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

July 2026

Greetings!

We have some wonderful news to share this month — and a gentle reminder to take good care of yourselves as summer heats up.

First, we are thrilled to introduce our new Client Services Director, Maria Brennan whom some of you met at our Annual Community Gathering in June. Maria brings a powerful combination of professional expertise and lived experience to this role, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome her to the HOW team.

"I'm so grateful to be joining the HOW team as Client Services Director. My professional path has been deeply shaped by my work in trauma-informed care, supporting individuals and communities through moments of challenge and change. Alongside that, I've navigated my own challenging health diagnosis, which has given me a personal understanding of resilience, empathy, and the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces. I'm passionate about bringing both my professional skills and lived experience into this role — not just to meet goals, but to promote connection, understanding, and trust."

Maria's warmth and wisdom are already making a difference, and we know you'll feel it too.

And that's not all on the wisdom front: Thanks to our partners at the Cape Cod Institute (CCI), we will be offering an author talk by Dr. Pilar Jennings on Healing Anxiety: A Buddhist & Psychotherapeutic Perspective. Pilar is one of Gwynne's mentors for her Buddhist study and practice so we are excited that Pilar's back on Cape this summer! She is also a visiting lecturer at Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University and a faculty member at Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Studies. CCI will provide zoom support so you can join us on-line or in person at CCI the last Wednesday of July (registration info below).

And finally, a caring note as the temperatures climb: please stay cool and safe during this summer's heat waves. Drink plenty of water, rest in the shade or air conditioning when you can, and check in on neighbors who may need a little extra support.

Stay cool!

Gwynne and the Helping Our Women Team

HOW Community News

Annual Community Gathering!

💛 A Day to Remember 💛

On June 9th, our community came together for our Annual Community Gathering at the Ann Maguire Women's Wellness Center — and it was beautiful. ✨

Clients, volunteers, donors, and partners filled the room with warmth, laughter, and connection. Every face represents a story of compassion and resilience.

Thank you to everyone who joined us — and to those who couldn't be there, there's always a place for you here.

And thank you Family Table Collaborative (catering) and Truro Vineyards (wine donation). Both were delicious!

Volunteer Appreciation Party at St. Mary of the Harbor

Cheers to the people who make it all possible! We recently celebrated our HOW volunteers — the steady, generous hearts behind every ride, every meal, every moment of support for women on the Outer Cape.

Thank you for everything you do. You are HOW.

Community Partners

Making Waves for Women's Health

One of the most beautiful parts of the HOW community is the generosity of our local partners — and this month we want to highlight St. Mary of the Harbor

Did you know, in addition to hosting our Volunteer Appreciation event the past two years......

HOW runs a weekly peer support group at St. Mary's
HOW hosts health & wellness programs at St. Mary's including sound baths, guided meditations, speaker events, and conversation & crafting get-togethers
HOW benefits from guidance/consultations with Rev. Brian re: local issues or specific individual concerns
HOW connects clients to financial assistance resources from the St. Mary's congregation in times of need

A heartfelt thank you to St. Mary of the Harbor for their generosity and partnership.

Together, we are making waves for women's health and wellness on the Outer Cape!

Upcoming Health & Wellness Programs

Free & Open to all women

Check out our July calendar for ALL our upcoming programs

View & Print the July Program Calendar

HOW CONTIGO - Presentamos HOW Contigo

Contigo means "with you" — and that's exactly what this new outreach is: a warm, safe space for everyone of the Outer Cape to gather, connect, and feel at home. We’ll be speaking Spanish mostly. Questions? Reach out to Monica (508) 487-4357 ext. 6

This initiative emerged from funding we received from Transportation for Massachusetts for a Latina Outreach Program that began meeting in late 2025.

Contigo significa justo eso — contigo. Este nuevo programa es un espacio seguro y cálido en el Outer Cape, donde podemos reunirnos, hablar en español, conectar y sentirnos como en casa.

Nos reunimos cada dos meses en el Ann Maguire Women's Wellness Center en Eastham. ¡Y este verano nos vamos al aire libre — pronto compartiremos más detalles!

¿Tienes preguntas? Comunícate con Mónica (508) 487-4357 x 6. ¡Te esperamos con los brazos abiertos!

Healing from Anxiety: A Buddhist & Psychotherapeutic Perspective

Author Talk with Dr. Pilar Jennings

at the Cape Cod Institute

Wednesday July 29, 2026 5pm

Dr. Pilar Jennings returns to offer a talk for the HOW community and general public reflecting on a Buddhist and psychological understanding of anxiety, its causes, and personal symptoms. Join us to learn about a contemplative response to anxiety as a way to find meaning, recover, and offer support to anyone who experiences anxiety and its many ripple effects.

Scan this QR code to register and to receive the zoom link or to join in person at Nauset Middle School, Rte 28, Orleans & follow the signs for Cape Cod Institute.

STAY STRONG: Women's Cancer Support Group

You don't have to face cancer alone - new members 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

Free Acupuncture — A Gentle Tool for Stress Management

Come try a five-point ear acupuncture practice used in recovery settings around the world to ease cravings, calm anxiety, support sleep, and quiet the noise of withdrawal and stress.

This acupuncture practice known as Acudetox supports stress relief, emotional balance, and overall well-being offering a calm, grounding space to reconnect with yourself and find steady footing. No experience needed. No judgment. Just gentle support.

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 below to this interview with practitioner Dr. Heather Louks to learn more.