WE CAN Expands Services to Support Cape Cod Women Facing Hardships

BREAKING: WE CAN, a vital support organization for women in Cape Cod, has just announced an expansion of its services to assist women grappling with job loss, divorce, and financial challenges. Executive Director Lisa Guyon confirmed that starting immediately, women in Falmouth, Bourne, Mashpee, and Sandwich will have access to essential resources designed to empower them during difficult life transitions.

In a recent phone interview, Guyon expressed the urgency of this initiative: “We want to step further into the future,” she stated. The expanded offerings include free legal consultations and financial empowerment services at the Falmouth Service Center, located at 611 Gifford St.. This multi-service agency has been operational since 1983 and currently boasts 600 volunteers committed to enhancing community self-sufficiency.

Women facing complex issues—ranging from homelessness to personal loss—often struggle to find adequate local support. “These are the particular areas where women feel there are gaps in community services,” Guyon noted, underlining the pressing need for this expansion.

As part of this initiative, WE CAN will offer workshops addressing critical topics such as “Family Law Overview” on March 19 and “Budget, Credit, and Debit” on April 15. “This is skill building. It’s comprehensive help for people,” Guyon emphasized, highlighting the organization’s commitment to providing holistic support.

Previously, WE CAN focused its efforts primarily on the Outer Cape, with limited outreach to Mid-Cape and Upper Cape women. Since Guyon took the helm in 2018, the organization has recognized and addressed these barriers. Monthly sessions featuring volunteer lawyers and financial planners were initiated, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced a rapid shift to virtual platforms. “There were so many changes all at once,” Guyon recalled. “But we learned a lot.”

Since its inception in 2001, WE CAN has been a beacon of hope for women in transition, offering legal, employment, financial, and business support. The organization’s footprint has grown, adding a Hyannis location in 2023 and continually developing programs—including those in Portuguese—to reach a wider audience.

The Cape Cod community’s unique blend of retirees, many with substantial professional experience, has proven invaluable. “Many of them are looking for a place to work directly with the women we serve,” Guyon stated. “Our volunteers are invested in their success.”

As WE CAN embarks on this new chapter, the organization remains dedicated to ensuring that women across Cape Cod know there is a safe space where they can seek help. The urgency of this expansion cannot be overstated, as it represents a lifeline for many facing overwhelming challenges.

For more information on services and workshops, interested individuals can visit the WE CAN website or contact the Falmouth Service Center directly. The organization is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of women in the region, and community support will be crucial in this endeavor.

Stay tuned for more updates as WE CAN continues to roll out these vital services.