Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why support the Cambridge Women's Center?
The Cambridge Women’s Center is a community resource that offers opportunities for healing, learning and growth; encourages women to become advocates for themselves and others; and provides space and support for activist projects. The Center’s goals are to foster empowerment and social justice in a multicultural space that is warm, respectful and comforting to all women and their children.
Our art room where members can enjoy creative workshops
- How did the Women’s Center get started?
On International Women’s Day in 1971, a group of women activists marched from Boston to Cambridge and took over a mostly-unused Harvard University building at 888 Memorial Drive. They occupied the building for 10 days, to dramatize the need for a space where women could share support and information, a space where we could transform our lives and the world around us. This occupation inspired efforts to purchase a building, and by the end of that year, the Cambridge Women’s Center became a reality.
For more than 46 years, the Women's Center has been a leader in developing innovative, community-based solutions to critical problems facing women of all ages and backgrounds. When the Center was founded, violence and abuse of women was a hidden plague. Survivors of child sexual abuse, domestic violence and rape had few support services available to them, and faced terrible stigma, shaming, and denial of their experiences.
Since that time, the Women’s Center has played a critical role in creating a new infrastructure of organizations and services to address violence against women. We have helped to establish numerous organizations and projects crucial to the well-being of marginalized women, including the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (1973), Transition House and Elizabeth Stone House (1974), Incest Resources (1980), Women’s Community Cancer Project (1989), the Survivor Quilt Project (2004), and the Survivor Theatre Project (2008).
A volunteer tends to our garden
- What kinds of programs do you offer?
Peer-to-Peer Mentorship – At the Women’s Center, trained volunteers are available for emotional support, guidance and referrals, or to get help applying for housing, jobs, health insurance or other needs.
Community Kitchen – A comfortable, welcoming space where you can cook a meal or snack from our free food, grab a sandwich or salad from the refrigerator, sip a cup of tea or coffee, take a break, relax and chat with other women
Computer Labs – The Center has two Computer Labs (one of which is wheelchair accessible). Volunteers are always available to answer questions and provide technical assistance. There is no time limit for computer use.
Lending Library – Sit and read or check out novels by women authors, books on women’s history, biographies, self-help, activism, and more.
Children’s Room / Art Room – Creative arts supplies, games, toys, and multi-cultural books for children of all ages! Childcare can be provided for children while their moms attend groups, if requested a few days in advance.
Bulletin board in front hall detailing our many events
- What groups or workshops do you have at The Women's Center?
We have a variety of ongoing groups and workshops. Please see the list below:
Aging 65+ Discussion Group
Art Group
Beading Group
Community Luncheons
Feminist Book Club
Fertility Awareness Meetup
Healing through Creative Arts workshops
for survivors of childhood sexual abuse
Incest Resources’ Drop-in Discussion
Knitting Circle
Lesbian and Bi Women’s Discussion
Managing Your Money
Meditation for Inner Peace
Narcotics Anonymous for Women
Self-Care Group
Sewing Group
Songwriting Workshop
Spanish-English Conversation Exchange
Trauma Discussion & Support Group
Write Your Story
Yoga
For more information, pick up our monthly calendar at the Women’s Center or visit cambridgewomenscenter.org.
- How can men get involved in The Women's Center?
The Women’s Center is a woman-only space, but we welcome men to support our work.
Do we have to donate the amounts specified on your page?
No, you can donate any amount you would like. Just click "Monetary Contribution" on the left side of our campaign page. We appreciate your support!
- What will my donation be used for?
Your donation will contribute to beautifying our front entrance. This may include but is not limited to: fixing our broken fence, putting fresh paint on our front door, or planting new flowers in our entryway. Click our Pitch tab to find out more.