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Norway Savings Donates $1,000 to Center for Wisdom’s Women; NSB’s Support of Lewiston Center Extends Back to 2013

LEWISTON—Run by and for women, the Center for Wisdom’s Women stands as a safe and sacred space dedicated to bringing hope, joy, and light into the lives of women in need of them.

“The Center means so much to me because it’s a quiet setting where women can come together and find peace of mind,” said Denise.

“The women that work at this amazing place are so patient and caring. This is certainly a little pot of gold tucked so unsuspectingly in Lewiston,” said Nicole.

The Center supports and empowers women survivors of addiction, trafficking, and incarceration, offering holistic healing in a shared community, originally started by the Daughters of Wisdom, a Catholic religious community in 1999. Though no longer associated with a particular religion or denomination, the Center tends to the material and spiritual needs of women in an atmosphere that honors all faith traditions.

“We provide healing of mind, body, and spirit, grounded in community and love,” said Tricia Tomlinson, Executive Director of the Center.

The organization features several programs serving different needs. Located on 97 Blake Street, the Center is a drop-in center that is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sessions are offered each morning and afternoon ranging from art therapy to wellness programs to writing and poetry workshops, all focused on building a community of kindness and respect. All programs are free, and hygiene items and clothing are also available. Two newer programs are Sophia’s House, which is a long-term, residential recovery community for women who are survivors of prostitution, trafficking, prison, and addiction; and Herban Works, where women develop a range of skills and earn a stipend by making handmade products like calendula salve, teas, salted herbs, and more. All profits from the sale of the products return to the program to support more women through herbal healing.

Norway Savings Bank has been a longtime supporter of the Center for Wisdom’s Women since 2013, including a recent donation of $1,000 this month.

“Other than a director, operations manager, and an outreach and program coordinator, all of these amazing programs and initiatives are presented and staffed by volunteers. Many are retired social workers, nurses, and other caring women who are lauded for their supportive listening and guidance,” said Janice de Lima, Community Reinvestment Act Officer VP at Norway Savings. It’s an honor for NSB to help create the kind of environment in which women can begin to heal and thrive together.”

“We tend to the spirit of women through non-judgmental listening and community building. NSB’s donations help us sustain this mission and continue to make a difference in our community,” said Sonia Turgeon, Operations Manager for the Center. 

“The commitment and generosity of the bank and our other donors and sponsors enable us to enhance our programming, arts, and assistance for many women. The support directly impacts the women we serve, and we couldn’t do it without this support,” said Tomlinson.

“We are continually inspired by the dedication of the staff and volunteers at the Center for Wisdom’s Women and by the resilience and strength of the women they serve,” said Dan Walsh, President and CEO of Norway Savings.

There are many ways for you to join in supporting this crucial program and its significant success. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit www.wisdomswomen.org/volunteer. To make a donation to support the Center, visit www.wisdomswomen.org/give.

CWW