and volunteer development programs are arranged by WomenCare®. Particular attention is given to helping mentors and partners deal with issues such as cultural, racial, and economic diversity, conflict resolution, and communication styles. Activity costs are covered by the program.
- A Guide
- A Friend
- A Listener
- A Coach
- An Advisor
- A Savior
- A Foster Parent
- A Therapist
- A Judge
- A Priest, Minister or Rabbi
 
Any woman who seeks help in developing her vision for the future is welcome to apply for a
match with a mentor. This includes low income women, single and teen mothers, survivors of domestic abuse, women going back to school, women who've recently moved to this country, women trying to get off of public assistance, and others. Because we believe that everyone
needs help sometimes, we call the women seeking mentors "partners". Other mentoring programs might use the word "mentee" or "protégé".
We interview and screen partners to try to provide the best match for their needs. Training is provided for partners along with on-going support and contact supervision. Regular group activities are also planned by WomenCare®. All training and programs are free, and all participants receive assistance with childcare and transportation costs related to the program.
All prospective mentors/partners must be interviewed and attend training/orientation prior to being matched. Online training is possible for mentors. The Spring 2008 group training/orientation schedule follows:
- Mentor Training (mentors only)
Saturday April 26, 2008
Contact The Center Foundation for more information about WomenCare® or to request an application. Click below links to download a mentor or partner application in pdf format.
Mentor Application*
Partner Application*
*These PDF files can be viewed using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
If you do not have this program on your computer, you can download this
free software by clicking on this button.
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Mentor Logs: If you need a mentor log to record your monthly activities with your mentee, you may view and print one using the button below.
WomenCare Monthly Log*
Volunteer Expenses: If you need a form in order to submit unreimbursed expenses for acknowledgment or stipends, you may print one using the button below or email aimee@thecf.org to have one sent to you. Please mail reimbursement forms in hard copy with receipts to the TCF office (The Center Foundation, 220 North Jackson Street, Media, PA 19063).
WomenCare Reinbursement Form*
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*This document is a PDF file which can be viewed using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
If you do not have this program on your computer, you can download this
free software by clicking on this button.
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Jane D. Todd
WomenCare® Program Manager
The Center Foundation
220 North Jackson St, Second Floor, Media, PA 19063
Phone: 610-565-6171; Fax: 610-565-3684
Email: Jane@theCF.org
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About WomenCare®