June Recap
- Womenade SLO
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
Happy Summer!
Summer is here, and we're so grateful for the many ways you continue to care for our neighbors in need. Because of your generosity, Womenade SLO was able to meet every urgent need we received in June. As a 100% volunteer organization, every dollar donated goes directly toward meeting one-time, urgent, basic needs for residents in the city of San Luis Obispo.
In June:
• 7 urgent needs were met
• 31 households donated so we met every need.
• $3,215.80 was given to help SLO residents in need.
• As always, 100% of your donations helped someone in crisis in the city of SLO.
We are so excited to share that Womenade SLO was awarded a $1,500 grant from the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo! We are incredibly grateful to Jim Gardiner and the Rotary Club for investing in our community and believing in our mission. This generous gift will help us continue responding quickly when unexpected crises arise.
This month I had the opportunity to meet with two new referring agencies, Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) and Restorative Partners. Meeting with agencies like these helps them understand how Womenade SLO fills gaps by providing immediate assistance for one-time, urgent, basic needs.
Having a referring agent submit each request is the foundation of our model. These professionals know their clients' situations, identify the urgent needs, and continue walking alongside them after our assistance is provided. While our funding is immediate and often pivotal, the referring agent helps ensure that our support becomes a bridge to long-term stability rather than simply a temporary solution.
This month I'd also like to recognize some very special people. A heartfelt thank you to founding board member Colleen Spafford, who is stepping down from our Board of Directors. Colleen played a crucial role in helping Womenade SLO relaunch so quickly, allowing us to begin meeting urgent needs within just one month of deciding to reopen. Her wisdom, encouragement, and willingness to jump in wherever needed helped lay the foundation for everything we've accomplished. We are so grateful for her service.
I'd also like to thank our current board members, Julie Jones, Kathryn Dickinson, and Jenni Lanier. As an all-volunteer nonprofit, Womenade SLO depends on dedicated board members and volunteers who generously give their time, talents, and hearts. I couldn't do this work without them.
We will not be holding a potluck in July while many of our volunteers and supporters are traveling. Instead, please save the date for our August 11th Potluck! It's going to be a wonderful evening, and RSVP information will be available on our website and on Facebook and Instagram soon.
Finally, be on the lookout for some exciting updates this fall! We'll be refreshing our branding to better communicate what has always been true. Womenade SLO serves men, women, and children, and everyone is welcome at our monthly potlucks. We're excited to make our messaging even more inclusive and clear as we continue to grow.
NEEDS MET IN JUNE 2026
Utility bill for a cancer patient whose income is limited and the bill had become an overwhelming expense. She has medical devices that need power to run. Referred by Ashely Hahn, Hearst Cancer Resource Center ($611.70).
Car insurance payment for a mom of two toddlers. Her four-year-old is undergoing treatment for cancer. Referral from Linda Braddy-Argano, UCLA Health ($600).
Utility bill for a client who lives on a very limited income and is attempting to stabilize many areas of his life. His car had been vandalized and he had used funds for that repair and did not have enough for paying utilities. Referred by Ian Kizanis, People's Self-Help Housing ($151.79).
3-night motel stay for a single mother and her two children escaping from a domestic violence situation. She's awaiting transitional housing and had no place to stay until it comes through and one child is currently ill. Referral from Danielle Martin-Jensen, TMHA ($454.46).
Mattress, mattress protector, and sheet set for a family. Their old mattress was leaking fiberglass which was getting into their eyes and causing rashes. Referral from Mary McCallister, CAPSLO ($301.98).
One month's housing to help stabilize client's health conditions while allowing her agent time to help her obtain housing at Medically Fragile Units with APS. Referral from Lauren Yoder, Wisdom Adult Day Partners ($600).
Sectional and dining table that seats 6 for a grandmother who unexpectedly took in 4 children. She had to move to a larger place and had no furniture. Referral from Mary McCallister, CAPSLO ($495.87).
Your donations lift burdens for referring agents as well as their clients, thank you!
Thank you to this month's donors and volunteers!
Donors:
Shelly Stevenson, Linda and Tom Murray, Anonymous, Diane Steinberg-Lewis, Naomi Blakely, Carol Astaire, Wendy Daly (2), Stacy Pascolla, Gennis Emerson, Julie Jones, Kathryn Dickinson, Marcia Coryell, Judy Fitzgerald, Aline Cullen, Lorraine Brake, Sharon Lovejoy, Nancy Hurd, Sharynn Chirpich, Anonymous, Frank and Sandy Richardson, Jane Larkin, Kimberly Barrett, Marcie Hawthorne, Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo, Cheryl Quilici, Marylou Gooden, Lauren and David Bowin, Sally Hopkins, Kathy Greer, Roz Phillips, and Linda Jankay.
Volunteers:
Jenni Lanier, Calista Stewart, Jayne Devencenzi, Aline Cullen, Kathryn Dickinson, Priscilla Pesqueira, and Sandy Richardson.
Thank you for continuing to make hope possible in our community. Every donation, referral, volunteer hour, and encouraging word helps a neighbor through a difficult season. ❤️
Sincerely,
Elaine Stewart
Executive Director
Womenade SLO