Rachna’s Year in Review (Accomplishments and Aftermath of Covid)

I believe that we all finally know what a bear feels like towards the end of winter. 

With vaccine rollouts accelerating and overall case counts dropping, many of us are (literally and figuratively) looking forward to emerging from our dens to re-experience spring – hungry and optimistic for better days ahead.

Regrouping after the pandemic

Reflecting on the past year, it’s tempting to block it out as a fitful, dreary era that’s hopefully coming to an end. While the past months have undoubtedly been distressing, I believe it’s also important to commemorate how we pulled together as a community and how much we accomplished. 

During times like these, I am proud to represent The Women’s Center, and I am grateful for everyone who supports our efforts. Together, we were able to quickly convert our practice: to accommodate virtual sessions, online events and remote work – all with minimal disruption. Even when isolated and quarantined at home, our staff, volunteers and donors stayed involved and gave back to people who needed support.

Now comes the longer-term challenge

Even with the acute physical health threats hopefully in decline, the aftermath of the pandemic is far from over. Mental health issues (exacerbated by months of social distancing), domestic violence and associated challenges, and other lockdown-related social concerns have all markedly increased. Additionally, it is important to acknowledge that, although we all faced challenges, the impacts of COVID-19 did not affect all of us equally.  

The Center has been around for over 45 years, but never in our history have our services been as critical as they are today. While the lockdown and associated disruption has caused many organizations to question their core models, it has substantiated our mission at The Women’s Center. The need for our services is greater than ever. 

Moving forward together

No doubt, the global pandemic changed a lot for all of us. And yet, there is so much that the virus did not change. The Women’s Center remains committed to improving the mental health and well-being of all members of the community through counseling, education, support, and advocacy. 

In closing, I’d like to thank you for your support.Please visit our Website where you can learn about our full range of services and sign up for our events, newsletters and programs. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.  

Like most of you, we at The Women’s Center are looking forward to longer, sunnier days as we venture into the post-pandemic world – perhaps a bit haggard, but, hopefully much wiser. 

And definitely not alone.