(508) 487 – 4357 | info@helpingourwomen.org | Volunteer Portal

April 2026

Greetings!

This week is National Public Health Week, and we wanted to take a moment to talk about something that doesn't always make the headlines — but quietly changes lives every single day. Public health has been called an "invisible shield.” It's the work that happens in the background so that people can live safer, healthier, more connected lives. You don't always see it. But when it's there, everything is a little more possible.

At its heart, Helping Our Women is a public health initiative — one focused on the urgent needs of women living with chronic or serious health conditions in the outermost communities of Cape Cod while also supporting the health and wellness of all women.

The data confirms what our community already knows. According to the 2026–2028 Cape Cod Community Health Needs Assessment, access to healthcare is the number one concern for residents and their families. For women, the barriers are even steeper: only 16.4% say women's health services are "very easy" to access, and women are significantly more likely than men to face long appointment wait times.

But access to care is only part of the picture.

Sixty-six percent of residents express concern about isolation and loneliness in their communities. For women living with chronic illness, that isolation runs deeper — compounded by physical limitations, the demands of ongoing medical care, and the reality of living far from the specialists they need. Loneliness isn't just a feeling. It's a health risk. And for women already managing serious illness, it can make everything harder.

That's why HOW's work is public health work — on both fronts: improving access and connection.

Every ride to a medical appointment closes a gap in access. Every monthly grant helps a woman stay afloat financially during treatment. Every call from a HOW team member who knows your name is a lifeline. And every support group, Peer Wellness Coaching session, and outreach call that says "I'm thinking of you" — that is community as medicine. That is the antidote to isolation.

Public health is about making sure that when illness arrives, no one faces it without support, without access, and without connection. That's what HOW is. That's what you make possible.

So this Public Health Week — thank you. Whether you're a client trusting us with your story, a volunteer giving your time, a donor investing in this mission, or a partner working alongside us — thank you for being part of this community and for making waves for women's health, right here on the Outer Cape.

You belong here and we're so glad you're with us.

With warmth and gratitude,

Gwynne and the team at Helping Our Women

P.S. Check out our new website at helpingourwomen.org

P.P.S. This spring, HOW is opening up a conversation that is long overdue. Sexual health is a vital part of overall wellbeing — and it's one of the topics women are least likely to hear talked about openly and honestly. That changes now. We're bringing you two programs dedicated to exactly the conversations that matter but don't happen nearly enough.

The (M) Factor 2 - Before The Pause: come to a special screening of the new PBS documentary exploring perimenopause followed by a facilitated Q&A.
Not Done Yet: Women's Sexual Health & Aging: join this 4-part series of real conversations about intimacy, desire, and sexual wellbeing — with evidence-based information facilitated by an expert sexual health educator.

More information below with links to register.

HOW Community News

¡Bienvenidas! A Safe Space for Latina Women at HOW

HOW now hosts a Latina Gathering every other month — a warm, welcoming space created just for you. Connect with other Latina women in the community, explore a new topic, try something fun, and discover resources available to you. Every gathering brings something different — and every one is a chance to feel seen, heard, and at home. You belong here. We'd love to see you at the next one. For more information, contact Monica at monica@helpingourwomen.org or call (508) 487-4357 x6.

Grief 101: Stigmatized Deaths

Presented by Sharing Kindness, Outer Cape Wellness Collaborative and Wellfleet Preservation Hall, this gentle, informative presentation explores the nature of grief from stigmatized deaths like opioid use disorder (OUD), common myths and misconceptions, and ways we can support one another with compassion and understanding. Registration suggested.

Date: 4/15 5:30 pm

Cost: FREE

Art Exhibit in the Eastham Office

Stop by our Eastham office to see a beautiful selection of photographs by Provincetown artist Norma Holt (1918–2013). A beloved portrait photographer on the Outer Cape for over three decades, Holt dedicated her career to capturing the artists, women, and children who shaped this community's creative spirit. The photographs on display are drawn from her decades-long project documenting the Provincetown Art Association and Outer Cape art community — chosen specifically to celebrate the female artists who have shaped and enriched our region's history and culture.

Come take a look and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee! We're open Mon-Thurs 9-4 and Fri 9-1.

Bloomin’ 4 Good Program

We have some exciting news to share — and it involves flowers!

Helping Our Women has been selected again as a nonprofit partner in the Stop & Shop Bloomin' 4 Good Program! During the month of April, every time someone purchases a specially marked $11.99 Bloomin' 4 Good bouquet at the Stop & Shop on 56 Shank Painter Road in Provincetown, HOW receives $1.

It's a simple, beautiful way for our community to support the women we serve — one bouquet at a time.

If you're stopping by Stop & Shop this April, look for the Bloomin' 4 Good bouquets and know that your purchase makes a difference.

Outer Cape Voices

Outer Cape Voices has named HOW the beneficiary for their April 19th event. Outer Cape Voices uses storytellers and musicians from the Outer Cape to share their diverse perspectives. Performers, hosts, and their entire team donate their time to create evenings where we find common ground through our stories and songs. Building Community through Story & Song.

Hosted by: Deb Felix and Char Priolo.

Featuring stories and music by: Johnny Clam, Lisa Brown, The Lariats – Jo Miller & Joel Sklar, and more!

Theme: Heroes

Date: Sunday, April 19th 4:30

Location: First Congregational Church of Wellfleet, 200 Main St.

Cost: Donations of Cash, Check or Venmo at the door all go to Helping Our Women and the First Congregational Church of Wellfleet

Tax Season

Please remember HOW in your yearly tax donations. We’re so grateful for your support - you make everything we do possible!

This year, your donations will continue funding transportation, stipends, food access and health & wellness programs.

Donate Here!

