"It always seems impossible until it's done."
Nelson Mandela

A Long Journey — from 4th Avenue to 4th Street

Our major achievement in 2010 was our move from 620 sq. ft. rented at 4th Ave. to owning twice that at 4th St. The ground-breaking in October 2009 was a milestone, followed by much work involved in necessary modifications before we received the certificate of occupancy and began services in the new location mid 2010. The blessing and ribbon cutting ceremony in October 2010 was a real celebration of gratitude to all who had made it possible: staff, volunteers, funders, lawyer and architect (pro bono), Community Redevelopment Authority, and paid contractors.

Educational Program

The tenth anniversary year for Women's Circle saw tremendous growth in the education program. We believe the economic downturn led more women to take classes and learn valuable skills so that they would be able to obtain better jobs when the market opens up again. We encouraged clients to take advantage of our offerings.

Gilda Galdo, our Education Coordinator, was invaluable in administering our education program. She was tireless in registering students, assigning them to appropriate classes, filling in for teachers in emergencies, helping to develop the curriculum, and keeping statistics.

In 2010, 2,192 students attended classes, a 54% increase over 2009. The year began with 17 classes and ended with 22 in December. The most popular classes by far were ESOL classes, serving 943 students. On Saturdays the average number of students taught was 15. During the course of the year the ESOL classes were rearranged according to students' level to facilitate their progress. Creole Literacy classes attracted the next largest number of students: 430. Computer based English classes, using the Rosetta Stone program, were next with 325 students. Among computer classes, typing was the most popular with 238 students. 109 students studied Introduction to computer and 14 studied Excel. Our Sewing Class accommodated 100 students and Crochet attracted 33.

Registrations: In 2010, 154 women registered for classes, a 63% increase over 2009.
Ethnicity: 18 countries are represented; though some did not give their country of origin. Of the 18 countries, 63% of the students come from Haiti; 7% come from the United States, 7% from Columbia, and 6% are from Mexico.
Cities where students live: Boynton Beach- about 60% of students.

Job Development

Theresa Jackson and Laurette Valcena, our Job Development coordinators, worked long and hard to help our clients fmdjobs, but because of the weak economy they had limited success. 639 appointments for job assistance were made. 433 women were interviewed. Sixteen women received coaching. 28 jobs were obtained, 7% of the number of women seen.

Our annual February fundraiser, "Circle of Hope: Reaching for the Stars", grossed $120,000. The mid-year appeal by direct mail was helpful. The efforts of our grantwriting team continued to bear fruit: Amatura Foundation, Margaret Biddle Foundation, Camiccia-Arnautou Foundation, Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters, Daphne Seybolt Culpeper Memorial Foundation, Raymond George and Ruth Bitner Fisher Foundation, Herberger Trust, Holy Cross Sisters (C. S.C.), Junior League of Boca Raton, Marcon Foundation, Corbin A. and Dorice McNeill Foundation, Soroptimist Foundation, T.J. X. Foundation, and William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust. That these foundations continue to gift us in these difficult economic times is extraordinary and we are extremely grateful.

Because of the tremendous interest in preserving Mother Earth, supporting the Green Market, and developing organic, "green" vegetables, in mid-year, we handed over the community gardens to Victor Norfus of the Heart of Boynton together with our "master gardeners", Kelvin Rance and Sylvanus Frederick. There is great hope that more H.O.B. neighbors and Habitat for Humanity will become involved.

Also in midyear, the Genesis Project, a federally qualified community health center opened in Sunshine Square, so that together with Caridad Center, we feel the health needs of the low-income uninsured are being met. Hence PATCH (Planned Approach To Community Health) no longer exists. We continue to collaborate with churches, synagogues, temples, schools, agencies in the community besides those mentioned, especially Community Caring Center, Faith-Based C.D.C., Pathways to Prosperity, and Treasure Chest Early Learning Center. We are very thankful that Lens Crafters and Pearle Vision provided free examinations and glasses to some of our ladies in need. Nine of our ladies now wear beautiful glasses and are able to see effortlessly.