URGENT UPDATE: WE CAN is expanding its vital services for women grappling with job loss, divorce, and financial challenges in Cape Cod. Effective immediately, the organization is reaching out to residents in Falmouth, Bourne, Mashpee, and Sandwich to provide essential support.
In a significant move announced today, Lisa Guyon, Executive Director of WE CAN, confirmed that the organization will now offer free legal consultations and financial empowerment services at the Falmouth Service Center located at 611 Gifford St. “This is just the beginning,” Guyon stated in a phone interview. “We want to step further into the future.”
The new initiative aims to support women facing various life transitions, including job loss, divorce, and financial instability. Guyon emphasized that the services are designed to fill gaps in community offerings, stating, “These are the particular areas where women feel there are gaps in community services.”
Starting immediately, clients can receive free consultations from volunteers on topics such as budget management, credit advice, bankruptcy, and retirement savings. Additionally, volunteer lawyers will offer expertise in areas including immigration, family law, wills, and employment law.
Workshops are also on the horizon, with two key classes scheduled: the “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 added, highlighting the impact of these workshops on community empowerment.
The need for such services became increasingly clear pre-pandemic, as many women in the Mid-Cape and Upper Cape areas struggled to access support. The COVID-19 pandemic forced WE CAN to transition to virtual services, but now they are back with in-person offerings to better serve the community.
Since its inception in 2001, WE CAN has provided critical support for women in transition, from legal and employment assistance to business support. The organization has expanded its reach with locations in Harwich and Hyannis, and is committed to integrating programs that cater to diverse linguistic needs, including services in Portuguese.
Guyon underscored the importance of volunteers in this expansion, noting that Cape Cod’s unique community of retirees brings invaluable experience to the table. “Our volunteers are invested in their success,” she remarked. “Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that women across Cape know there’s a safe space they can walk into and receive help.”
With the urgent need for support in the community, WE CAN’s expansion comes at a critical time. The organization is ready to make a profound impact by empowering women to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
Stay tuned for further updates on WE CAN’s programs and how they will continue to evolve to meet the needs of Cape Cod women. This is a developing story as WE CAN works to enhance its outreach and services.