HOW Community Spotlight

Helping Our Women is deeply grateful for the generous partnership of St. Mary of the Harbor, the beloved Episcopal church nestled in the east end of Provincetown. Led by The Rev. Brian Raiche, St. Mary of the Harbor is a welcoming spiritual community rooted in service, connection, and care — values that align beautifully with our own.

St. Mary of the Harbor opens its doors to HOW throughout the year, providing a warm, welcoming space for our ongoing peer support group, sound bath sessions, Valentines gathering, Healing Arts Program, as well as our Volunteer Appreciation Party.

We are so thankful to St. Mary of the Harbor for being more than a venue — they are a true community partner. Their generosity helps every woman we serve to know she is seen, supported, and never alone.

Outer Cape MS Support Group

You Are Not Alone — Outer Cape MS Support Group

Living with MS can feel isolating. This group was created to change that. The Outer Cape MS Support Group is a peer-led gathering created by and for local residents living with multiple sclerosis — a safe, open space to connect, share, and simply be understood by people who get it. Here's why this group exists, in Katherine's own words. Katherine is a Provincetown resident and your group facilitator:

"My name is Katherine and I am a widow living in Provincetown. I was lucky enough to be diagnosed in 1993 and lived with multiple sclerosis for decades without any real disability. I have found that becoming disabled by this disease is an isolating experience — and I want to connect and share with other people living with this vexing, unpredictable, and incurable condition."

Location: HOW Eastham Center

When: First Wednesday of every month | 6:00 PM

Click here for more information and meeting details

Upcoming Health & Wellness Programs - Free & Open to all women

Check out our April calendar for ALL our upcoming programs

View & Print the April Program Calendar

Women’s Sexual Health & Aging: Not Done Yet

Sexual health is part of whole health — at every age. And yet it's a topic older women are too rarely invited to explore openly and without judgment. This four-part series, led by nationally recognized Women's Health and Sexuality Educator Toby Simon, changes that. In a safe, warm, and judgment-free space, you'll have real conversations about sexual health and wellness — with evidence-based information and the company of women who get it.

This is a psychoeducational series, not group therapy — designed to inform, normalize, and spark conversation about a part of life that deserves care and attention.
This is a closed series — participants are encouraged to sign up for all four sessions to get the full experience.
Open to Women.

Dates: 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 & 5/6

Time: 3-4:30 pm

Location: AMWWC, 3 Main St., Eastham (HOW)

LET'S TALK WOMEN'S HEALTH: The (M) Factor 2 - Before the Pause (perimenopause)

Join us for a special movie screening of the M Factor 2 followed by a thoughtful, empowering panel discussion (featuring Jaymie Adachi, NP) focused on perimenopause—a life stage that affects millions, yet is rarely talked about openly.

This event creates space to learn, share, and normalize the conversation around the physical, emotional, and mental changes that can occur during perimenopause. Whether you’re experiencing it yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand more, you are welcome.

Date: 4/24/26

Location: HOW Eastham - 3 Main Street

Time: 5:30-7 pm

Date: 5/14/26

Location: Wellfleet Preservation Hall, Wellfleet

Time: 6-7:30 pm

Registration: limited spots. walk-ins welcome space permitting. Call 508-487-4357 ext. 8 or click a link below

Circle of Welcome: Soup, Community & Conversation

As we settle back into 34 Conwell Street, we’re hosting six evenings of soup and guided conversation. So come hungry to gather in our beautiful new space for a friendly evening with HOW staff, volunteers and special guest Maura Smith Stein!

Maura Smith Stein is a volunteer Wellness Coach at HOW and a Circle Keeper with many years of experience supporting women and community healing.

Date: Thursdays - 4/16, 4/30

Time: 4:30-6 pm

Location: HOW office, Provincetown (34 Conwell St.)

Registration: Space is limited.

STAY STRONG: Women's Cancer Support Group

You don't have to face cancer alone - new member always welcome!

Stay Strong is a free, confidential support group for women — a safe space to share, connect, and find strength in community. Whether you're newly diagnosed, in treatment, or navigating life after cancer — there's a place for you here.

Location: Truro Public Library

When: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month at 10 am

GRIEVING & GROWING: Women's Bereavement Group

Grief is hard. You shouldn't have to carry it alone.

Our Grief Support Group is welcoming new members — and there's a place for you here. This is a warm, confidential space to share what you're carrying, hear from women who truly understand, and find comfort in community. Whether your loss is recent or something you've held for a long time, you are welcome exactly as you are. Led by our compassionate facilitator, Betsy Simmons, this group meets every week in our Eastham office — a steady, safe space you can count on.

Location: HOW Eastham Office

When: Every Thursday 3:00 PM

Call us at 508-487-4357 to learn more or get started.

Acupuncture & Meditation

Free Acudetox Acupuncture — Just for You!

Acudetox is a gentle, five-point ear acupuncture practice that supports stress relief, emotional balance, and overall well-being. It's especially welcoming for women in recovery — offering a calm, grounding space to reconnect with yourself and find steady footing. No experience needed. No judgment. Just gentle support, completely free for Women.

Location: 3 Main St., Eastham (HOW office)

When: Every Wednesday (no session 4/1) at 10 -am

Registration required: Spots are limited — pam@helpingourwomen.org or 508-487-4357 ext. 8

Listen to this interview with practioner Dr. Heather Louks to learn more.

Listen here to learn more

Sound Baths

Give yourself permission to pause.

Join us at the beautiful St. Mary of the Harbor in Provincetown and let soothing vibrations wash over you, quiet the noise, and bring you back to center. Whether you're carrying stress, navigating a health journey, or simply need a moment that's just for you — this is it. All women welcome. Always.

Bring a mat, bring a friend, and come ready to restore.

Location: St. Mary of the Harbor, Provincetown

When: Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday at 1 pm