Help make lemonade out of life’s lemons
Pictured left to right: Mary Williams, Carla Kenny, Sharon Kollmar, Donna Scott, Wanda Kasunic, and Pam Greeb – the Board of Directors for Womenade. The group’s mission is to aid women through a network of other caring women.
Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich
“Just a little help from some friends around town” is written on the note that is included, along with a lemon or two and a check, in the package from Womenade, a local group that helps women and families in our community facing difficult circumstances make lemonade out of life’s lemons.
Womenade’s mission is simple — “to aid women through a network of caring women” explains Donna Scott, one of the original founding board members from 2004. “We’re grateful to live in an affluent area, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have issues and problems.” Scott continues, “This is a group that has the heart to help others. We have quarterly potlucks in homes in Castle Pines, Castle Rock and other nearby areas so we can get to know each other.” The group encourages donations of $25, or any amount, if attendees are able, but they emphasize that not having a potluck dish or a monetary donation should not stop anyone from joining in on the fun of networking, socializing, and making new friends in the community.
Since 2004, Womenade has aided approximately 150 families and the original board members — Sharon Kollmar, Carla Kenny, Jamie Kimbrough, Donna Scott and Debbie Vair — are all still involved today. One hundred percent of the donations collected are given to a woman or family in need in the Castle Rock/Castle Pines/Highlands Ranch area. Recipients are nominated through the Womenade network and specific information about their situation is kept confidential and only considered by the six-member board.
Womenade has helped a single mom who couldn’t get to work, a child who needed a hearing aid, a woman recovering from breast cancer and a family dealing with a child with serious medical issues, to name just a few. “Sometimes, it’s simply groceries.” adds Wanda Kasunic, who recently joined the Womenade board. Womenade will sometimes partner with local businesses to provide a needed service such as dental work or a driveway ramp, for example.
Womenade in Castle Pines is encouraging women to join the e-mail list, attend a gathering when you can, give what you can, and help a local family in need. Send an e-mail to Womenade board member Pam Greeb at pam7245@gmail.com to join the list and get more information about the next gathering, which will be June 27. Visit www.womenadecastlerock.org to learn more.
