2005-2006 Highlights

• On June 1, 2005 Four Saint Mary's College students were assisgned to the five WiLCO projects to support their work and explore ways to deepen student involvement.

• Planned and implemented the YWCA's Tribute to Women reception which took place on campus on April 24th for area women leaders nominated to receive an award.

• On April 15 the WiLCO members participated in a dialogue to discuss the value added of the WiLCO program to the agencies and to Saint Mary's College.  The goals and future of WilCO were also determined.

• Charlotte Kasl, the creator of the 16-step women's empowerment model being used at the YWCA Chemical Dependency program, met the YWCA's agency staff and clients to review the program's implementation on March 3rd.   Saint Mary's College Psychology Professor Karen Chambers, who developed a research project on the program, met with the WiLCO team that afternoon.  In the evening, Kasl presented her book, "If the Buddha Got Stuck ", to the community and Saint Mary's students.  This was followed by a book signing with proceeds going to the YWCA of Saint Joseph County.

• WiLCO Members attended a 24 hour spiritual retreat on February 24th led by Sisters Judith Anne Beattie and Mary Ellen Vaughn of Windsong.

• The South Bend Heritage Foundation sponsored a WiLCO plunge to give an overview of their agency and the work they do in housing and community development on February 17.  More than 40 community members and 15 students attended.

•  On February 3rd and 4th Phil DeVol of the Aha! Process advised the WiLCO members of the next steps for the Bridges Out of Poverty model. This workshop provides a framework for understanding poverty and successful strategies for community agencies in working with clients and staff from generational poverty.  DeVol also presented a workshop to 85 community members and students from 13 different agencies.