WFS Responds to the Pandemic
|
|
|
In a March, 2019 meeting the Women for Sobriety Board of Directors discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the WFS major service areas. The President/CEO and Board have focused on finding solutions that balance protecting public health with supporting women in recovery. Here are the ways in which WFS is meeting these challenges:
- WFS Online, which provides 24/7 support for any woman with an internet connection, began providing video meetings led by our Certified Chat Leaders. In addition, a daily morning check-in, “Great Start Girlfriends”, has been started to provide an informal and positive start to the day using the new video chat software.
- Free G Suite accounts and/or Zoom meetings have been offered to Certified Moderators so that local WFS meetings can continue when meeting face-to-face is not possible. To date nearly 75% of WFS meetings are continuing online!
- The WFS Annual Weekend Conference has been moved to a virtual event for 2020, while plans for rescheduling the physical 2021 event are being made. We are excited that lower registration fees and ability to attend from home will bring the conference experience to life for more women than ever before.
- The WFS online bookstore continues to operate, with shipping frequency slightly reduced to 2x weekly (from normal 3x weekly) due to decreased demand and to reduce essential travel needs.
- WFS staff are now telecommuting for most tasks, allowing uninterrupted services and causing no loss of income for any of our valued employees.
WFS Depends on Your Generosity to Continue Delivering Our Services
|
|
Come to Conference - Virtually!
|
|
|
In the interest of everyone’s health and safety, WFS has postponed our physical event to 2021. However, we know that many women need support, connection, and inspiration like never before. For that reason WFS is still having a conference 2020 but in a new way – virtually!
WFS Virtual Weekend Conference
June 12-14, 2020Click here for detailsRecorded presentations available through June 21, 2020. (Only presenters will be recorded - your privacy is important to us!)
To make the conference accessible to as many women as possible during these challenging times, we have created a sliding scale of fees. We request your compassion for yourself and for WFS by self-selecting the rate that is best suited to your current economic situation, while also providing maximum support for our life-saving organization. Scholarships are also available.
- $25 - Compassion Rate
- $50 - Sustaining Rate
- $75 - Benefactress Rate (Deductible portion: $25)
|
|
| This year, to honor our gracious volunteer BunnyH who has taken over coordinating the challenge, we add bunnies to the collection! Teddy Bears will still be in the drawing, offering their hugs and comfort. The Bunnies are hopping along to offer their hope for a loving and peaceful recovery. |
|
|
Triple Your Money for WFS!
Double-Match – An angel donor has pledged to match this year’s conference season donations 2-to-1, up to a total of $20,000 (with $40,000 in matching funds). Triple your money by giving to this year’s TBC!
Additional Incentives (US donors) – The 2020 CARES Act allows for increased deductions on federal income taxes for the 2020 tax year:
- Standard Deductions – Those taking the non-itemized standard deduction may receive an additional deduction for up to $300 in charitable giving.
- Itemized Deductions – Amounts over $300 are fully deductible (up to 100% of AGI) for taxpayers who itemize their deductions.
(See Sections 2104-2105 of the 2020 CARES Act. Please consult your tax professional.) |
|
|
A Note from BunnyH
We are facing unprecedented changes in the way we live, work, and connect during the current public health crisis. Many women need the support and comfort of being able to connect to Sisters in recovery, and WFS has swiftly adapted to the changing needs of the community.
If you value the WFS Program and what it has meant to you, please consider a donation to the 2020 Teddy Bear Challenge. I encourage all of you to attend the 2020 Virtual Conference to receive support and to share a kind word with another sister.
Hugs and Aloha,
Bunny
|
|
"...her passion was her commitment to helping women achieve sobriety. As the Los Angeles Certified Moderator for Women for Sobriety for over 25 years, she helped hundreds of women cope with and defeat addiction. For her work she was commended by the City and County of Los Angeles, the California State Senate and the California State Assembly as well as the U.S. Congress." Read Michaelyn's full obituary here |
|
|
A talented cook and an accomplished seamstress, Deborah loved to swim a mile nearly every day. In retirement, she began a successful dog sitting business. She was known for a wicked sense of humor and a penchant for small kindnesses, remembering birthdays and special occasions with handwritten notes.
Read Deborah's full obituary here |
|
|
| "das" honored WFS with a significant bequest, and her sister shared these kind words about what WFS meant to them both. Thank you, Nikki, for sharing your sister and your memories with WFS! |
|
| Listen as WFS President/CEO Adrienne Miller discusses the impact of addiction on multiple areas of life, and how many people with a substance use disorder feel a strong loss of identity when they try to make changes to their substance use. Adrienne explores why this is and share some simple methods to help the recovering person redefine their self-image to one of an empowered, capable, and sober individual. |
|
|
Lynn Matti talks with the Adrienne Miller, President/CEO of WFS, to talk about how the New Life Program has been helping women and can assist you on your journey through recovery from just about anything.
Lynn, The Sober Therapist, will be joining the WFS Virtual Weekend Conference 2020 for our Sunday Keynote Address. |
|
|
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment