Quite often, a woman finds that the best way for her to cope with the ups and down as she experiences a transition in life is to talk to another woman. For many women these days, their most pressing concern could be a need for a shift in career. For others, it might have to do with a moody teenager. Perhaps the need is a spiritual one. Maybe, too, she just needs a friend.
Quite often, a woman finds that the best way for her to cope with the ups and down as she experiences a transition in life is to talk to another woman. For many women these days, their most pressing concern could be a need for a shift in career. For others, it might have to do with a moody teenager. Perhaps the need is a spiritual one. Maybe, too, she just needs a friend.
For any of these needs, New Day Women’s Center in La Mesa opens doors of opportunity and self-expression for women.
The faith-based organization recently received its non-profit status. Headed up by Rebecca Garcia and Phyllis Long, the center provides a community for women from all sorts of backgrounds to connect.
The center offers workshops, seminars, and support groups along with counseling and coaching services. The non-profit’s website explains that the organization is not a traditional crisis center. It is, however, a good place to get the encouragement and support of other women.
“We’re a place for women to come together to grow, spiritually, emotionally and mentally,” Garcia said, the center’s co-founder as well as a Business and Life Coach.
“We are faith-based, but that doesn’t mean that we’re going to beat anyone over the head with the Bible,” she said.
One of the Center’s groups most favored is the Girlfriend Connection. The monthly Friday night meetings at Mangia Bene in El Cajon came about a year ago. This past Friday night, 11 women came together to talk about the topic, “Life Balance and Time for You.”
Garcia opened up the evening’s event with a description of her own life. “I do a lot of juggling of responsibilities. You probably do the same. You’re not crazy, and you’re not alone,” she said.
As they ate, the women took turns around the table, talking about their different challenges with which they wanted advice and support. Debra Childers, a La Mesa resident, said that she needed some balance in her life related to work. A former Executive Chef, Childers fell and injured her foot and leg four years ago. During that time, she had been unable to get up and walk, much less work.
Now, due to a breakthrough surgery and new medication, she has renewed energy and ability. But she needs a fresh direction.
“I was such a workaholic before the injury. I want to have a job now that I can get around,” said Childers, who has been doing personal baking and cooking for family, friends and church.
“I don’t want to get back into that lifestyle of never seeing my family. But I need to do something. I’m going stir-crazy,” she said.
The women all encouraged Childers to dream and plan what she would like her life to be like. Childers said she would be interested in looking at what volunteer opportunities the center had.
The eleven women spent the rest of the time in the Girlfriend Connection evaluating themselves in all spheres of life, from family and hobbies to intellectuality and spirituality.
“Remember, you’re all going to be at different places in your life,” Garcia said. “Right now, for instance, I’m very good in purpose, spirituality and work. But I need more balance in the physical area, such as exercise and rest.”
The next meeting of Girlfriend Connection is scheduled for Aug. 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.For more information log onto www.newdaywomenscenter.wordpress.com.
