My City March 2023

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more. As another condition of their BSW stay, wom en are expected to volunteer their time and help the organization through administrative support, cook ing, cleaning and other ways. “Those with income are charged a fee for housing; but I can tell you that the majority of the women staying here do not have means to pay,” says Lancaster. “We only ask that they give their time to help the organization. We are all volunteers, including myself. Every dollar we receive goes directly to providing for our women in need.” To support their mission, BSW has annual fundrais ers and rummage sales and, to show appreciation to the local community, hosts an annual picnic in the summer as well as a volunteer appreciation dinner in November. It is also a wish of Lancaster’s to take the women they shelter on a trip to somewhere special to show them that they matter. “One year, we were able to take the women on an all-expenses-paid trip to Chicago for a few days,” she remembers. “I would love to do some thing like that again for them.” Building Strong Women has recently looked to expand their community footprint in the area around their home office, located on Clio Rd. in Flint, by starting a neigh borhood watch program and hopes to someday provide housing for homeless men, as well. From day one, Charlotte Lancaster and her volunteer staff have worked hard to help as many women as possible get back on their feet. Every woman helped is one who

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never has to endure what Lancaster herself has experi enced: the fear and hopelessness that are part of a life on the streets. “We are here to help any woman in need,” she says. “Everything we do comes from the heart.” To contact Building Strong Women, call 810.234.7933 or visit buildingstrongwomencommunity.org. u

BSW is in dire need of volunteers and donations. The list includes towels, comforters, sheet sets, twin beds and box springs. They are also looking for a sponsor to take the women in the shel ter on a special trip this summer. If you would like to help, please call 810.234.7933. On March 25, 2023 Building Strong Women will present a play at the New McCree Theatre enti tled “Bullies with Power” with all ticket sales and proceeds benefiting the organization. Doors open at 2pm with dinner served at 3pm, and the performance begins at 4pm. Tickets are $15.

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