We’ve all leaned on a friend or relative when the going gets tough. Perhaps we lost a job, a spouse, a home, or have been rocked by an illness. At times like those, an ear to listen, a short-term loan, a place to stay, some sound advice, or a helping hand are invaluable. But what if you don’t have anyone or anywhere to turn?
That was the question Sonja Grondstra asked herself once five years ago when she was home alone caring for her young son Lars while her husband Michael Purcell was off at sea as a Merchant Marine. Grondstra, who also owns a business designing and creating beach glass jewelry, realized that if something were to happen (she is lucky to be surrounded by reliable, caring friends who can step in as last-minute babysitters, listeners or whatever), what would women who don’t have that network of help and support do. So, Grondstra decided to create one called the SHE (Share, Help, Empower) Network.
She gathered a core group of nine women friends as volunteers who are stay-at-home moms, lawyers, accountants, hospital technicians and other professionals to provide financial, legal, medical or emotional support to women who might otherwise fall through the cracks. They might be women grieving a death, battling breast cancer, or just be in a tough spot. In response, SHE Network might offer a mortgage payment, legal advice to resolve a landlord dispute or maybe a colorful basket of bath products for someone who has just had surgery.
Based north of Boston, Mass., the SHE Network gets referrals from area counseling centers, battered women’s agencies, or social service programs or people make requests at the SHE Network website. Emotional support ranges from phone calls, to transportation to doctor’s appointments to helping clean a newly rented apartment.
“Everyone has a little something to bring to the group, which is nice,” says Grondstra.
The SHE Network is about to celebrate both its official status as a new nonprofit and its fifth year anniversary helping women on May 7 with a “SHE Floats Your Boat” benefit but even if you can’t attend, you can still live up to JFK’s quote, “A rising tide raises all boats,” by donating to the group.
Photo provided courtesy of Sonja Grondstra.